Does this sound like an ulcer?

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Bobthecob15

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We've had our pony about 6 weeks and the past 5 days he's been stabled due to the bad weather conditions and the fields being so wet. All the horses have been stabled on the yard and are hopefully going back out tomorrow to the fields. He's been out for exercise/loose in the school but not grazing. He's had his haynets filled a couple of times a day so I think hasn't been too long without access to forage (hes been nibbling his straw bed at times I think too).

I've noticed the last few days that he is sensitive when I brush his tummy and kicks at his stomach. He was almost pawing tonight with a front leg when I first put on his girth...but he didn't seem bothered once it was on or my daughter is riding. Is it possible he's developed an ulcer in less than 5 days? He seems absolutely fine otherwise in himself and doesn't look like he's lost weight or anything. He loves to roll, he always has done but seems even keener at the moment...he is starting to shed his coat so I imagine he's really itchy but I wondered if there was a connection.

Hopefully he will go back to his usual routine tomorrow of being out for 8hrs or so, I'm not sure what to do. Is it worth trying a gastric supplement? Or shall I ask the vet? Can they diagnose ulcers from just having a sensitive stomach area?
Thanks ?
 
If he has not been moving around much and his forage has been mainly dry and he has not drunk much, I might also be worried about mild colic symptoms. Would be worth trying something like Protexin to see if it helped settle his gut and get him moving around more - even some in hand work.
I would not be leaving it beyond the weekend if he still displays symptoms.
 
Trouper said:
If he has not been moving around much and his forage has been mainly dry and he has not drunk much, I might also be worried about mild colic symptoms. Would be worth trying something like Protexin to see if it helped settle his gut and get him moving around more - even some in hand work.
I would not be leaving it beyond the weekend if he still displays symptoms.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I've literally just ordered some. He's gone out to the field today so will see how he is over the weekend then seek advice if he doesn't settle. Yes I also wondered about colic, the joys of horses!
 
Trakky14 said:
We've had our pony about 6 weeks and the past 5 days he's been stabled due to the bad weather conditions and the fields being so wet. All the horses have been stabled on the yard and are hopefully going back out tomorrow to the fields. He's been out for exercise/loose in the school but not grazing. He's had his haynets filled a couple of times a day so I think hasn't been too long without access to forage (hes been nibbling his straw bed at times I think too).

I've noticed the last few days that he is sensitive when I brush his tummy and kicks at his stomach. He was almost pawing tonight with a front leg when I first put on his girth...but he didn't seem bothered once it was on or my daughter is riding. Is it possible he's developed an ulcer in less than 5 days? He seems absolutely fine otherwise in himself and doesn't look like he's lost weight or anything. He loves to roll, he always has done but seems even keener at the moment...he is starting to shed his coat so I imagine he's really itchy but I wondered if there was a connection.

Hopefully he will go back to his usual routine tomorrow of being out for 8hrs or so, I'm not sure what to do. Is it worth trying a gastric supplement? Or shall I ask the vet? Can they diagnose ulcers from just having a sensitive stomach area?
Thanks ?
Click to expand...


Could be all sorts of reasons.

Ulcers
Liver issues

Personally any change to my horses normal, sets alarms off and will if worried enough call the vet. What does your gut feeling say?
 
ILuvCowparsely said:
Could be all sorts of reasons.

Ulcers
Liver issues

Personally any change to my horses normal, sets alarms off and will if worried enough call the vet. What does your gut feeling say?
Click to expand...
I'm going to give it to early next week and if he's no better or worse I'll contact the vet. Thanks :-)
 
Agree with others that say it sounds like mild colic symptoms from a lack of movement. While he's still in, I'd hand walk as much as possible and then monitor him when he goes back out.
 
I actually just realised I read this wrong. I thought you said he’d been shut in 5 days. 6 weeks is way too long to keep a horse in all the time (again my opinion I guess)
So I stand by my suggestion he could be irritable and crabby but also yes highly likely that he could have ulcers.
I’d be looking at new yards, this has been the easiest winter give or take a few days here and there and last week, imagine how restricted the grazing might be if we had had a wet December/ Jan?
 
poiuytrewq said:
I actually just realised I read this wrong. I thought you said he’d been shut in 5 days. 6 weeks is way too long to keep a horse in all the time (again my opinion I guess)
So I stand by my suggestion he could be irritable and crabby but also yes highly likely that he could have ulcers.
I’d be looking at new yards, this has been the easiest winter give or take a few days here and there and last week, imagine how restricted the grazing might be if we had had a wet December/ Jan?
Click to expand...
No it was 5 days!! Have had him 6 weeks ?
 
I would make sure his feed is dampened, actually sloppy, and monitor his drinking. If he normally is out in the field, then grass contains a lot more moisture than hay (obviously!!) so the sudden change in diet (together with the stress from the storms and wind) could have caused a gastro-upset. Definitely up the fluid intake and increase movement and interaction. A nice massage or heatpad and a gentle groom.
 
Well whatever caused it he's now back to his normal self! The day after he went out the tummy sensitivity disappeared...so I've no idea what it was. If they are in for any length of time though again I'll definitely up the hay, dampen it and make sure he has plenty of water x
 
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