Horses - stomach ulcers?

PitPony

PitPony

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Been hearing quite a bit lately about horses having stomach ulcers which may explain some behaviour patterns...is this just a new 'fad' or do you think there is some truth about it?
Also, would it mean getting your horse to have camera in to stomach to find out?
Is there any supplement recommended or natural remedy?
 
The truth is that stomach ulcers have been recognised but not taken seriously for years. A research paper was written on it some 15/20 years ago with conclusions somewhere along the lines of high tendency in TB and statistically significant level in stabled horses, even those that show no stress behaviours.

Perhaps vets are now more aware of yet another load of tests to burden there poor clients with and to make them even poorer. Best cure/prevention is not to stable the horse.
 
Ulcers are a definate reality. The links with behaviour (such as cribbing), are still being investigated - mainly whether they are cause or effect.

They are fully diagnosed via gastroscopy (camera up nose and down throat into stomach). There are a number of video clips showing these gastroscopies floating around on the internet.

Treatment is usually with the drug Omeprazole. This is marketed as Gastroguard. Unfortunately Gastroguard currently have the patent on the presentation of the drug which is most effective. This means treatment is currently quite expensive. Once the patent runs out and other companies can maunfacture alternatives then a competitive market should be established.

There are a number of supplements on the market which can help to prevent ulcers, as well as management strategies.
 
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