Stomach ulcers?? Need some advice, rather down & upset...

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Hedwards

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Ok so I bought a new horse Mickey 3/4 weeks ago, he's incredibly laid back, however today has thrown me off twice, was fine then suddenly threw in an almighty buck and dumped me, he hiccups when tacked up and has been twitchy when groomed, when he was ridden the other day seemed reluctant but wasn't silly. I'm wondering if it could be ulcers due to the stress of a new home, he's currently in a paddock on his own with company over an electric fence (due to change this weekend when my old horse moves to join him at the new yard). So he's had quite a lot of upheaval in his life, and this broncing behaviour is not at all like him, his previous owner trusted him implicitly and I have no reason to doubt her (we have lots of friends in common who have given her and the horse shining recommendations)

Diet wise he's turned out 24/7 and gets a small amount of Fast Fibre, equibites and micronised linseed.

So do you think it could be ulcers? I will obviously be calling a vet to check and scope if they deem appropriate! But would love to hear if anyone has had the same sudden change in behaviour? I'll be honest and say getting back on him is worrying me rather a lot, the first fall wasn't too bad at all, the second was pretty damn scary... And im rather sore now too!
 
Oberon thanks for the PM can't reply as on my phone... But kind of cements my thoughts that he may have them... Typical just what I need a big vet bill!!
 
Sounds like ulcers to me.

My friend's horse was considered possessed as he'd suddenly flip and try to kill her :eek:

People were about to get a priest.....when the vet found him riddled with ulcers :(

He had all the appropriate care and diet too - but stress had caused it when he was subject to a local 'dressage trainer's methods :mad:.

http://www.forageplus.com/forageplusequineulcers.html
 
Have you had the saddle checked, it sounds like a pain reaction which could be ulcers or back pain from an ill fitting saddle, something to possibly check first and definitely the cheaper option.
 
Thank you both so much, Oberon that info is brilliant, particularly the bucking after a jump, his old owner said he did that very occasionally but she said she thought it was just excitement as he only did it once in a while... And I can vouch for that as when we took him show jump schooling he only did it once, but on a poor stride from me so a bit of a cat jump which supports the theory about stomach fluids 'splashing' up!

Dressaglove, good to know what other treatment there is, will look into it!
 
Be positive, he's had a new saddle fitted only a week ago, Teeth due to be done next week, but it was very much a reaction to me applying pressure with my legs...
 
Hi,
Just wanted to say please get yours checked, my boy had only 2 very minor signs but we decided to scope as a precaution. He came back with Grade 2-3 Squamous and Pyloric Ulceration.One of these type actually needs antibiotic treatment to clear them.I saw the scope and I have to say I was so taken aback when I saw them and how bad they were as he was not showing really bad signs. As I have been told by so many people- changing feed and adding supplements may stop them getting worse but will not cure what is already there and that is if it is Ulcers. Good Luck.
 
Aw Hedwards :(

I have nothing to say re ulcers that Oberon and others haven't already said.
However, I don't like you being down and upset. So I am sending you a big squeezy hug and calming words.

Hopefully you will get it sorted in no time xx
 
My lad had suffered with ulcers seasonally when he came in for winter.. the forage wasnt great so put it down to that.. all summer he was fine and then out of the blue he would erupt and would scare the living daylight out of himself and me!! this went on for two winters had physio, dentist and a made to measure saddle.. i ended up taking him to a natural horsemanship guy and he said ulcers got him checked and he did have them.. he's been clear for over 12 months now with a strict management and diet and doing great!
 
My horse also had ulcers and was scoped and treated with GG and then subsequently with a 6 week course of chlorella and green clay as prescribed by my holistic vet to re-establish the hind gut fauna that gastro gard kiils off. I have had no recurrence I am pleased to say. I changed his management completely and a chronic injury he had was discovered and treated and we sustpect this was the main cause of his ulcers.

You may find this website, which is an American lady's blog about ulcers very helpful and informative - I did.

http://www.lunatunesfreestyles.com/horse_ulcers.htm
 
Thanks so much everyone, particularly for the squeezy hug AH!!

I'm rather bruised and stiff this morning, but kind of relieved there is a possible explantation for the behaviour. Vet will be called on Monday! Keep your fingers crossed everyone!!
 
My boy had them. A course of aloe vera helped and he's now on a supplement similar to gastrogard for a month. He's packed on the weight and stopped bucking. Wind sucks less too.
 
Oh and I never let him run out of food. We have good grazing and he has massive net at night, 2 at weekend as i'm later. No grain based feed, just chaff soaked nuts in a watery mush, alfa and hayledge additional to his hay.
 
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