Stomach ulcers - vet thinks not....advice

[toulouse1]

So after lots of reading up I was convinced my horse suffers from ulcers, had vet up today and he didn't seem to think so, I told him symptoms
Lost weight which unusual for him
Spends hours of time not eating, waiting g for mates to come back to the field or at shows etc
Tender tummy to touch
Nervous/twitching skin
Random outbursts of stress and new bad behaviours recently
Very up and down with behaviours, can have a very stressed couple of weeks and then turn into a donkey for the next two

He does not have a loss of appetitive and is still forward to ride

Does any one with experience with ulcers know if they would have all typical symptoms or just some?

 

[be positive]

So what did the vet think the problem may be? in my view the owner usually knows the horse best and any change in normal behaviour usually has a reason, it may not be physical but it is the vets job to diagnose and make suggestions even if that includes making some management changes before doing major diagnostics.

I think the rule with ulcers is that there are no rules, some horses have them yet show no real symptoms, other do show symptoms in varying degrees, I had one that had many symptoms but scoped clear, our vet was happy to scope as there were enough symptoms and we needed to rule them out before looking elsewhere, it is not that expensive or invasive compared with many of the diagnostics available so I cannot see why your vet is reluctant to consider it. I would also want the hindgut checked so if he requires treatment you can get on with the whole lot in one go.

 

[mega spoilt ponies]

My vet dismissed it. I insisted on scoping. He had grade 4 hideous ulcers. You know your horse- always go with your gut.

 

[gina2201]

I don't believe they have to display all possible symptoms for them to have it, even a few could point towards it surely, as every horse is different and the ulcers will vary in size type and severity - maybe worth asking/insisting again or having a different vets opinion?

 

[Ali27]

Mine had stomach and hind gut ulcers despite being a good doer and not having typical symptoms. It might also be worth considering mycotoxins and grass mineral imbalances (calm, healthy horses website).