Stomach Ulcers

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SuperSonik

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As of the past 2 weeks cobble mare has been acting very odd, first it started with odd spooks and just plain out stopping, but would eventually get her moving without any hassle. Then about a week later this turned into bolting over to the thin piece of rope that is used as a gate for our arena and bucking. I found a pressure sore thing from the saddle where it had been slipping (I have got another one now!) so she got a break for 3 or so days. So I go to get on all's good then I squeeze and give a little cluck as a cue for trot and she rears 3 or 4 times in a row? She gets told off for this by doing 3 tight circles in trot. At the end of the schooling session I go on a hack and she goes absolutely mental by trying to turn to get back home doing some lovely dressage movements and having a lot of small bucking/rearing fits. I went to get on her today and as soon as I pick up contact she is prancing, rearing, backing up and generally not liking it. So I get off untack and take her walkies all's fine and on the way back I take her a for a little in hand trot. Then a monster jumps out from the field (this mare is usally bomb-proof) and she gallops full pelt away, thankfully she goes into the arena. Quite proud that she went over a meter straight tho!

A part of me thinks it is ulcers and a part of me doesn't- as she has 24/7 turnout (mind you the grass is short). She has a bit of discomfort at times when I rub/scratch her belly. She is on 1 bucket of D&H leisure mix once a week after a ride. Her poo has been a bit watery. But apart from that she's totally fine... Its making me feel horrible and my mums keeps on saying if I cant ride her she's selling her.
 
First of all, ask your vet. Then.. look at youtube video about the place on the meridian that you touch and get a huge response when it is ulcers - search on this forum and you will find the link in other posts about gastric ulcers. Try always giving the horse a couple of handfuls of chaff type feed BEFORE you do any exercise or groundwork as this will help to prevent splashing of gastric acid. She needs regular fibre so if the grass isn't providing it, assuming it could be ulcers, then hay, and chaff type feeds. If she has an ulcer then the vet will provide meds and you will need to organise a feed regime. Just altering feed now will not necessarily change her reactions. Since her poo is watery then you should be asking your vet.
 
Oh hun its elimination of problems here, maybe get his tack checked then to vets to have back teeth check if all clear then you got to look at a gastroscope for ulcers, in the meantime if you think its ulcers dont feed him cereals, please let us know how you get on but i think you will find there is a pain issue weather its back, teeth, tack or ulcers!! xxx
 
get the vet. it definitely sounds pain related if its completely out of character for her. How long have you had her? Have there been any major changes such as feed change or yard move etc?

I had one that i was convinced was ulcers and it turned out to be back and hock issues - he was in agony with the back issue and symptoms (girthiness, grumpiness, loss of condition) matched ulcer symptoms, but weren't. only way to get to the root is to have a vet look.
 
Perhaps first ask a good (vet) physio to have a look - if the saddle has rubbed there might be all sorts of muscle pain going on, and then be sure that your saddle is properly fitted. As well as feeding as if she has ulcers - as others have said the symptoms can be easily confused, but if you've had a saddle rubbing then three days off is great to stop the surface problem but won't necessarily have been enough to resolve any problems deeper down.
 
Very good posts above!!!!!!! My horse had ulcers and since treatment last year she has been fab, until 2 weeks ago she went very quite started nipping went girthy taking hold and running when riding her!!! i took her to the vets and only to find that her saddle had made her back sore!!!!and ulcer free!!!Mark Windsor carapractor put her back into place and wow got my horse back!!!! you need the vet to this horse to eliminate the problems hun and would not ride or do anything with your horse untillhe has been looked at xxxx
 
Sounds like a saddle/back issue. What is she like to lunge without rider? If its ulcers cereal is the worst type of feed. Use a fibre based cube low in starch and sugar. Avoid molassed feeds. Remember to feed little and often and at least twice a day but plenty of good hay. Blue pop rocks (omneprazole) are available from abler support in usa and can be ordered online. Much less invasive than a gastroscope and worked great on my mare. However your issue indicates a saddle fit problem. If you dont hv experience of these issues your vet can diagnose . A good equine physio might be a cheaper way to start. Good luck.
 
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