Ulcer and calmer help/advice/ideas

Troggy

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4 February 2003
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Hi

I am after some advice for my horse…

He was diagnosed with grade 3 ulcers on 14th Feb and started a month’s course of Gastro Gard on the 15th. His symptoms before the treatment started where:

• General stressy behaviour (In stable/yard, not ridden)
• Loose droppings
• Colic, getting more frequent
• Touchy to touch/groom on sides
• Severe tension in neck
• Grabbing/chewing wood

Since then his droppings have improved dramatically, touch wood he hasn’t had colic, his neck is better but he is still very touchy on his sides, in fact was worse yesterday. How long would you expect to wait before you started to notice a difference? Could this be an association type pain?

Vets advice was to keep riding and can use this to gauge progress as the last time I rode him before I got him scoped he was very nappy and colicked. He has been ok to ride, this weekend however he was very tense on the Saturday, felt like constantly running from something, and yesterday he felt hunched to start with and reluctant but then really relaxed etc. Yesterday I gave him a scoop of chaff before I rode which may have helped. He always has a haynet when I tack up

The vet and I believe the ulcers have been caused by stress (And possibly from being very thin before I got him a year ago), as by nature that’s the type of horse he is and we are trying to find a calmer that suits him. Any suggestions for this also welcome, he needs something for anxiety etc rather than ridden issues, he isn’t a “buzzy” horse to ride at all. He also holds his weight so doesn’t stress weight off. He has been on Equine America So Kalm Plus for a week. Prior to that I had him on a Chamomile/Vervain/Valerian herbal mix but wasn’t sure if it was enough however the EA one hasn’t seemed to made any difference so may try pure valerian next. The vet mentioned one with milk protein (I think!) but it's very expensive, any cheaper versions?

Management wise turnout has been restricted which won’t help, he has been out for the afternoons on Mon/Wed/Fri and then in the rest of the time and ridden but only for 15 minutes or so during week due to light (No school). The fields are drying out so he has gone out all day today to see if he relaxes. When he is in he is on ad lib hay, I soak what I can, and Equi blocks (both high fibre and alfalfa)

Any other help/advise for neurotic horses appreciated! :)
 
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