Ulcer/Calmer help, also in Veterinary

Troggy

Troggy

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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! :)
 
If he has been suffering from ulcers for some time he may well be tense and holding himself to cope with the pain, I would get a physio to look at him now you know the ulcers are being treated, it may well be that he is still sore in his muscles and needs some help to release the tension so he can be more comfortable generally.

No real turnout is not helping either the ulcers, his stress or any muscle tension, regular turnout and routine is crucial for ulcer prone horses and if his is going to be restricted long term or if it is always restricted in winter it may be a good idea to look for somewhere more suitable for him before next winter, this year has been exceptionally bad but with restrictions and nowhere to even exercise properly this will be something that may well keep reoccurring if the management does not change, supplements alone are not going to be enough, keeping him on valerian, which has a mild sedative effect, long term seems unfair when most likely proper management, turnout and exercise will reduce his stress levels dramatically.
 
Mine had stress ulcers and experienced the same, i got her back checked after the course of treatment and she was out due to holding herself so tense, i also put her on equistro equilizer powder which is a calmer i got from animed or viovet for £28 months supply this works amazing on my horse hope this helps you!!! xxx
 
Thank you for your reply. He will be seeing a physio after his second scope on 14th March, he is still sensitive on his sides sometimes so will wait until we know the ulcers have cleared up
Regarding turnout, it isn't the norm for this yard, first time we've been asked to limit turnout, usually 24/7 from late spring to early winter however as you say, the weather has been exceptionally bad this year. He has been out all day Monday and today this week and will put him out Friday, that's the most I can do at the moment. This is also more than most other yards in the area sadly (we are on clay soil) but if a better turnout option comes up, then I would be willing to move him :)
 
Thank you, the Equistro is one of the ones our vets sell and has the same ingredients as the one he is on so that's promising (although not sure if the %s of each ingredient are the same?)
Yes he originally had his neck x rayed as reacted so strongly when he was examined but it was just tension from his ulcer pain :(
 
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