Ulcers

[_xjpx]

Hello!
I have a 9y/o thoroughbred ex-race.
He was recently (26th April) diagnosed with grade 2 squamous ulcers. He is currently on equizol twice a day for this.
His behaviour before this is what made me get him scoped. He was aggressive, hollowed out while riding, cribbing (possibly learned on race yard), girthy, hated having his saddle put on him generally and struggled to pick up the correct canter leg on the right rein.
After 2 weeks on the equizol, a few of these behaviours have gotten better. He is better getting his saddle on and is a lot less girthy. However he is still quite aggressive and has now started to be difficult to catch from the field. And by difficult I mean he runs at me and spins on me trying to kick me.
He is very tender over his back due to an ill fitting saddle that was being used before I had him. And now have put the ulcers down to being cause by pain in his back.
His back has been cleared from kissing spine so know this is not the problem.
I am after advice on what I can do to help with the aggression? (which has caused me many serious injuries and is not all of the time).
He is out all day and all night, only brought in for meds and being schooled, other than that out in a heard in the field. Which I am now struggling to catch him to bring in also, any suggestions?

 

[Barton Bounty]

As he starts to feel better the aggression should subside. You could try re bonding with him. Sounds like he possibly is not getting enough attention. Try taking him out hand grazing , in hand work?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I wouldn't ride or work him until he is completely clear of the ulcers, it can also take several months of treatment for the ulcers to go so it might just be a time thing.

I never understand why vets say horses can still be ridden with ulcers it must be incredibly painful while they are being treated.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I wouldn't ride until he gets the all clear. Are you only catching him to ride? If so I would catch him a few times a day and just give him a good scratch and let him go again so he doesn't associate catching with the pain of being ridden.

 

[ycbm]

He is very tender over his back due to an ill fitting saddle that was being used before I had him.

I don't understand why you rode him before this was sorted, but obviously you shouldn't now attempt to ride him again until he is completely pain free, back and ulcers.

Then you might need the help of a good trainer with behaviourist knowledge to help him get over his bad memories.

I hope that goes well for you both.
.

 

[MereChristmas]

I have said this many times before, sorry HHO

My pony had grade 2 squamous ulcers.His behaviour when ridden was so dangerous I launched myself off him on more than one occasion. After scoping he was treated with 4 full injections of omeprazole plus Sucralfate. (sp?)
After a second scoping he was given 2 half doses more. He wasn’t ridden until few weeks after the last dose. I continued Sucralfate for 2 tubs worth then used NAF Gastriaid for a further 4 months.

At the moment he is having NAF senior In The Pink Powder as the only supplement with a basic feed of Allen and Page Fast Fibre. He is a good do-er though.
He is still fine after 15 months.

I hope you can find a solution to your horse’s problems.
Good luck.

 

[moorhillhorses]

I would let him rest until the treatment is finished. When he goes back into work use some like Ponease Ulc maintenance before exercise, o find it amazing and it helps prevent acid splashes too