What are the signs that my horse
might have Stomach Ulcers?
The signs of gastric ulcers in horses are often
subtle and non-specific, meaning that they are
often overlooked. Signs that your horse may be
suffering from gastric ulcers include:
Poor appetite or not finishing feeds
Attitude changes, going sour or developing
vices such as cribbing, pacing or pawing
Poor dull coat, weight loss or loss of condition
Bouts of colic or colicy signs
Decreased performance
Teeth grinding or excess salivation
Loose faeces or diarrhoea
Frequent recumbency
Foals will often drink intermittently
Haemorrhaging ulcers which are severe if left
untreated can rupture and be fatal.
If you ever see any of the signs of gastric ulcers in
your horse contact your veterinarian to discuss and
diagnose. To diagnose gastric ulcers a veterinarian
will perform a gastric endoscopy and look for
ulcers, lesions or erosions in the lining of the
oesophagus and/or stomach.
Everyone likes to spoil their equine friend from
time to time, but there are some things that are
ok as a treat and some things they really shouldn't
eat. Here is a list of good and bad treats to keep in
mind the next time you are spoiling your horse.
GOOD OPTIONS
ü Small pieces or slices of fruit and vegetables like
apples, carrots, bananas, strawberries, pitted dates
and raisins
ü Sugar cubes or peppermint candies, not a
healthy choice but a couple occasionally is ok
ü Hay cubes
ü There are a number of commercially produced
horse treats created with the horse's nutritional
needs in mind while being tasty and appealing
for them
BAD OPTIONS
û Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
and kale can cause severe intestinal gas
û Potatoes and tomatoes may cause toxicity
û Unpitted stone fruits; as pits could be choked on
û Lawn clippings can contain parts of toxic weeds
or plants, which change the pH of the gut and
could cause choke
û Fresh bread or doughy items can cause
a blockage
û Chocolate - some horses like chocolate, one
piece wouldn't hurt them although it can cause
them to return a positive drug test
Keep in mind that treats should only be fed
occasionally and in small amounts.
HORSE
TREATS
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