The underestimated disease with far-reaching consequences
Up to 90 percent of all racehorses and around 40-60 percent of leisure horses suffer from stomach ulcers - often unnoticed by their owners. These stomach problems have developed into a real widespread disease that remains hidden for a long time. The symptoms of gastric ulcers are often so subtle that they are overlooked or misinterpreted. A horse does not always show obvious pain, but often only minor changes in behavior that are easily attributed to other causes. However, gastric ulcer syndrome can have a significant impact on performance and general condition. Modern examinations such as gastroscopy now make it possible to diagnose peptic ulcers with certainty, and new treatment protocols promise lasting healing success. It is crucial to recognize the often overlooked symptoms and act in good time.
Anatomy of the horse's stomach: Why stomach ulcers occur so frequently
With a volume of only 8-15 liters, the horse's stomach is relatively small and continuously produces gastric acid - around 1.5 liters of gastric juice per hour, regardless of food intake. This acid production takes place around the clock, which in nature is balanced out by continuous eating. The stomach is divided into two parts: the upper mucosa without glands and the lower mucosa with glands.
The upper mucous membrane has no natural protection against stomach acid and is therefore particularly susceptible to stomach ulcers. The pH value in this area can drop sharply when the stomach is empty. Although the lower gastric mucosa produces protective mucus, it can also develop gastric mucosal changes due to stress or certain factors. The development of gastric ulcers is favored by various causes, whereby the pH value plays a central role.
The natural buffering mechanism of gastric juice only works when feed is consumed continuously. When chewing hay, the horse produces saliva, which neutralizes the acid and stabilizes the pH value in the stomach. A horse produces up to 50 liters of saliva a day when eating roughage - only about half that amount when given concentrated feed alone. These differences in digestion explain why modern feeding often causes stomach problems.
Correctly recognize symptoms of stomach ulcers
The symptoms of gastric ulcers in horses often develop gradually. Many owners initially only notice small changes in their animal's behavior:
Behavioral changes as warning signals
Changes in behavior are often the first signs of gastric ulcers. The horse may show reluctance to be trained, lay its ears back when being saddled or show pain when being harnessed. These subtle symptoms are often misinterpreted as naughtiness, but are in fact an expression of stomach problems. Increased restlessness or apathy can also indicate stomach ulcers.
Disturbed eating behavior
Eating behavior changes significantly with gastric ulcers. Horses show reluctance to eat or suddenly stop eating. They chew more slowly, salivate more or show "empty chewing" without food. These behaviors are attempts to buffer the stomach acid and regulate the pH value by producing saliva.
Physical symptoms
Other symptoms include weight loss despite adequate feeding, a dull coat and recurrent mild colic. In foals, gastric ulcers can also cause diarrhea. The vet should perform a gastroscopy to diagnose gastric ulcers if these signs are present.
Risk factors and main causes of peptic ulcers
Stress as the main factor
Stress is one of the main causes of stomach ulcers. Transportation, changes of stable, changes in the herd or intensive training increase acid production and at the same time weaken the mucous membrane. In stressed horses, the pH value in the stomach drops drastically, which favors gastric mucosal changes.
Feeding errors
Long breaks between feedings are a significant risk factor for stomach ulcers. If the horse does not receive roughage for more than four hours, the stomach acid attacks the unprotected stomach wall. Too little hay, too much concentrated feed and irregular feeding promote the development of stomach problems. The gastric juice is not sufficiently buffered without food.
Sporting strain
Trotting horses and other sport horses are at particularly high risk. During intense exercise, the stomach contents are churned, causing acid to enter the sensitive upper mucous membrane. Studies show that over 90 percent of racehorses develop stomach ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk if they are regularly trained.
Medication as a trigger
Certain medicines can cause or worsen stomach ulcers. Painkillers reduce the protective layer of the stomach lining. The vet should recommend preventative measures if medication is given for a long period of time. The combination of several drugs in particular increases the risk of gastritis and inflammation of the stomach lining.
Gastroscopy: The reliable diagnosis
Preparation and examination
Gastroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses. The horse must fast for at least 12 hours before the examination so that the stomach is empty. After light sedation, the vet inserts an endoscope through the nose. The examination takes about 20-30 minutes and allows a direct assessment of the stomach lining.
Interpreting findings
Gastroscopy is used to classify stomach ulcers according to their severity. The mucous membrane is examined from the stomach entrance to the stomach outlet. Gastric mucosal lesions are documented and assessed. The vet distinguishes between superficial gastric mucosal changes and deep ulcers. Gastric woodlice can also be detected during gastroscopy.
Differential diagnosis
Not all findings are true ulcers. Gastritis, hyperkeratosis or redness can be precursors of gastric ulcers. The differentiation between acute and chronic changes influences the therapy. If other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are suspected, further examinations are necessary.
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Modern treatment of stomach ulcers
Drug therapy
The treatment of stomach ulcers is based on the reduction of stomach acid. Omeprazole is the most important drug and effectively inhibits acid production. The therapy lasts at least 28 days. The pH value in the stomach rises significantly under treatment, which enables the mucous membrane to heal.
Additional drugs such as sucralfate protect the stomach wall from acid. In the case of severe gastric mucosal lesions, the vet will combine various medications. Treatment must be carried out consistently in order to avoid relapses.
Supporting measures
In addition to medication, the optimization of feeding is crucial. Stress must be reduced, feeding breaks shortened and more roughage fed. During therapy, it may be useful to adjust the training. Stress reduction supports the healing of the gastric mucosa.
Feeding management for stomach problems
Optimal roughage supply
The basis of the therapy is sufficient hay. At least 1.5-2 kg of roughage per 100 kg of body weight should be fed daily. Breaks in feeding should last a maximum of four hours. Hay buffers the stomach acid and stabilizes the pH value. Horses with stomach problems should be offered hay ad libitum.
Adapt concentrated feed
Large amounts of concentrated feed promote stomach ulcers due to rapid fermentation and acid formation. Feeding should be divided into small portions. Hay should always be fed before exercise to protect the stomach. The term "stomach protection" through correct feeding should be taken literally here.
Special feed supplements
Various feed supplements can support the healing process. Alfalfa contains a lot of calcium and buffers stomach acid. Linseed forms mucus that protects the stomach lining. Feeding should be adjusted individually based on the results of the gastroscopy.
Long-term management and prevention
After the treatment
After successful treatment of gastric ulcers, prevention of recurrence is important. Studies show that without changes in management, 80 percent of horses develop ulcers again within three months. A control gastroscopy ensures the success of the therapy.
Permanent stress reduction
In the long term, all risk factors must be minimized. Maximum access to pasture, stable social structures and appropriate training are essential. Keeping should be as close to nature as possible. Leisure horses benefit from regular routines without excessive demands.
Prophylactic measures
If susceptibility is known, preventive measures may be useful. The vet can recommend prophylactic medication before transportation or competitions. Feeding stomach protection products during periods of stress can prevent stomach ulcers.
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Special patient groups
Foals and young horses
Foals can develop stomach ulcers in the first few weeks of life. The symptoms differ from adult horses - diarrhea and pain during suckling are typical. The development is favored by stress during weaning. The treatment of foals requires special medication in appropriate dosages.
Old horses
In older horses there are additional factors. Dental problems lead to poorer grinding of hay and reduced saliva production. Digestion is often disturbed. The vet must take into account possible interactions with other medications during therapy.
Complications and concomitant diseases
Secondary problems due to stomach ulcers
Untreated stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications. Chronic pain causes changes in behavior and a drop in performance. Disturbed digestion leads to deficiency symptoms. Severe ulcers can put a lot of strain on the stomach wall. However, such complications can be avoided with timely treatment.
Connection with other diseases
Stomach ulcers are often associated with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Colic can be both a cause and a consequence of stomach problems. Colon ulcers often occur in parallel. A holistic examination is therefore important.
New research into stomach diseases
Research into gastric ulcers is making steady progress. New studies are investigating the role of the microbiome in the horse's stomach. Improved drugs with a longer duration of action are being developed. The importance of pH for the development of gastric mucosal lesions is being intensively researched.
Genetic factors for susceptibility are being investigated. Genetic markers for stomach problems are already known in humans - similar correlations are suspected in horses. Initial studies on new natural feed additives show promising results in the prevention of gastritis.
Practical tips for everyday life
Develop a routine that protects the horse's stomach. Feed a portion of hay before each exercise. Divide concentrated feed into several small meals. Avoid feeding breaks of more than four hours. Observe changes in behavior closely and document them.
Preventive measures are important at tournaments or during transportation. Additional hay and stomach protection products can prevent stress-related ulcers. Talk to your vet about prophylactic measures for your horse.
Conclusion
Gastric ulcers in horses are a common but often overlooked condition. The subtle symptoms are often misinterpreted or attributed to other causes. However, up to 90 percent of racehorses and 40-60 percent of leisure horses suffer from this painful stomach disease. Modern diagnostics using gastroscopy make it possible to diagnose gastric ulcers reliably and treat them in a targeted manner.
The successful treatment of gastric ulcers requires more than just medication. A holistic approach that combines drug treatment, optimized feeding and stress reduction leads to lasting healing success. The stomach lining needs time to regenerate and the causes must be permanently eliminated.
Every horse with stomach problems needs an individual treatment plan. Adapting husbandry, feeding and training is essential. With consistent management, affected horses can regain their former performance. Investing in prevention pays off in the long term - both for the health of the animal and economically.
Do you suspect your horse has stomach ulcers? Our clinics offer modern diagnostics and individual therapy concepts for sustainable healing.
For better readability, we predominantly use the generic masculine in our texts. It goes without saying that all personal designations refer equally to all genders. The abbreviated form of language is used solely to improve comprehensibility and is to be understood in an unbiased manner.
