During the last 12 years nothing has received more attention in the area of equine health research than gastric ulcers. The reason for this interest is the high incidence of occurrence and economic impact gastric ulcers have on the equine industry.

What was once thought to be limited to a disease of foals is now found to be just as prevalent in adult horses.

Here are a few facts:

• 60% of foals have some degree of ulceration from birth to weaning
• Over 90% of race horses have (or get) gastric ulcers
• 60% of sport and show horses have (or get) gastric ulcers
• Half the horses with ulcers show no clinical signs of the disease

Ulcers are caused by increased acid production. When this increased acid production is combined with high grain diets, low forage diets, stress (training, shipping, etc.), and disease gastric ulceration can result.

Symptoms of gastric ulcers in adult horses include, but are not limited to, poor performance, sour attitude, poor body condition and coat, decreased or absent appetite, and intermittent colic. One of the most common signs I see is a horse who starts to eat with an apparent good appetite then stops mid-meal.

Symptoms of gastric ulcers in foals include a lot of the same signs seen with adults with the addition of excess salivation, grinding of teeth, diarrhea, and lying on back.

Diagnosis of gastric ulcers is done by either direct visualization if the ulcers in the stomach through the use of a 3 meter endoscope or by simply treating the animal with anti-ulcer medications and noticing the response to treatment. This response to treatment utilizes antacid (maalox), or actual ulcer treating drugs (omeprazole, tagament, or ranitidine).

The newest drug on the market is known as GastroGuard (omeprazole). Studies have shown it very successful at reducing acid, eliminating symptoms, healing the ulcer and preventing the ulcer from coming back. Unlike other therapies, GastroGuard is proven effective even if the horse remains in training.

In conclusion, it is best to discuss gastric ulcers with your veterinarian. Your vet is the best person to rule out other causes of clinical signs presented before the diagnosis of gastric ulceration is made. From there he or she can prescribe the best treatment for your horse.