What are gastric ulcers?
Gastric ulcers, also known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, occur when the lining of a horse’s stomach becomes irritated or damaged by stomach acid. Horses naturally produce stomach acid continuously, which means they rely on regular feeding (especially forage) to help buffer that acid. When this balance is disrupted, ulcers can develop.
How common are they?
Gastric ulcers are extremely common and can occur in:
- Up to 90% of racehorses
- Up to 60% of sport horses
- Up to 40% of leisure horses
- Even up to 50% of foals can be affected
Why do horses get ulcers?
Several everyday management factors increase the risk of gastric ulcers:
Feeding Practices
- Long gaps between meals
- High-grain, low-forage diets
- Limited access to hay or pasture
Lifestyle & Stress
- Intensive training or competition
- Transport and travel
- Frequent changes in routine
- Stabling for long periods
Other Factors
- Illness or pain
- Use of certain medications (e.g., anti-inflammatories)
Signs your horse may have ulcers
Some horses show clear signs, while others are more subtle and some horses show no obvious signs at all. Common signs include but are not limited to:
- Poor performance or reluctance to work
- Mild, recurring colic
- Reduced appetite or picky eating
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
- Behavioural changes (grumpy, girthy, resistant)
- Teeth grinding
- Anxiety
- Dull coat
How are ulcers diagnosed?
The only definitive way to diagnose gastric ulcers is with a gastroscopy, where a veterinarian uses a small camera to examine the stomach. Because symptoms can overlap with other issues, guessing without diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment.
Treatment Options
The most effective treatment is Omeprazole, which works by neutralising stomach acid and allowing the stomach lining to heal. Treatment basics:
- Usually given daily for 4 weeks
- Prescribed by your veterinarian
- Follow-up preventative dose may be recommended
Gastric ulcers are common but manageable. With the right combination of feeding, management, and veterinary care, most horses recover well and return to normal performance.
If you suspect your horse has gastric ulcers, please speak to your local equine veterinarian.