More than half of all horses suffer from gastric ulcers. Very painful, with symptoms that are sometimes invisible, their appearance is closely linked to the animal's lifestyle (feed, housing) and well-being (stress, boredom). Small adjustments to daily life can help to limit the incidence of ulcers.
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is a more or less severe alteration of the digestive mucosa. Starting with a superficial erosion, the lesion may extend and deepen, up to the extreme case of perforation of the wall. The degree of ulceration can be characterised according to the grading scale developed by the ECEIM Consensus (2015): from grade 0 (intact) to grade 4 (severe and extensive lesions). This pathology is very painful, and although we often talk about gastric ulcers, the horse can also be affected at intestinal level.
What are the risk factors?
The appearance of an ulcer is the result of an imbalance between the mucosa's defence mechanisms and the factors that attack it. Horses naturally produce continuous gastric acid, which is controlled by the frequent arrival of buffer substances contained in saliva. If the horse salivates too little (insufficient forage, incomplete mastication) or ingests too many fermentable sugars (starch, glucose) and/or with inadequate frequency, then the pH of the stomach drops too much, which degrades the protective mucus layer and leads to ulceration.
Non-nutritional factors may also be to blame: stress (transport, intensive training, weaning, isolation from other horses, life in a stall, medication, pregnancy, etc.)
Although competition horses (sport, racing) are the most exposed to ulcers, this condition affects all types of horse at least once in their lives.
Symptoms and diagnosis of ulcers
There are generally many symptoms associated with the presence of ulcers: a decline in condition (weight loss, dull, prickly coat), changes in behaviour (teeth grinding, frequent yawning, aggressiveness, sensitivity to grooming, etc.), reduced performance, etc. The animal may be frequently lying down, more prone to colic, etc.
These symptoms can vary from one individual to another, or even be non-existent in the most tolerant animals!
The best way to diagnose an ulcer is with a gastroscopy. If the condition is confirmed, the vet will prescribe a suitable course of medication.
What kind of prevention?
In general, the horse should not be subjected to prolonged stress or boredom, and anti-parasite treatments should be kept up to date.
As far as feed is concerned, the horse should be given as much forage as it likes and small meals of concentrates that are low in starch and sugars. In addition, it is essential to apply long dietary transitions (3 weeks) and avoid physical exertion after meals of concentrates. Specialised nutritional supplements to manage the risk of ulcers can be distributed.
distributed.
To support horses prone to ulcers, Feedia offers Alti Patch, a premix of additives in powder form for incorporation into supplementary feed. Specially designed for horses, its complex formulation contains lecithin, clay and plant extracts to protect the mucosa, regulate gastric acidity and heal tissues.
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