Q&A

How do you treat ulcers in horses?

How do you treat ulcers in horses?

Treatment with Omeprazole products, like GastroGard®, is the only way to cure gastric ulcers. After or during treatment, other products are available to continue to buffer the stomach and enhance healing of the damaged area.

What can you give a horse with ulcers?

Treatment for Horse Ulcers

  • Omeprazole: This medication is the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for horse ulcer symptoms.
  • Mucosal protectants: Pectin-lecithin and sucralfate are two mucosal protectants that veterinarians prescribe to treat horse ulcers.

What do vets prescribe for ulcers in horses?

The best known of these is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole (known by trade names such as GastroGard, Peptizole and UlcerGard). Another drug which may be prescribed for your horse’s ulcers is ranitidine (known by the trade name Zantac).

How can you tell if your horse has ulcers?

Initial symptoms of stomach ulcers in horses result from the pain. Many times, signs of ulcers in horses include clenching and grinding of teeth, depression, unwillingness to train, lying down more, stress at feeding time, ear flinching, or stomping hooves during girthing.

Does aloe vera help ulcers in horses?

Aloe vera juice contains a large amount of digestible fiber, according to The Equine Nutrition Nerd. This allows it to soothe and protect the digestive tract while regulating bacteria, giving your horse relief from ulcers.

Can stress cause ulcers in horses?

Stress (both environmental and physical) can also increase the likelihood of ulcers. Even typical training and recreational showing have been shown to induce ulcers within a five to seven day period. Hauling and mixing groups of horses as well as horses in training, can lead to ulcers.

What to do if you suspect your horse has ulcers?

If you suspect your horse may have ulcers seek advice from your vet, as medication to reduce acid production and allow the ulcers time heal may be required initially.

What is the best ulcer supplement for horses?

Omeprazole is often considered to be the best and most useful treatment for ulcers in horses. Gastrogard is the brand name of this common medication. It comes in a paste form that is easy to administer and is given once a day.

Treating Stomach Ulcers with Medicine Give your horse proton-pump inhibitors. Give your horse histamine Type 2 (H2) receptor Blockers. Try giving your horse protective coatings. Try other substances that promote protective lining growth. Give your horse antacids. Give your horse probiotics.

How to treat ulcers in your horse?

Include alfalfa – Studies have shown that the protein levels (along with the amount of calcium) in alfalfa make it one of the best sources of fiber when it comes to treating horses with ulcers. Don’t exercise on an empty stomach – You don’t need to feed your horse a lot before exercise, a scoopful of chopped fiber is enough. This will ensure his stomach isn’t empty and therefore the acid won’t be left to slosh around.

Why do horses do get ulcers?

Horses that are under certain types of stress can develop gastric ulcers. Stressors include being hauled around or being enclosed in unfamiliar stalls, both of which happen when going to and from horse shows or races. Changes in schedules can also lead to ulcers. It may take up to five days to develop the ulcers.