Gastric Ulcers in Horses
- for a sensitive stomach
- natural stomach protector
- for inner well-being
How do I recognize stomach problems in my horse?
The clinical symptoms also manifest with varying intensity in different horses. It is not possible to deduce the severity of the stomach complaints directly from the strength of the symptoms. Some horses show severe signs of stomach problems, and a gastroscopy would only reveal very mild inflammatory processes. Other animals, in turn, show hardly any noticeable differences in behavior and/or appearance, but are already suffering from a very severe case of stomach ulcers. In the absence of a diagnostic imaging method, one should therefore not attach too much importance to the signs with regard to the severity of the condition.
- Reduced appetite or continuous eating
- Frequent colic episodes, especially during or after feeding
- Emaciation (rather rare)
- Lack of motivation, lethargy
- Belching and sour smell from the mouth
- Dull coat
- Bloated belly
- Chewing without food in the mouth, licking of diseases
- Teeth grinding, tingling, frequent yawning
- Shyness of the saddle
- Watery droppings / diarrhea over longer periods
- Significant behavioral changes such as aggressiveness, nervousness, self-injury
Not all of these symptoms should be immediately or exclusively attributed to ulcers! A veterinarian will assess the overall picture and make a diagnosis.
How does the equine stomach work?
The equine stomach is relatively small in relation to body size; in a large horse, the average volume is 15 liters. It is designed to continuously take in and process small amounts of low-nutrient roughage / steppe grass almost constantly. Therefore, gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) is constantly produced in the stomach, even when the horse is not eating. The stomach essentially consists of two parts that are not rigidly separated from each other (margo plicatus).
In the upper region, at the end of the esophagus, there is a spongy section that is pink in a healthy state. It contains no glands and has a mucous membrane that has no own protective layer against stomach acid. That is why prolonged chewing of coarse fibers produces more saliva. Saliva contains bicarbonate (alkaline), which is important as a buffer against the stomach acid. Generally, the pH value in the upper part of the stomach is between 5-7. In the lower part, however, the pH value is between 2-4 (highly corrosive).
The lower region produces the necessary stomach acid permanently, which processes the already pre-digested feed into a pulp. At the end of the stomach, the pre-digested feed passes through the pylorus (stomach outlet) into the duodenum. The process between the transport through the esophagus and the entry into the duodenum is very fast compared to other mammals. All other digestive processes and nutrient utilization take place mainly in the intestinal tract.
What do I need to know about non-infectious stomach ulcers?
Stomach ulcers are one of the most common diseases of the equine stomach, together with gastritis, which is not necessarily related to it. According to Gerber and Straub, ulcers are the result of an imbalance between aggressive factors that damage the mucous membrane (such as stomach acid, pepsin, bile acid and volatile fatty acids) and factors that protect the mucous membrane (such as mucus production, bicarbonate in saliva, local blood circulation and high cell division rate). An elevated cortisol level triggered by stress prevents good blood circulation of the gastric mucosa and therefore plays an important role in the development of stomach ulcers.
After lengthy investigations and several studies on stomach diseases in horses, it was found that stomach ulcers particularly affect the transition area between the cutaneous mucosa (pars non glandularis) and the glandular mucosa (pars glandularis). This transition is referred to as the margo plicatus. Here, for example during training on an empty stomach, stomach acid sloshes around in the section that has no natural protection against it and causes skin injuries there, which can eventually develop into ulcers. However, inflammatory processes can also occur at the pylorus, caused by the reflux of pre-digested food from the duodenum (intestinal reflux, e.g. due to a mechanical disturbance of intestinal passage).
What can cause stomach ulcers?
Despite numerous studies, it is not possible to determine the full range of causes. It appears to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In their report, Sykes et al. mention a higher probability of stomach diseases in Thoroughbreds than in coldbloods (draught breeds) and an increased risk in stallions and mares compared to geldings. However, decisive are environmental factors such as feeding, living conditions and stress and thus the general mental state.
The horse's stomach constantly produces stomach acid. If the intervals between feedings are too long or the feed intake and the chewing and salivation processes are significantly shortened, this leads to an imbalance in the stomach. The unprotected mucous membrane is attacked, resulting in lesions and even bleeding and ulcers. A high intake of concentrated feed, including rapidly digestible starches and carbohydrates, as found in typical horse feed mixtures, causes the stomach acid to not receive enough saliva and thus not enough alkaline buffer to raise the pH value.
Conclusion - Gastric Ulcer
How can stomach ulcers be detected?
Inflammatory processes in the stomach can only be reliably detected through direct observation. A so-called gastroscopy through the nose allows the veterinarian to closely examine the condition of the esophagus, the stomach entrance, the gastric mucosa and the pylorus. Since horses must fast for 24 hours before a gastroscopy, the question arises as to whether this does not lead to additional stress, especially in animals with stomach ulcers. Studies have therefore shown that suspected ulcers are often treated with acid blockers and/or proton pump inhibitors for a short period. If the symptoms and general condition of the affected horse improve significantly, the suspicion is thus "confirmed", and the classic therapy is continued. Only a veterinarian can decide on this approach.
How are diagnosed stomach ulcers treated?
Depending on the severity and occurrence of inflammation, bleeding or ulcers, classic therapy is carried out using a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole and often in combination with an H₂ receptor blocker such as cimetidine / ranitidine and/or a mucosal protectant such as sucralfate. The average treatment duration is between 21 and 28 days. Experience from reports on the internet and in forums shows that susceptibility to stomach ulcers increases even after successful treatment. According to studies, this is probably because the underlying causes were not eliminated.
How can I support my horse's stomach?
- high-quality hay: ideally from the first cut
- straw: as a low-calorie filler, but do not feed as a complete feed
- avoid: sugar or starch
- avoid: concentrated feed (or small amounts throughout the day and never on an empty stomach)
- energy source: high-quality plant oils such as linseed oil, hemp oil or black cumin oil
- before riding: feed enough hay and no concentrated feed
- reduce stress: reduce or avoid in all areas of your horse's life (adjusting housing conditions, calm herd, moderate training, competitions only if the horse can handle it)
- loving care: treat your horse with calmness - your calm will transfer to your beloved horse and its stomach!
Conclusion - Health
Stomach ulcers in horses can only be reliably diagnosed through a gastroscopy, although preventive therapy is often used in suspected cases. Treatment is usually carried out with proton pump inhibitors, H₂ receptor blockers and mucosal protectants over several weeks. To avoid relapses, it is crucial to adjust feeding, minimize stress and sustainably improve housing conditions. Holistic management combining veterinary therapy, adapted feeding and a stress-free environment provides the best support for long-term stomach and horse health.
Frequently Asked Questions💡
For existing problems/symptoms: 👉 Here we recommend the course with 6 liters
At the start, we recommend feeding the increased amount (3 times the daily dose). Stay on the high dosage until an improvement occurs, plus 2 more days. Then feed twice the normal amount. If the improvement continues, feed the remaining bottles at the normal dosage. How much needs to be fed always depends on the individual issue - i.e., whether improvement occurs faster or not.
For prevention: 👉 Here we recommend the course with 3 liters
To prevent problems and support general well-being: preventively, meaning no increased amount, just the normal amount over at least three weeks.
Are you unsure whether your horse will eat our products? No problem! We offer you our EWALIA Feeding Guarantee.
If your horse doesn't accept our products, we'll refund you the full purchase price. How does it work and what do you need to keep in mind? Simply send the products back to us within 30 days of purchase and fill out our form with the details of your order, a short, uncut video of your horse, and proof of purchase.
If you purchased your EWALIA products from a retailer, contact the retailer directly within 30 days of purchase with your proof of purchase and video. They will refund the purchase price to you immediately. The Feeding Guarantee can be used once per customer on products ordered for the first time. Per order, the guarantee applies to up to two different products.
You can find more information about our Feeding Guarantee here in our Terms and Conditions: Feeding Guarantee.
1. Better Absorption and Availability
Herbal Liquids contain the active ingredients in dissolved form, which makes absorption in the body easier. Especially for animals with sensitive digestion or poor chewing ability (e.g. old horses or dogs), they are often better tolerated.
2. Higher Bioavailability
Due to the liquid form, nutrients and secondary plant compounds are absorbed into the blood more quickly, so they take effect faster. Dried herbs must first be broken down in the digestive tract, which takes longer.
3. No Dust Exposure
Dried herbs can be dusty, which can be especially problematic for sensitive airways (e.g. horses with COPD or dogs with allergies). Herbal Liquids are dust-free and therefore also suitable for animals with respiratory conditions.
4. Easier Dosing & Feeding
Herbal Liquids can be mixed into feed more easily or given directly into the mouth. Especially for picky animals, the liquid form can be advantageous, as acceptance is often higher than with bitter-tasting, dried herbs.
5. No Impact from Poor Feed Quality
Some dried herbs lose their active compounds due to improper storage or contain fungi, mold, or contaminants. High-quality herbal Liquids are freshly pressed and gently processed, so the ingredients are largely preserved.
We recommend feeding our product twice daily. This ensures that the organism can optimally absorb the valuable herbal active ingredients. One option is to prepare the feed the evening before for the morning feeding by the stable staff etc., as long as it is given within 24 hours (especially important in summer). Alternatively, one portion can be fed before and one after the riding session.
If feeding twice is not possible, we recommend giving 80% of the total daily dose to achieve the desired effect. For example, this would be 112 ml once daily for a total daily dose of 140 ml (70 ml + 70 ml). Our experience shows that regular twice-daily feeding is the best option to fully exploit the effectiveness of our products.
You can find all further questions in our 👉 FAQs
Our products serve as a supportive measure in the form of complementary feed and do not replace veterinary examinations.
Yes, up to 3 Liquids can be fed at the same time.
