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Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition

   Welcome to my forum. 

Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information. 

Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you. 

Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought

I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.

And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.  

 

All the best,

 Dr. Getty 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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foal ulcer

I have heard lately that a lot of foals have ulcers! What is the reason foals would have ulcers? How would a foal be so stressed to cause ulcers?

Re: foal ulcer

Hi Kasey,

Sometimes foals are born with small ulcers in the stomach which generally heal within the first week. But, if ulcers enlarge or persist, it could be due to another illness such as pneumonia or digestive upset. Or stress can be an issue for a foal who has been separated from his mare. In addition, if the foal is separated from his mare, hours can go by without feeding.

The stomach of foals and horses needs to contain food at all times in order to protect the lining from acid secretion. So, an orphan foal, for example, is not able to continuously nurse throughout the day, which can lead to excessive exposure of the stomach lining to acid.

Thanks for writing!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO