Hi,
I have a 3yr old that has ulcers. We've been dealing w/ this for awhile. He was shipped from WI at 9months old and not given gastroguard for the trip. He was somewhat symptomatic at first but not really. Then we moved to a new farm, nearby no long haul again. Since he's been having more and more 'episodes' where he'll eat then act painful, pacing, laying down...then he's over that fast and happy again. He was positive to a SUCCEED test and I had him scoped. He had mild healing ulcers when scoped but had just had a more serious colic episode. Vet said that some horses are just wimpyier than others and he must be one of those. We've done gastro and ranitidine. Hes recently been off ranitidine. He eats no mol. beet pulp, TC low starch, reg. grass hay and some alfalfa cubes. He also gets Natural Plan Stomach Soother 2x a day w/ each meal. His routine has been out at night grazing in during day w/ hay and alfalfa. But he continues to have these 'episodes' which are minor but always stressful as I have to get to work in mornings and have to leave him not knowing if its a real colic or an 'episode.'
I'm at my wits end here! I've tried everything I've been told to try. I can't afford meds any longer and I dont think they're really working as he still has episodes when on it. The only thing I haven't tried is 24/7 turnout. I'm going to try that but I'm very concerned w/ the stress this will cause him w/ the change in routine...and missing his buds that have to be in during day. He will be out w/ one other horse, not alone but he has a particular bud that doesn't stay out during day that won't be out w/ him. Any more suggestions? I understand 24/7 turnout is best but is the stress the change in routine is going to cause going to be greater than the advantages of 24/7 out? ANY SUGGESTIONS would be welcome.

Where are you from? VA

How did you locate this forum? searching for info on ulcers

Hi Kelly,

I can certainly understand your frustration. I have a few suggestions for you.

First, the goal is to provide hay and/or pastsure 24/7. This is the most critical factor in preventing and healing ulcers. Horses' stomachs release acid all the time, unlike our stomachs that only release acid when we eat. This is because horse's are designed to eat all the time. Forage also causes chewing, which produces saliva -- a natural antacid.

So, all your horses, not just this one with an ulcer, should have hay or pasture at all times.

Now, about your question regarding turnout 24/7 --- this would be ideal, however, if it causes him stress being away from his favorite buddy, then give him hay, instead. The goal is to have 24/7 forage, whether it be fresh grass or hay.

Another suggestion ... avoid cereal grains such as oats, corn, or barley. These cause an increase in acid production and make it difficult for an ulcer to heal. So, if you are feeding any meals, in addition to forage, go with a low starch/low sugar feed or simply feed beet pulp or alfalfa pellets.

Another important nutritional improvement would be added B vitamins. BPlex is a combination of all 8 B vitamins, which are essential for digestive health.

And, finally, take a look at AmiQuell ... this product is designed to help the digestive tract heal without the use of drugs. You'll need to add it to some feed, so again, a low starch commercial feed, or some basic ingredients such as beet pulp or alfalfa pellets.

Please keep me posted on how he's doing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Just a followup as Im catching up on all these postings and came across my own!! My boy is now a 4yr old, broke to ride and is doing wonderful. He is out 24/7 whenever it is feasible. In cold/wet/hot weather he comes in 1/2 day. When he is in he gets as much hay as possible, some days cleans it up others leaves some. I also give him some alfalfa cubes if hes staying in as a 'bribe' to be a good quiet boy for awhile in his stall. He gets 2qt scoop of TC Low Starch 1x a day w/ 1tsp of Probios and a vit/min supplement. I just HAVE to get on my soapbox and say despite ALL the money I spent on this horse and the torture of medicine,etc the easiest solution was the fix. I talk to people all the time about ulcers who say well my horse cant be turned out but maybe just an hour or so, I say well then pay fortunes for meds. Being out is cheap and it worked! And I think he's much happier and healthier for it! Just a moment on my soapbox!

Where are you from? VA

How did you locate this forum? searching for info on ulcers

Hello Kelly! What wonderful news -- I am so pleased to hear how well your horse is doing. And, you're right, the simplest fix is to allow your horse to be a horse and feed him the way his body was intended to be fed.

Thanks for your patience in my getting back to you. I'm writing an equine nutrition book which will finally be done in time for the winter holidays. I have a whole chapter devoted to digestive problems, so you can be sure I'll be talking about ulcers and how to prevent and treat them.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO