Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hello Lisa,
I would expect the opposite to be true -- that is, hyaluronic acid would assist in healing of ulcers, rather than causing them. HA works to help tissues regenerate and if there is a wound (ulceration) in the digestive tract, HA would be beneficial. So to my knowledge, I have not come accross anything to suggest that HA is harmful for horses that are prone toward ulcers.
A few suggestions...
If you are feeding anything starchy -- oats, or sweet feeds, or pelleted feeds made from cereal grains (oats, corn, barley, etc.), they should be discontinued. Starch does cause more acid production in the stomach.
Be sure to always allow your horse to have hay available. An empty stomach is asking for an ulcer since a horse's stomach always produces acid. That's why horse's need to chew -- to produce saliva, a natural antacid. When a horse has all the hay he wants, and he never runs out, he will self-regulate his intake and eat what his body needs. Furthermore, an empty stomach can not only lead to ulcers, but to colic, since the acid destroys the hindgut bacteria.
Stress is another factor, so give your horse turnout as much as possible -- preferably 24/7.
And finally, water -- this time of year, horses will often drink less if the water is icey. So, heat your water to 50 degrees F to optimize water consumption.
These are a few ideas and you may already be doing all or some of them. But, just in case, I thought I'd see if there was another factor that could help.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Hores
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Thanks for the feedback and yes, I already do incorporate all of your suggestions and have for a long time.
The reason I suspect the LubriSyn (HA) causing the GI tract problems is because this is the second time this horse has developed problems after being on the LubriSyn about four months, two different times. Isn't hyaluronic acid considered an anti-inflammatory and wouldn't it be similar to NSAID on the GI tract?
Thanks
Lisa 
Where are you from? TX
How did you locate this forum? online
Hi Lisa,
True, HA does reduce joint inflammation but it is not a COX enzyme inhibitor, like many NSAIDs. Instead, it reduces inflammation by becoming part of tissues (connective tissue and joint synovial fluid, in the case of joints).
However, if your horse is exhibiting digestive problems after consuming HA, I would suggest discontinuing it. He may be particularly sensitive to it or perhaps some other inactive ingredient in the LubriSyn.
You might try a different joint supplement that contains HA and see if it makes a difference. If it does not bother your horse, then it's not the HA but rather another ingredient in LubriSyn.
Keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
The reason I suspect the LubriSyn (HA) causing the GI tract problems is because this is the second time this horse has developed problems after being on the LubriSyn about four months, two different times. Isn't hyaluronic acid considered an anti-inflammatory and wouldn't it be similar to NSAID on the GI tract?
Thanks
Lisa
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO