Show horses are prime candidates for ulcers because exercise, stress and travel are proven risk factors. “The interesting thing about this disease is that it seems to be affected by the environmental stressors,” Sherry Johnson, DVM, says. “Management, stress levels and even housing conditions have been shown in literature to be associated with a horse’s chances of developing ulcers.”
Nervousness, cinchiness, poor coat condition and diarrhea are the most readily promoted symptoms of ulcers.
Source: InStride Edition, February 6, 2019. Link.
At feeding time a horse with ulcers tends to go right after its hay or grain like any normal horse, but then may quit eating and stand at the back of the stall.
INSIGHTS: This is good information to share on social media and in e-newsletters.For horse owners who work and travel, the information will support their knowledge and may lend to good discussions about structured care regimens.