🔥 Vet Guide 2025: Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Performance Horses 🐴🩺

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Gastric ulcers are one of the most common yet underrecognized health problems in horses—especially those in active training or high-stress environments. In this 2025 update, Dr Duncan Houston explains where ulcers form, why certain horses are more vulnerable, and how to distinguish between different types of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). 🐎🧬

🩻 Two Parts of the Horse’s Stomach

The horse’s stomach is divided into two regions:

• ⚪ Squamous (non-glandular) region – No acid protection, most commonly ulcerated
• 🔴 Glandular region – Produces acid and protective mucus

Most ulcers in performance horses develop in the squamous region due to acid exposure from exercise and stress. 🧪

🏇 Why Training Triggers Squamous Ulcers

During exercise, the horse’s abdomen contracts and causes acid to splash upward onto the unprotected squamous lining. This creates ideal conditions for ulceration. 💥

Ulcer Risk Stats:

• 📉 100% of Thoroughbreds in training show ulcers within 2–3 months
• 📉 60–90% of Standardbreds, show horses, and endurance horses also affected

Even pleasure horses in moderate training can develop ulcers. Training = risk. ⏱️

😟 The Role of Stress

Ulcers are also linked to chronic or environmental stress. Common triggers include:

• 🚚 Frequent travel
• 🏙️ Urban boarding environments
• 🚫 Isolation from other horses
• ⚒️ Certain training styles and handling methods

These factors create a neuroendocrine response that suppresses the stomach’s protective mechanisms. 🧠

💊 Ulcers from Medications Are Different

While many owners worry about NSAIDs (like bute or Banamine) causing ulcers, it's important to understand:

• 💉 NSAID-induced ulcers affect the glandular portion of the stomach
• 🔥 Stress/training ulcers affect the squamous portion

They are separate conditions with different causes, risk factors, and treatments. ❗

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Insight

"Just because a horse gets ulcers from stress doesn’t mean they’re at higher risk from bute. Know which stomach region is affected—it matters." 🐴💊

🧪 Recognizing Ulcer Signs

• 🥕 Decreased appetite, especially for grain
• 🪑 Girthing sensitivity or flank pain
• 📉 Weight loss or poor topline
• 💢 Behavioral changes, irritability
• 💩 Intermittent colic or discomfort after meals

Diagnosis is confirmed by gastroscopy, the gold standard for evaluating ulcer severity. 🔬

✅ Prevention and Management Tips (2025)

• 🌿 Feed forage first and provide hay before exercise
• 🧂 Reduce fasting time—avoid empty stomachs
• 🩺 Use omeprazole or sucralfate under veterinary supervision
• 🌳 Provide turnout and reduce isolation
• 🧠 Monitor stress and workload changes

🔚 Final Thoughts: Know Your Horse’s Gut

Not all ulcers are the same, and not all stomach pain comes from training. By understanding your horse’s unique risks—whether from stress, NSAIDs, or workload—you can better prevent and treat gastric ulcers. 🐎❤️

Need support managing ulcer risk in your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert equine GI help. 📱🩺