🩺 Vet Guide: Preventing Gastric Ulcers in Horses | 2025 Stress, Feeding & Proven Treatment Strategies 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Gastric ulcers aren’t just a human problem—**they’re extremely common in horses**, especially those used in training, showing, or racing. The modern lifestyle of performance horses is a perfect storm for ulcer development, but with the right management, this painful condition is highly preventable. 🧠🐎

In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through how ulcers form, which horses are at highest risk, and what **science-backed strategies** truly work to prevent them. ✅

🔍 What Are Gastric Ulcers?

Equine gastric ulcers are erosions in the **lining of the stomach**, usually caused by excess acid. Unlike humans, horses produce **stomach acid 24 hours a day**—even when they aren’t eating. 🌡️

In wild horses or those turned out on pasture, this isn’t a problem. They graze continuously, which buffers the acid. But in **stall-kept horses fed twice daily**, acid can build up and damage the unprotected upper portion of the stomach. 🧪

📈 How Common Are Ulcers?

• 🏇 **90% of racehorses** develop gastric ulcers
• 🏆 **60% of show horses** are affected
• 📉 Even pleasure horses with stressful routines are at risk

And most ulcer cases are **man-made**, driven by how we house, feed, and work our horses. 🧠

⚠️ Risk Factors for Equine Ulcers

• 🚫 Feeding only 1–2 times per day
• 🚚 Frequent transport and travel stress
• 📏 Prolonged stall confinement
• 🏇 High-intensity training schedules
• 🤐 Limited social interaction with other horses
• 💊 Use of NSAIDs like bute without gastric protection

Modern routines don’t always match a horse’s biology—and ulcers are often the result. ⚖️

🌿 Signs Your Horse May Have Ulcers

Common Symptoms Include:

• 📉 Weight loss or poor body condition
• 😠 Behavioral changes or girthiness
• 🥕 Poor appetite, especially for grain
• 🐴 Teeth grinding or excess salivation
• 🛌 Reluctance to train, sour attitude under saddle
• 💩 Loose manure or mild colic signs

Ulcers are often **silent** until they become serious. If your horse shows any of these signs, it’s worth discussing with your vet. 🧠

✅ Prevention Strategies for 2025

1. 🌾 Provide Free Access to Forage

Horses should **never go more than 4–5 hours without hay or pasture**. Grazing buffers stomach acid and keeps the GI system moving. 🌿

2. 🐴 Limit Stall Confinement

Horses housed in stalls without movement or stimulation are **more likely to develop ulcers**. Turnout is ideal, but if stalling is necessary, provide social contact and enrichment. 🔁

3. 🧠 Reduce Stressors

Minimize stress from hauling, unfamiliar environments, or high-intensity training. Use **consistent routines** and consider calming aids when necessary. 🎯

4. 💊 Use Proven Preventatives When Needed

If your horse is under stress or on medications like bute, a preventative like **GastroGard (omeprazole)** may be recommended. This is the **only FDA-approved product** for treating and preventing gastric ulcers in horses. ✅

Many other supplements and “ulcer pastes” exist, but most **lack scientific proof**. Stick with what works. 📊

📉 What Doesn’t Work?

• 🚫 Feeding large grain meals twice a day
• 🚫 Long periods without forage
• 🚫 Overuse of NSAIDs like bute or Banamine without protection
• 🚫 Believing all ulcer products are created equal—**they’re not**

📲 Use Ask A Vet for Ulcer Support

The Ask A Vet app is your tool for diagnosing and preventing ulcers the smart way:

• 📱 Ask about behavior changes or GI issues
• 📋 Track feeding routines and stress factors
• 💊 Get vet-approved ulcer treatment and prevention plans
• 📈 Monitor your horse’s comfort and recovery over time

Stop guessing—start protecting your horse’s gut. 🐴📲

✅ Gastric Ulcer Takeaways for 2025

• 🧠 Most ulcers in horses are **caused by management, not illness**
• 📉 Stall life, high grain diets, and stress increase ulcer risk
• 🌿 Continuous forage access is the best prevention
• 💊 Use proven products like **GastroGard** when needed
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet to create a prevention or treatment plan

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Gastric ulcers are common, costly, and completely preventable. By respecting your horse’s natural biology—grazing, movement, companionship—you’ll dramatically reduce their risk. When extra help is needed, **stick to treatments backed by science**. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app to discuss ulcer signs, feeding plans, and treatment options tailored to your horse. 🐎📱