🧪 Vet Research 2025: What Science Says About Gastric Ulcers in Horses 🐴📊

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Gastric ulcers are among the most commonly diagnosed health conditions in horses today. With advancements in diagnostic tools like gastroscopy, veterinarians can now visualize the horse’s stomach and identify ulcers in real time. In this 2025 overview, Dr Duncan Houston reviews the latest research on ulcer prevalence, causes, signs, and the best evidence-based treatments. 🐎🔬

📊 How Common Are Equine Gastric Ulcers?

According to Dr. Al Merritt from the University of Florida:

• 📉 Between 50–90% of horses suffer from gastric ulcers
• 🏇 Performance horses and racehorses are most susceptible

This wide range depends on diet, management, stress, and athletic workload. ⚠️

🧪 Anatomy of Ulcers: Two Regions, Two Causes

The equine stomach has two regions:

• 🔴 Glandular portion (pH 1–2) – highly acidic and naturally protected
• ⚪ Non-glandular (squamous) portion (pH 5–7) – unprotected and easily damaged by acid

Horses produce stomach acid continuously, even when not eating. When saliva (which buffers acid) is limited—such as in stalled horses on grain-heavy diets—acid can splash into the squamous area and cause ulcers. 😬

📋 Signs of Gastric Ulcers

• 🥕 Poor appetite or picky eating
• 😐 Dullness, mood changes, or irritability
• 📉 Declining performance or reluctance to work
• 🐎 Weight loss and poor coat condition
• 💢 Girthiness or flank sensitivity
• 🔁 Intermittent colic-like behavior

📉 Ulcer Risk Factors

1️⃣ High-Concentrate Diets

• 🥣 More grain, less hay = higher ulcer risk

2️⃣ Stall Confinement

• 🚪 Horses in stalls eat less frequently and experience more stress

3️⃣ Stress and Travel

• 🚚 Hauling, training, and competition all increase acid and cortisol levels

🌿 Prevention Tips Backed by Research (2025)

• 🌾 Feed more hay, especially before exercise
• 🌱 Provide pasture turnout or use slow feeders to mimic grazing
• 🔄 Avoid abrupt feed changes and long fasting periods
• 🧠 Reduce stress—provide socialization and enrich the environment

💊 What Works: FDA-Approved Medications

There are countless ulcer products on the market—but only two are FDA-approved and scientifically proven:

• 💊 GastroGard® – omeprazole for treatment
• 🛡️ Ulcergard® – omeprazole for prevention

🚫 Use Caution With:

• 📉 Unapproved generics or compounded omeprazole (often unstable in stomach acid)
• 💬 Supplements marketed on testimonials, not trials

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"When it comes to ulcers, stick with what’s backed by science. Prevention starts in the feed room—not the medicine cabinet." 🐴🩺

🔚 Final Thoughts: Science First, Supplements Second

Gastric ulcers are preventable and treatable, but only if you use evidence-based strategies. Feed more forage, limit stress, and rely on trusted medications when needed. Always consult your vet before starting any ulcer regimen. 🐎❤️

Need help managing gastric ulcers in your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 expert support. 📱💊