Evidence-based approaches to monitoring and managing gastric ulcers in performance and leisure horses.
Gastric ulcers represent widespread, chronic pain in the horse population, yet they are often underdiagnosed because affected horses frequently show subtle signs. Behavior changes such as girthiness, reluctance to work, poor appetite, and changes in temperament are common but may be misattributed to training problems or laziness. The welfare case for proactive monitoring, particularly in stabled or performance horses, is compelling. Management changes including ad libitum forage, reduced concentrate meals, and pre-exercise feeding significantly reduce ulcer incidence and recurrence.