Companion Animals

Horse Ulcer Welfare and Management

Gastric ulcers affect up to 80% of performance horses. Understanding causation enables prevention that dramatically reduces suffering.

Key Facts

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects 40-80% of racehorses and event horses
Horses evolved to graze continuously - periods without forage allow stomach acid to damage the mucosa
Stress, NSAID use, and high-intensity exercise are key risk factors for ulcer development
Clinical signs include poor performance, reluctance to work, and changes in demeanor
Omeprazole treatment is effective but expensive - prevention through forage management is more sustainable

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers cause chronic abdominal discomfort that significantly affects performance horse welfare and quality of life. The fundamental cause - long periods without forage in a stomach evolved for continuous grazing - is a direct consequence of how horses are managed. Providing ad libitum access to forage, particularly hay before exercise, is the most effective welfare-positive preventive intervention.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have continuous forage access, particularly before and after exercise
Avoid extended periods without forage, especially when horses are stabled
Work with your veterinarian on preventive strategies for horses in high-risk work categories
Monitor for behavioral signs of gastric discomfort including girthiness and reluctance to work