When it comes to equine stomach ulcers, people often think of the skinny horse, the fussy horse, the horse with the dull coat. But, what if I told you that even if your horse is round and shiny, they may still be suffering from ulcers.
Why do I say that?
In a recent study of 203 horses, researchers found no relationship between body condition score (i.e. how fat or skinny a horse is) and whether or not they had gastric ulcers. Importantly, these horses were not high level athletes like racehorses, or competing at a national level. These horses were just like yours or mine.
So, what does this tell us?
Well, as with all scientific research, it is important to look at the methodology. To qualify for this study, the horses had to fulfil one of two criteria: they either needed to show signs characteristic of ulcers (i.e. picky eating, weight loss, frequent colic) or be exposed to risk factors associated with ulcers (i.e. changes in management or diet, or treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).
So all the horses in the study were likely to be suffering from some sort of digestive issues, because they. were selected based on these criteria. The range of body condition score within the study was also relatively narrow. Out of the 203 horses, 202 had a body condition score between 2 and 4. This means that there weren’t any really skinny horses in the study, which would likely have affected the results.
Does that mean we should ignore this research?
No… The main outcome of this study are important for understanding the, occurrence of gastric ulcers within the ‘normal’ horse population. What we need to take away from this study, is that horses in optimum condition in terms of their weight do suffer from gastric ulcers. The researchers observed signs of Equine Gastric Squamous Disease (that is ulcers in the upper, non-protected half of the stomach) in 68% of horses. Furthermore they found also signs of Equine Gastric Glandular Disease (that is ulcers in the glandular, acid producing region of the stomach) in 25% of horses.
What does this mean to you?
Knowledge is power. Be aware of the risk factors associated with gastric ulcers (nutrition, exercise, travel, competition etc) and get on the front foot with protecting your horse. Really get to know your horse, and what is normal for them, in terms of their behaviour, attitude, eating habits. Ask yourself whether your horse’s behaviour is really normal? Do they have any quirks that you chalked down to them just being them 🤷♀️ There may be a different horse hiding under the invisibility cloak of gastric discomfort.
How can the Alternate Touch approach help?
We have a wide range of digestive support products that work together to support and protect both the fore and hind gut of your horse. Our best selling Equine Digestion Bars are designed to buffer the stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, promote healing, reduce inflammation, reduce bad bacteria and promote bacteria. The Equine Digestion Plus Bars have added mucilaginous ingredients to support the glandular lining of the stomach. We recommend using the bars in conjunction with our Digestive Support Elixir or Equine Pre-work Bars around work and travel. If you’re horse is also anxious (read more about stress and ulcers here), then you have to check out our Nervous Nellie Bundle for everything you need to take your horse from anxious to excellent ❤️
Still unsure? Contact us for an obligation free chat about your horse ❤️