There is “something” with your horse but you can’t really determine exactly what this “something” is.
His performance is declining, he is not eating as well.
He is even starting to get a little skinny and a dull coat.
With these signs you might think of a gastric ulcer.
Stomach ulcers, by the way, occur in more than half of horses so it’s not really very unusual, just very worrisome!
Gastric ulcers are erosions at the level of the mucosa of the stomach.
When forage is low, there is too little saliva production, resulting in insufficient buffering of stomach acid.
High sugar and starch levels also increase acid production.
The use of anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, reduces the protective capacity of the gastric mucosa.
Stress is also a very important factor that lowers the protective capacity.
The risk of stomach ulcers is increased in this way.
The stomach is partially filled with stomach acid.
Stomach acid is necessary to break food into small pieces.
It also provides a good environment for digestive enzymes.
In addition, stomach acid prevents microorganisms that may enter the stomach with the food from surviving.
Thus, stomach acid prevents possible infections.
Stomach acid production in horses occurs continuously unlike in humans where it is only triggered during eating.
Saliva and food act as a buffer against stomach acid.
Unlike humans who constantly produce saliva, a horse only produces saliva when chewing.
Roughage keeps saliva production going.
Supplementing the ration with various fibers and extending a horse’s chewing time while eating provides a natural buffer and protects the stomach lining.
Florian has developed products especially for horses with a sensitive stomach or disturbed digestion.
Digest comfort consists of a uniquely selected seaweed mix and protects the stomach lining.
Our roughage mixes extend chewing time and neutralize acidity in the stomach.
Author: Dr. Hilde Vrancken
Vet
