Instructions
Get a diagnosis. The technique used to diagnose an ulcer is called scoping. Your veterinarian will insert a camera into your horse's stomach and check for signs of ulceration. It is not a complicated procedure.
Keep a feeding routine and increase the amount of roughage in your horse's diet. Horses do best when allowed to graze continually. If that is not practical, provide regular--and frequent--feedings. A minimum of 4 feedings is recommended; 8 to 12 is better.
Limit grain. Add supplements to your horse's diet if necessary and consider giving a probiotic to enhance digestion.
Make changes gradually. Whether it's a feeding routine or an exercise regimen, make changes slowly. Horses need time to adjust. Rapid changes stress your horse and increase stomach acid.
Limit NSAID use if possible. Continuous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Bute and Banamine can interfere with the production of chemicals that block acid.
Provide companionship. Lonely horses are stressed horses. If your horse if confined to her stall for a period of time, be sure she can see her companions. Companions don't have to be horses; goats, donkeys and cats can fit the bill.
Consider preventative medications during stressful events. If you're trailering, showing or competing with your horse, there are medications that your veterinarian can prescribe that will help block or buffer the production of stomach acids and protect your horse's gut.
How to Treat Ulcers in Horses
Ulcers usually make people think of a stress-filled, high-pressure lifestyle. However, even horses can get ulcers. How can a horse get an ulcer? Inconsistent feeding and exercise routines can wreak havoc with your horse's gut, causing ulcers and predisposing him to colic. Learn how to manage and prevent the conditions that lead to this increasingly common equine health condition.