Gastric Ulcers in Horses

produce fatty acids that may also contribute to the onset of ulcers.
Turnout has huge benefits for not only the health of the horses stomach but also for his mindset. Pasture turnout allows some form of grazing even during seasons when the grass isnt growing. It also provides opportunities to move roll blow off steam and socialize with others even if its just an overthefence conversation. Horses are highly social animals and crave the company of their own kind. With some freedom to move naturally anxiety stress and boredom are reduced. 
Knowing if your horse has a gastric ulcer means watching for signs that might be subtle at first. These include weight loss poor coat poor appetite a dullness and shift in attitude sluggish performance a tendency to lie down more often low grade colic or loose feces. Some horses will lie on their backs a position that foals will often adopt as it seems to relieve the stomach irritation.
Omeprazole available as an oral paste from your veterinarian under the trade name Gastrogard has proven to be effective in treating gastric ulceration in horses of all types. It is also considered valuable for the prevention of gastric ulcers during periods of increased stress which can be triggered by such things as trailering stabling in new environment or the demands of competition. Nieto stresses the importance of using the original product and not a cheaper derivative which may not contain the effective proportion of omeprazole in its ingredients. 
Prevention being preferable than the need for a cure some management changes can go a long way to providing a lifestyle that maintains the horses physical comfort level leading to a greater willingness to perform in the ring. Decreasing exposure to stressful situations such as avoiding unnecessary trailering and lowering the intensity of the horses exercise program can reduce some of the risk but a change in feeding routines and management may be the most important long range factor in prevention.
Daily pasture turnout for grazing and socialization is the absolute best choice. Even if horses cannot be turned out together it is highly preferable that they can at least see each other. If the horse must be contained in a stall small frequent feedings of roughage will increase saliva control acid production and help mitigate the threat of ulcers. If the horse tends to gobble his hay using a slow feeder hay net with