UlcerGard
Breeding season can be a difficult time for owners and horses alike. While horse owners are hurrying to prepare facilities, the broodmares might be just as tense. Especially for young and maiden mares, the stress from being hauled to new facilities and being separated from stable mates might lead to stomach ulcers. And let’s not forget the foals that are with their mothers. Foals are stressed as well and I have seen many a colicky foal get treated for diarrhea as a cause of their discomfort when in fact it was an ulcer problem.
Stomach ulcers, which can develop in as little as five days, can be caused by situations as common as traveling and stall confinement. In fact, a recent study found that more than 75 percent of non-pregnant broodmares and 25 percent of foals were found to have stomach ulcers.
Because broodmares are often kept on pasture and don’t necessarily encounter risk factors for gastric ulcers, such as training or competing, we don’t often think of open broodmares or mares with babies as being at risk for stomach ulcers.
Limited grazing opportunities coupled with the stress of being stalled longer during preparation and transport means acid can build up in the horse’s stomach and lead to gastric ulcers.
Management changes, such as decreasing feed concentrate and providing plenty of alfalfa-based roughage, can create a buffer in the horse’s stomach and help prevent stomach ulcers. However, a good way to help prevent stomach ulcers is with the use of a preventive product.
For foals, I like to use a paste that acts as a buffer and a gut wall coating agent. Products that I have found useful are VBG gel and ProGut paste. They need to be given 2-3 times per day. If the foal is already showing signs of ulcers like grinding their teeth or rolling up on their backs or not stretching when they get up from laying down (a foal will always stretch when asked to get up, if they don’t, start looking for the problem signs and call a Veterinarian).
For mares there are many products that can be used. There are the buffers like Neigh-lox pellets that very palatable and inexpensive A product called “Restore” uses a combination of specific enzymes with amino acids, peptides and soluble nitrogen sources that have been specially blended to improve the digestion and nutrient utilization in horses of all ages. Another type of prevention called “Ulcergard Paste” is an acid pump regulator that can be used with great effectiveness.
If your mare is already showing some signs of gastric ulcer like mild to moderate colic, poor appetite (picky eater), or is uncommonly irritated (grouchy) you may want to get her checked out using either an Ulcer diagnostic fecal test called ‘Succeed Ulcer Test Kit’ which you can do on your own, or call a Veterinarian to possibly do a Nasogastric Scope.
All the products mentioned are available through www.heartlandvetsupply.com or for more information email Dr. Biehl at doc@heartlandvetsupply.com
Dave L. Biehl DVM
Heartland Veterinary Supply
401 w 33rd St.
Hastings NE 68901
1-800-934-9398
fax 402-463-2115
