Equine Stomach Ulcers Still at 60%
By TheHorse.com, http://tinyurl.com/4xpy9o2
For the second year, a nationwide series of more than 160 gastroscopy events showed 60% of horses were identified with stomach ulcers, according to a press release from Merial.
Some horses do tend to suffer in silence. I thought this article said it quite well how many horses are suffering with hidden illnesses and may be acting out not from misbehavior, but from pain. This is a shining example of why it’s so important to talk directly with your horse often!
For the second year, a nationwide series of more than 160 gastroscopy events showed 60% of horses were identified with stomach ulcers, according to a press release from Merial.
“This is the second year that these scopings were able to show horse owners the type of potentially painful stomach ulcers that their horses have been dealing with,” said April Knudson, DVM, manager of Merial Veterinary Services. “Many times, horses are suffering in silence from stomach ulcers due to their natural tendencies as a prey animal to mask pain.”
Veterinarians evaluated the horses’ stomachs using gastroscopy. Throughout the year, 1,532 horses across the country participated. Overall, 922 horses from 37 states had some ulceration as identified by gastroscopy.
There are many triggers for stomach ulcer development, and stress is an important factor, Knudson said. Horses may experience stress when exposed to such situations as competition, training, travel, lay-up due to sickness or injury, shows or events, limited turnout or grazing, and trailering.
Ulcers can develop quickly, too. One study showed that horses can develop stomach ulcers in as little as five days.
No related posts.
Horse Talk | valheart | 
May 5, 2010 6:21 pm
Special Report You Must Read BEFORE Hiring An Animal Communicator, complimentary subscription to Val's Award Winning eNewsletter!
Learn Animal Talk Yourself! in ONE 'virtual' weekend! The world's first Animal Communication System Virtual Retreat™ 
Free Class! 3 Secrets to Understanding Animals Stop the Expensive Guesswork That May Cost Your Animal Their Life... and Empty Your Pocketbook 
Free Happy Animal Assessment & Evaluation Meeting Apply for a complimentary meeting IF you're serious about improving your animal's health, well-being & performance. 
Paws Before Dying Caring for senior dogs through their golden years, during transition and reconnecting in the Afterlife. 
You Can Heal Your Animals! Learn 3 Ways to Combine Animal Reiki & Animal Talk to Ease Pain & Discomfort! 
Don't Screw Up Your Dog! Learn how to avoid the top 12 most costly mistakes dog parents make 
Free - The Real Dr. Doolittle Show! Join our podcast for all animal lovers - on iTunes! 
Meet Val 
By Rebecca, May 8, 2010 @ 10:23 am
Hi Val,
Thank you for all of your articles.
The first thing that came to mind after reading this one about stomach ulcers is that: along with stress, if a horse is drinking city water or eating treated (non-organic) hay, grass or grains, that the chemicals could speed the development of the ulcers. Your thoughts?
Rebecca
By valheart, September 7, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
I completely agree Rebecca, toxic chemicals can definitely eat away at the lining of the stomach and contribute (maybe even cause) ulcers. Thanks for posting your comment!