Seabuck - Equine Gastric Ulcers

A surprisingly high percentage of horses suffer from gastric ulcers to one degree or another.  Understanding the signs and symptoms is an important part of being a horse owner if you want your horse to be healthy and performing at its best.  

 Which horses are prone to gastric ulcers?

·          90% of Race Horses

·          60% of Performance Horses

·          50% of Foals

·          30% of Leisure Horses

 *approximate percentages

What are equine gastric ulcers?

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), a term used to describe horses with gastric ulcers, refers to damage to the horse’s stomach lining from excessive stomach acid.  This acid-induced damage can cause great discomfort, not to mention reduced performance and condition problems.  In some cases, usually in foals, ulceration can be severe enough to cause death.

 What are some of the causes of equine stomach ulcers?

All the risk factors for equine gastric ulcers have yet to be determined, but some of the more commonly encountered ones are presented below.  It is important to note, however, that horses can develop severe ulcers even in the absence of these characteristic risk factors.

·          Diet – As horses’ stomachs are designed for constant foraging, there is a continuous secretion of acid within the stomach.  Prolonged periods without food to neutralize the acid can lead to ulceration. 

·          Training & Exercise – There is a definite association between equine training and gastric ulcers.  Even non-intensive training is associated with a high prevalence of stomach ulcers.  It has been shown that blood flow to the stomach (which helps to remove acid) decreases with exercise – while increased pressure in the abdomen during exercise pushes acid up into the sensitive portion of the stomach.

·          Physical Stress & Illness – Gastric ulcers can occur in response to physiological stress.  Shock, respiratory disease and traumatic injury may play a role.  Equine transportation and stable confinement are proven risk factors in causing ulcers.

·          Psychological stress – While psychological stress is difficult to evaluate in horses and foals, stressful conditions may adversely influence feed intake, resulting in periods of increased stomach acidity.

·           Medication – Some long-term medications can produce adverse gastric effects,  as they may inhibit production of the substances that help to protect the stomach.

 How  can you tell when your horse has gastric ulcers?

The signs of gastric ulcers can be very difficult to recognize, but may include one or more of the following.

• Poor Appetite

• Weight Loss

• Poor Performance

• Dull or Rough Hair Coat

• Behavioral or Attitude Changes

• Mild or Recurrent Colic

 Can gastric ulcers be easily treated?

Once gastric ulcers develop, changes in feed and stabling alone are usually not sufficient to remedy them.  But a vet can treat gastric ulcers, simply and very effectively.  Horses may be able to train and even compete while undergoing treatment.

 Can gastric ulcers be prevented?

You can reduce the potential for gastric ulcers by eliminating the risk factors that have been proven to cause them.  You can also use preventative treatments during times of risk.

 How can SeaBuck Complete help prevent equine gastric ulcers?

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common medical problem in horses.  Current pharmaceutical treatments are expensive and reduce the acidic environment of the stomach, which may affect digestion.  SeaBuck has recently been the focus of a study at Louisiana State University to evaluate the effects that sea buckthorn berry pulp has on the treatment or prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. SeaBuck Complete contains sea buckthorn berry pulp, which is a rich source of vitamins, omega fatty acids, trace minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and other bioactive substances.

 The study concluded that:

• SeaBuck prevented the worsening of glandular ulcers during feed-deprivation in the horses in the study.

• The horses treated with SeaBuck had fewer and less severe non-glandular ulcers,

•  SeaBuck, containing sea buckthorn berry pulp, may have efficacy in preventing ulcers from forming or existing ulcers from worsening in horses that are stall confined and undergoing a feeding stress.

  Seabuck Complete is a cost effective way to help prevent equine gastric ulcers.  In addition to the benefits it  offers for ulcer prevention, the product also:

•  Helps maintain a healthy shiny coat.

• Helps maintain consistent eating habits during times of stress.

• Provides powerful antioxidants.

• Helps maintain a healthy reproductive function.

• Helps to stimulate hoof growth.

For more information about SeaBuck Complete, visit www.seabuck.com or call SeaBuck Equine at      866-593-9446

*Much of the informational content about equine gastric ulcer syndrome is found at www.equinegastriculcers.co.uk