by Diamond Channing

Created on: January 18, 2011   Last Updated: January 19, 2011

When a horse has stomach ulcers it is referred to as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome or EGUS and can be caused by a number of different factors. The syndrome can affect the performance and the personality of the horse. A correct diagnosis must be made by a veternarian through observation, an endoscopic exam or both. Stomach ulcers can range in severity from lesions that are mild and will usually heal on their own without any signs of scarring to more serious lesions which can cause permanent damage and occasionally death.

It can be a bit challenging to diagnose stomach ulcers since symptoms of digestive issues can also mean other medical conditions. Sometimes digestive issues are misdiagnosed as being related to behavioral or training issues. Some of the more common reasons a horse will develop stomach ulcers include being fed two to three large meal per day, being fed large grain or processed feed and limited turnout.

Signs of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome can include a change in the horses attitude and personality.  A usually docile and willing horse that suddenly becomes nappy or sullen may be in pain from the ulcers. A horse might show signs of pain when being tacked up. If the horse lays his ears back, bites or stamps when having the girth of the saddle tightnened, it might be another sign of pain from stomach ulcers.

A poor appetite is another common symptom of EGUS where the horse suddenly becomes uninterested with eating or grazing. This is caused by the stomach acids being affected by eating which causes the ulcers to form. This can also be a symptom of possible colic which can be a life threatening condition and should be ruled out first. If a horse is found to have colic it must be treated promptly. Recurrent colic involves the intestinal tract to not function correctly either due to stomach upset or a physical blockage. Symptoms of colic include pain, kicking or pawing at the stomach area and cease of bowel movements. 

If the horse is losing weight due to not having an interest in eating and grazing it could be a sign of EGUS. A noticeable dull and rough coat will often be observed in horses with EGUS as well as a more prominent showing of the ribs and spine. Another sign of EGUS might involve changes in manure pattern with diarrhea or reduced stool. A healthy horse will produce frequent and semi-solid clumps of manure whereas a horse with EGUS might experience loose, watery and infrequent bowel movements. Even though these can

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