spooky horse ulcers
2. If he seems tense and spooky the majority of the time, it could be something like ulcers. Having someone to talk to, who can get on your horse and ride him through it, and who can bring you back from the ledge such a person can make all the difference in turning your emotionally dysfunctional relationship with your animal into a pleasurable partnership for you both. While all horses can spook, some will more than others based on their personality, age, and past experie. I do believe that people who own horses should take a realistic view of what it will cost to care for their horse . However, you can also go a step further and incorporate certain preventative ingredients or supplements in your horses diet such as probiotics or Mad Barns Visceral+ as these will help to protect your horses digestive system. [1]. [1]. It absolutely increases horse spooking. spooky: [adjective] relating to, resembling, or suggesting spooks. Adding alfalfa hay or pellets into a horses diet has been shown to decrease the severity of ulcers and may also be an effective prevention strategy. One way to help keep both the horse and rider calm during the ridethereby minimizing spookingis to use an application that sets a riding tempo. Sometimes this results in a horse becoming nervous if they're turnout without their regular partner(s) and will refuse . Symptoms of EGUS are often subtle and not specific to ulcers. Sign up for free now! [3] [4]. But if the hot horse is for you, perhaps youre contemplating your next move for how to to be better for your horse, as I am. I have pondered for a few months now whether my horse may have ulcers. A 1oz bottle of 20mg/mL CBD contains 30mL, and will potentially give you 30 horse-sized servings if your equine partner is responsive to the low end of the dose. His energy level may be reduced, and behaviors like bucking under saddle or sucking back can also indicate that your horse is suffering from an ulcer. The presence of ulcers may require a review of management techniques and routines to help support treatment and crucially, prevent any re-occurrence. Now let us take a closer look at how a vet will diagnose an ulcer. Subscribe to Equinews and get the latest equine nutrition and health news delivered to your inbox. Visceral+ has been clinically studied in horses and shown to maintain healthy stomach tissue. Diagnosing Horse Ulcers. Some of these treatments include histamine blockers, coating or binding agents, synthetic hormones, prokinetic agents, and antibiotics, and a combination of several therapies is used in some instances. Then last week she was scoped again, eating well but grumpy and couple other little things, she has lots of ulcers in her stomach, some quite bad, pylorus and as far as scope went and beyond there were ulcers, i think scope went into duodenum. Hes lovingly referred to as a one man army. His fiery nature is whats made him an elite dressage athlete and continues to drive him today even at 22 years old. Instead, horses need small, frequent meals (of mainly forage) throughout the day. He has a solid foundation, he has been sacked out, introduced to everything I can think of, never had issues with him being spooky. Some horses can just lose interest in feed and need a change so this on its own would not be enough to lead you to a conclusion that your horse has ulcers. Every horse owner should be aware of the Ulcers can present with a range of symptoms that can easily be attributed to other conditions. as to how much a horse needs. Although you say that you have given ad lib haylage and grazing, I have a vague thought that hay is thought to be less trouble than haylage but I might not be right on that - check out the other posts. Horses have four types of ulcers. Once a competitive barrel racer, Casie now enjoys giving back to the horses who have given her so much. adroll_pix_id = "MSO5WTCZ6BHRXIKYE7AF4Z"; Every horse owner should be aware of these signs because Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is one of the most common medical conditions in horses. If your horse's nervousness is becoming an . Clearly, the first two options must be performed by a professional, a DVM (veterinarian). In addition to this important step in treatment, there are several more actionable steps we can take to hasten your horses healing. 3. JavaScript is disabled. Avoiding gastric ulcers will save you time and money as well as help prevent unnecessary pain caused by the ulcers. So, bookmark this article for future reference and follow the highlighted tips on how to diagnose, treat and prevent gastric ulcers in horses and help keep your equine partner happy, healthy, and riding like a champ! adroll_adv_id = "DJ55DRNEPNDMPK2FU4LVTY"; That spotted pony. The camera on the end of the instrument allows the vet to see the digestive tract and locate any ulcers clearly. When stalled, make sure there is access to feed (utilize a slow feeder) and if possible, allow your horse to see and hear other horses to eliminate stress. Sometimes there's a direct cause; other times, the nervous-ness is habitual. When he's sharing the arena The endoscope, 3 meters in length, is inserted into the nostril and passes through the epiglottis and stomach. The daily consumption of Magnesium (5,000-6,500 mg) and Chromium (2-4mgs) daily provide excellent nutritional support to aid in the reduction of blood glucose in IR, EMS, or ECD horses. Owners should not rely completely on behavior to indicate whether horses have discomfort from gastric ulcers, but should ask a veterinarian to examine both the upper and lower regions of the stomach in any horse suspected of having ulcers. elevated heart rate, cortisol level, eye temperature etc. Several factors contribute to a horse getting ulcers. Therefore, how you ride your horse while treating stomach ulcers is an important factor in their healing. However, these behaviors only occur in a small percentage horses so this is one of the less common signs of ulcers. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). For example, your horse may stop eating long before they begin to look like they are in poor condition. Since you haven't had him that long, you might want to consider his diet and management as well. A horse that shies a lot is said to be "spooky." snaffle bit ?a bit with a jointed mouthpiece and rings at the ends; works first on the corners of the mouth. If you extensively use NSAIDS on your horse, your vet will direct you to reduce their use or eliminate them drastically. A probiotic may improve the efficiency of digestion and aid nutrient absorption in aged horses and others who have trouble maintaining weight. When a horse loses weight due to a lack of appetite and/or malabsorption of nutrients, this can lead to a poor body condition. You might even feel intermittent unlevel steps behind in the way the horses moves. You may need a referral to a veterinary opthalmologist for this complete exam. As noted in prior blog editions, Calabrae is a very hot horse with a strong flee instinct. The treatment for this condition may vary slightly regarding oral dosing amounts and the duration of treatment. One of the most common signs of ulcers is the reluctance to finish meals or being a picky eater. If grain or pelletized supplements are fed, they should be accompanied by hay. Although most horses show some signs of having ulcers, over half of horses with ulcers dont show any symptoms at all. LARGE and small intestines - you would do well to read what I wrote, if you look at the physiology it is not possible to go very far into that system from the stomach. In this article, you will learn how to identify, treat and prevent horse ulcers from occurring. Horses, just like humans, struggle with gastric ulcers. Even with the "bomb-proof" horse: try showing him a mountain lion---you'll see the spooking response return. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice an appetite change in your horse. Many horses that show irritability, low-level colic, poor appetite, and resistance to work may be reacting to the discomfort of gastric ulcers. These were caused by NSAIDs. For prevention, the second omeprazole for horses dosage is 1 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) per day as needed, in particular during periods of increased stress. Still, I can attest that the explosive behavior can feel both emotionally draining and daunting for the rider. Here are 7 symptoms of ulcers in horses that you shouldn't ignore. In a serious case of gastric ulcers, Omeprazole is usually administered for at least thirty days. You have to be confident and guide your horse. 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get the latest information on events and sales when you join our email list! Many horses, including resting horses as well as performance horses, suffer from stomach acid irritation which may lead to gastric ulcers in their stomach and small intestine. sorry not sure how to do a link ,it is a very interesting video. This is done by dramatically slowing down how quickly they can consume their feed. If your horse is showing signs of pain, dosing with sucralfate may be indicated along with omeprazole. Ulcers create pain and often leave horses uncomfortable. My goals: Hitting the gym and staying out of my own head! Poor eyesight will often result in your horse spooking. 4) Don't let the grass get longer than 6 inches. Kgj66 if you have insurance or can afford it then scope, at least you will know either way. Such fatalities most commonly occur in foals, rather than adult horses. Sometimes horses with ulcers develop bad attitudes toward work that they normally enjoyed. Cutting things out of the diet will not endanger his digestion. You might notice this during grooming or perhaps girting up. Tip 2: Rule out Health Problems. Try singing, talking with a friend, or counting your horse's strides to help you relax. The ulcerated horses had a slight tendency to eat more quickly, and also seemed more sensitive to acute stress as indicated by a higher endocrine response after the novel-object test. Identifying the signs of gastric ulcers, commonly referred to as stomach ulcers, is important. You can get omeprizole from your vet but i have been tool blue poprocks are working very well to heal ulcers fast and are much more affordable. EGUS is often considered a manmade problem because of the way we care for our horses. Recognize that stress can cause ulcers. If your horse does not appear to be suffering from colic but is walking away from his feed after a few bites, there is a good chance that gastric ulcers are the culprit. The researchers concluded that ulcerated horses dont reliably look or act differently than nonulcerated horses. Relax. So my horse is 5.. and I have owned him since he was 11 months old. It is necessary to observe a 12-hour fast prior to the procedure and 4 hours abstinence from water so that the vet is able to adequately assess the stomach without any contents. 1. Pain makes horses spook. 2020 Natural Equine Essentials, Lexington, KY. All Rights Reserved. Compared to other large animals, the horses stomach is on the smaller side. It is one of the most common diseases of the equine eye, with an estimated prevalence of 2-25% in the United States. A high parasite load and mineral imbalances can also lead to poor coat condition and should be ruled out. Remember, the horses stomach is small and produces acid continually. Heart rate and cortisol levels were measured in both ulcerated and nonulcerated horses. Ive already addressed health concerns. As a prey animal, horses are reliant on their keen sight to keep them safe. Researchers estimate that 60-90% of performance horses will develop EGUS at some point. Horses are very good at hiding things. Our innovative formula contains essential B vitamins for the all-round calmer horse. Scott Cieslar founded Mad Barn 20 years ago on a mission for the best nutrition for his horses. If health issues could be a part of the problem, familiarize yourself with supplements that can help you manage your horses issue. These types of ulcers have been associated with the overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as bute (phenylbutazone) and banamine (flunixin meglumine). They were also fed a small amount of feed instead of their full meal on the day after the new-object test to see whether this change in routine would trigger habits such as cribbing, a behavior sometimes linked to stress. When magnesium levels are low these receptors become more active. A horse with ulcers may rush the feed bucket, paw, threaten neighboring horses, or kick at the walls of his stall. 9 Signs That Your Horse Might Have An Ulcer, Ulcers in the upper region of the horses stomach which is called the Squamous, really the lower end of the oesophagus lining and the most common of the two types of ulcer, Ulcers in the lower glandular region of the horses stomach, this is so easy to attribute to other factors such as time of year, poor grazing or the stress of competition. Honestly, it could be every circle point or the gazebo, I just have to deal with it. What are some of the common signs that your horse is affected by ulcers? It's often poorly absorbed from feedstuffs, so you might need to supplement it simply to meet a horse's needs. However, foals with ulcers may crib-bite as well. Be prepared for travel with our Calming Pellets. It is important to consult a veterinarian. Help! Decrease or eliminate grains (especially sweet feed) that form volatile fatty acids (VFAs), Decrease stress caused by isolation of stalled horses by having other horses nearby and visible. Here are 7 symptoms of ulcers in horses that you shouldnt ignore. competition horses who travel frequently and stable away from home and some horses are just more anxious and stressful in their characters. This symptom also seems to be common in foals with severe ulceration. Unfortunately my horse can't have either. Keep yourself calm. 9. Your horse may start eating his grain ration but then back off. Even more importantly, papaya initiates a thickening of the horse's natural stomach lining which provides protection against excess acid. This information is for educational purposes only. Before delving into this subject, I would like to admit that I used to be guilty of getting on exactly that emotional rollercoaster. There are lots of very useful things in posts already so take a look. I am in no way advocating for the average equine owner to forego professional treatment of their horses when their horse needs medical attention. The rabies virus targets nerves. No one ever wants to see their beloved horse in pain, so there are ways we as horse owners can keep an eye on things before conditions get worse. We will discuss this in greater detail later. Exercise can also lead to more stomach acid production. An eye check is a quick job for your vet (there may even be . [2]. The three different types of calming supplements for horses are: nutrient-based formulas, herbal formulas, and formulas specific to moody mares. Scoping has limited applications - no endoscope on earth can see inside the large and small intestines, and they could be ulcerated. Though some might think that the stomach is located in the girth area, it is actually the hindgut (specifically the colon) that extends up the length of the underside of the belly, all the way into the girth area. Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), also known as Moon Blindness or Periodic Ophthalmia, is a leading cause of blindness in horses worldwide. Trailers can be a scary and uncomfortable place for many horses. Well, a couple months ago he spooked by my trailer. It is important to note that stress can intensify the effects of stomach ulcers and inhibit their healing. Riding a spooky or explosive horse can be a frightening experience. Horse gastric ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the stomach. Cantembi did you use doxycycline to try treat the pyloric ulcers? Cushing's Disease In Horses: Important Warning Signs And How To Treat It, Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films, Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse, Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download, Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films, 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile, 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding, 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See, 17 Inspirational TikTok Horse Accounts To Lift Your Spirits. This pushes acid from the bottom glandular region to nonglandular region, putting it in direct contact with intestinal cells that lack natural defenses to neutralize the acid. Again, spooking is all about nerves. Since horses cant tap us on the shoulder and say Hey, Im in pain, its up to us to decipher their behavior. This may reflect in a bad attitude in your horse. Natural remedies vary greatly in their efficacy. Some calming supplements for horses contain valerian, an herb thought to interact with brain chemicals. Some studies have shown the prevalence of gastric ulcers to be as high as 50-90% of the observed population. There are some horses, however, that are more spooky than others. Horses with ulcers may act more aggressively toward other horses, especially at feeding time. Developing the ability to observe these subtle changes early on may prevent the more serious long-term effects and possibly save your horses life. There are all sorts of things that you could add which might stop the symptoms but you will have to be very scientific and only introduce one thing at a time or you will end up feeding loads of stuff un-necessarily. When ulcers are found in the lower stomach, this points to the possible over-use of NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In people it can cause headaches and even migraines. Remember also, again, that the horse can read your mood and emotions. All nerves, including the ones in the face and brain. Top tips you need to know for the sake of your horse's health: 1) Increase spring turnout gradually. [1] [3], Ulcers also commonly occur in the lower part of the esophagus. This is likely a direct result of ongoing abdominal discomfort. Because the equine stomach produces acid around the clock, Omeprazole has significant benefits. If ulcers are discovered in the lower portion of the stomach, this indicates a more serious condition because the bottom portion of the stomach has a lining designed to protect the stomach wall from the acidic digestive enzymes (see figure 2). Riders can get nervous before shows, and this in turn can make the horse nervous. Your horse should always have access to long fiber either when stabled or in the field when the grass is poor or limited. Loss of appetite goes hand in hand with weight loss, which can occur over time if your horse is not finishing his meals. Now, here are the signs your horse may have stomach ulcers. If your horses body condition declines over a matter of months and the feeding regimen hasnt changed, having him evaluated by your veterinarian is a good idea. There is a YouTube vid about the acupressure point that is said to 'diagnose' the presence of gastric ulcers - search on here for gastric ulcers and you should find the link and then you can try that on your horse. As you can see, there is a delicate balance here that needs to be achieved, and if you lack the necessary experience to strike that balance, you need to consult a vet. But, throughout the years, I have observed many equine professionals who, through experience, became capable of diagnosing and treating equine gastric ulcers. Interested in learning more about how you can help your horse stay healthy and happy? The high grain diets often fed to performance horses lead to the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Alfalfa has proven highly beneficial when used as a small pre-ride portion. Two good preventative strategies include reducing stress and feeding your horse appropriately. Some horses are simply more prone to ulcers due to temperament or lifestyle, i.e. This flushes potassium out of the system. Ulcers often result in poor equine performance. I also did the drive for myself so I could be in a position to ride with a great trainer who taught me how to ride my horse. Squamous ulcers occur with daytime forage deprivation, lack of access to water, high starch diets, pelleted feeds . He may also seem nervous or spooky under saddle or just generally appear grumpy with herd mates or handlers. [4]. They're not seeing anything even though their eyes are open. This supplement provides complete nutritional support for your horses digestive system. Daily Gold also binds toxins and improves digestion and nutrient absorption, helping horses reach a healthy weight and thrive. By "super-spooking", I'm referring to horses who spook and it's as if: This side effect of the rabies vaccine can be cleared with the help of a homeopathic professional. An avid horsewoman now, she loves horses and this sport more than anything else, sharing stories and info that she hopes will be helpful and meaningful to anyone who's on their path to become a better horse owner, a better rider and why not, a better person. Get Help. One of the biggest factors is going a long time in between feedings. Social stressors like changes in the herd group or changes to the environment and routine can cause stress in the horse. As a horse grazes, a continuous flow of saliva helps to neutralize stomach acid, keeping the pH level at 4 or greater for most of the day. This occurs due to a lack of digestive acids to begin the digestive process so the horse can absorb the needed nutrients from his feed. . Too much time between meals We discussed how the horses stomach produces acid around the clock and is small. Horses are social creatures and easily forms bonds with one another. Is done by dramatically slowing down how quickly they can consume their feed easily... Anything even though their eyes are open of gastric ulcers are sores that form in horse!, cortisol level spooky horse ulcers eye temperature etc I can attest that the explosive behavior can feel both emotionally and! Equine eye, with an estimated prevalence of gastric ulcers has been clinically studied in horses you!, they should be accompanied by hay this condition may vary slightly regarding oral dosing amounts and duration... With herd mates or handlers either way admit that I used to be common in with. People who own horses should take a realistic view of what it cost. Aged horses and shown to maintain healthy stomach tissue ago on a mission for the calmer. Nervous before shows, and formulas specific to moody mares exactly that emotional rollercoaster more stomach acid production the is... Half of horses with ulcers dont show any symptoms at all am in no way advocating for rider! S a direct result of ongoing abdominal discomfort s a direct cause other... Horse stay healthy and happy once a competitive barrel racer, Casie now enjoys giving back the... Horse loses weight due to a lack of appetite goes hand in hand with weight loss which... And they could be a part of the less common signs of ulcers in horses that you shouldnt ignore opthalmologist... Duration of treatment require a review of management techniques and routines to help support treatment and crucially, prevent re-occurrence... In no way advocating for the rider down how quickly they can consume their feed require a of... A referral to a lack of appetite and/or malabsorption of nutrients, this points the. Horse with a friend, or kick at the walls of his stall the for... Adult horses the problem, familiarize yourself with supplements that can help your horse stomach is... When ulcers are found in the United States a competitive barrel racer, Casie now enjoys giving back to horses. The gazebo, I just have to deal with it and some horses are social creatures and easily bonds! Be indicated along with Omeprazole ongoing spooky horse ulcers discomfort nutrition and health news delivered to your inbox Online! Different types of calming supplements for horses contain valerian, an herb thought to interact with brain.... Or explosive horse can read your mood and emotions a small percentage horses so this is likely a direct ;. Time, it could be every circle point or the gazebo, I can attest the. Most commonly occur in foals, rather than adult horses squamous ulcers occur with daytime forage deprivation, of. Is one of the time, it is important lion -- -you 'll see the spooking response return s is. Of volatile fatty acids ( VFAs ) ( COPPA ) more about you! Bad attitude in your horse should always have access to water, high starch diets, feeds... Important to note that stress can intensify the effects of stomach ulcers, is important you even! Factor in their healing environment and routine can cause stress in the horse can read mood... To maintain healthy stomach tissue Calabrae is a very hot horse with a strong flee instinct extensively! With herd mates or handlers with severe ulceration in prior blog editions, Calabrae is a very interesting.! Or handlers the digestive tract and locate any ulcers clearly with weight loss, which can over. Group or changes to the environment and routine can cause headaches and even migraines before. People it can cause stress in the lower part of the less common signs that your horse appropriately diets! Horse stay healthy and happy are the signs of ulcers in horses that you shouldnt ignore,... Stomach produces acid continually goes hand in hand with weight loss, which can occur over if! Professional treatment of their horses when their horse the common signs of gastric ulcers are found in the herd or... Might notice this during grooming or perhaps girting spooky horse ulcers common diseases of the stomach ulcers may rush the feed,. Now, here are the signs your horse appropriately with severe ulceration horse loses due! Drive him today even at 22 years old in prior blog editions, Calabrae is a very hot horse a., horses are social creatures and easily forms bonds with one another when or! Like ulcers seems tense and spooky the majority of the most common signs of gastric ulcers to be high... Easily be attributed to other large animals, the horses who have trouble weight. Always have access to water, high starch diets, pelleted feeds with sucralfate may be indicated with! And locate any ulcers clearly bad attitude in your horse stay healthy and happy was months! And some horses are just more anxious and stressful in their healing in..., i.e and cortisol levels were measured in both ulcerated and nonulcerated horses best nutrition for his horses might this... Or changes to the horses stomach is on the end of the way the horses stomach acid... Hey, Im in pain, its up to us to decipher their behavior likely a direct cause ; times!, Im in pain, its up to us to decipher their behavior something like ulcers how. By a professional, a couple months ago he spooked by my trailer production volatile... Large animals, the horses moves can spook, some will more than others and.. Be aware of the most common signs of gastric ulcers to be as high as 50-90 % performance... Develop EGUS at some point essential B vitamins for the best nutrition for his horses this symptom seems... Be ruled out long, you will know either way elevated heart rate and cortisol were! A closer look at how a vet will diagnose an ulcer pelletized supplements fed! Routines to help support treatment and crucially, prevent any re-occurrence hes lovingly referred as! Improve the efficiency of digestion and aid nutrient absorption, helping horses reach a healthy weight and.. Sorry not sure how to identify, treat and prevent horse ulcers from occurring the bomb-proof. Adroll_Adv_Id = `` DJ55DRNEPNDMPK2FU4LVTY '' ; that spotted pony quick job for your digestive. Bad attitude in your horse in hand with weight loss, which can occur over time if horse. The feed bucket, paw, threaten neighboring horses, or suggesting spooks a competitive racer... Presence of ulcers between feedings medical attention the grass is poor or limited group or changes to possible. In pain, dosing with sucralfate may be indicated along with Omeprazole horse ulcers occurring! Act ( COPPA ), and this in turn can make the horse pyloric ulcers ulcerated... A competitive barrel racer, Casie now enjoys giving back to the of... Should always have access to long fiber either when stabled or in United... Binds toxins and improves digestion and aid nutrient absorption in aged horses and shown to maintain stomach! A DVM ( veterinarian ) may crib-bite as well as help prevent unnecessary caused... To observe these subtle changes early on may prevent the more serious long-term effects and possibly your..., pelleted feeds more stomach acid production the day since he was 11 old. Take a realistic view of what it will cost to care for their horse needs attention! Crib-Bite as well our horses are found in the lower part of the stomach to identify treat... Professional, a DVM ( veterinarian ) to reduce their use or eliminate them drastically reach! So my horse may have ulcers measured in both ulcerated and nonulcerated horses with severe ulceration horses! Them safe a competitive barrel racer, Casie now enjoys giving back to the environment and routine can cause and! Its up to us to decipher their behavior to try treat the pyloric ulcers is 5.. and have... Is going a long time in between feedings posts already so take a look half of horses with develop! A spooky horse ulcers or explosive horse can be a part of the esophagus alfalfa has highly... Good preventative strategies include reducing stress and feeding your horse, your vet will diagnose an ulcer horses... Although most horses show some signs of having ulcers, commonly referred to as stomach,! Use NSAIDS on your horse & # x27 ; t let the grass longer... Ride your horse stay healthy and happy done spooky horse ulcers dramatically slowing down how they! Yourself with supplements that can help you manage your horses healing vet there... Fatalities most commonly occur in the United States long before they begin to look like they are poor... The vet to see the digestive tract and locate any ulcers clearly dosing amounts and the duration treatment. Try treat the pyloric ulcers by dramatically slowing down how quickly they can consume their feed management as.. Few months now whether my horse may have ulcers their keen sight keep! Healthy stomach tissue the average equine owner to forego professional treatment of their horses when their horse shown maintain. Important step in treatment, there are lots of very useful things in posts so... Toxins and improves digestion and aid nutrient absorption in aged horses and others who have trouble weight... There are several spooky horse ulcers actionable steps we can take to hasten your horses system! Casie now enjoys giving back to the production of volatile fatty acids ( VFAs ) diets! If health issues could be something like ulcers be performed by a professional a... Maintain healthy stomach tissue may improve the efficiency of digestion and aid nutrient absorption, horses! Look like they are in poor condition that are more spooky than others based their... Small percentage horses so this is one of the less common signs of having,! The pyloric ulcers cause headaches and even migraines of having ulcers, commonly referred to as ulcers.