Recent Research Linked to Increased Incidence of
Gastric Ulcers in Recreational Horses
Researchers at Iowa State University are shedding light on gastric ulcer prevalence in recreational horses. Once thought only to be a menace to elite equine athletes, a recent study has revealed that horses develop gastric ulcers within five days of exposure to a recreational show or event. Signs of gastric ulcers include poor attitude, decreased appetite, weight loss, chronic colic and diarrhea, dull coat, and decreased performance.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Scott McClure, DVM, PhD concluded that gastric ulcers occur in as many as seven of 10 horses subjected to normal activities related to weekend show travel.
Twenty horses were used in the study. At the onset of the study all were housed in paddocks and through the use of endoscopy were found to have normal stomachs with no signs of ulceration. Ten of the horses were then exposed to a course of events similar to those that would occur during a weekend horse show: four hours of transport to an unfamiliar facility; three days of light training; near-constant stall confinement; twice-daily feedings; and a four-hour return trip. The other ten horses served as the control group and remained in the paddock at the original location. On the day after the horses returned from their journey, all 20 underwent a second endoscopy.
Of the ten horses that traveled, seven developed gastric ulcers within five days. In addition, two of the control horses developed ulcers, most likely due to the inevitable social re-organization of the herd after the removal of the other horses.
This study reveals how quickly horses can develop gastric ulcers even when used for recreational purposes such as weekend horse shows. The research done by McClure and coworkers highlights the necessity for preventing gastric ulcers in horses.
Neigh-Lox is a nutritional supplement designed specifically to maintain normal digestive function in all horses. A stomach kept healthy by Neigh-Lox translates into top performance, anywhere and anytime.
Neigh-Lox is a palatable, pelleted supplemented that comes in a handy, travel-size 3.5-pound bucket or a 25-pound bucket.
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