Horse Hindgut Ulcers
“Taking care of a horse is not just a duty; it’s a heartfelt responsibility.”
This unknown quote quite handily sums up the majority of horse owners and equine enthusiasts. Horse owners are a special lot of people who take tremendous care of their four-legged friends because they rely on them to take care of the rider. A healthy horse has a shiny coat, strong, steady legs, and no signs or symptoms of horse hindgut ulcers.
However, ulcers, especially in performance horses, are very common. Researchers from UC Davis suggest that as many as 90% of horses in the United States may have ulcers. That’s based on rates of horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). That said, EGUS is different from horse hindgut ulcers.
That’s why the Vitalize® team is focusing on horse hindgut health. We wanted to highlight a topic that isn’t discussed enough and, hopefully, equip you to address horse hindgut ulcers if your horses develop them.
Symptoms & Diagnosing Horse Hindgut Ulcers
A hindgut ulcer is not as common, nor is it as simple to diagnose as a gastric ulcer since it is further into the horse’s digestive tract. A horse hindgut is the depression of the lining of the colon. Hindgut ulcers are often difficult to diagnose and often require an ultrasound. The severity of the condition is determined by the thickness of the colon’s outer wall.
Signs of Hindgut Ulcers
- Recurring lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Intermittent Fever
- Colic Bouts
- Occasional edema on the belly from a loss of protein in the blood
- Weight loss and thin body condition
- Loose manure or, in some cases, complete diarrhea
If your horse shows any of the above signs or symptoms, we strongly suggest you contact your veterinarian. Building a strong veterinarian-client relationship is important to your horse’s overall well-being. Your horse needs to gain the trust of your vet when it is healthy. That way, when your horse needs more intensive veterinary care, they will behave and hold still for the veterinarian.
Diagnosis of the Hindgut Ulcer
By fully describing your horse’s symptoms, you will be able to help your vet more quickly diagnose your horse. However, due to its location, an ultrasound or scoping procedure is often needed for a definite diagnosis of a horse hindgut ulcer, also known as a colonic ulcer.
Treatment of Horse Hindgut Ulcers
While the goal is to avoid hindgut ulcers in your horse, that is not always 100% possible. When a horse hindgut ulcer is diagnosed, you need to treat it. According to experts, the best ways to treat ulcers is to change diet, stop using NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), and eliminate stress as much as possible.
Dietary Changes
Horse owners should avoid starch in their animals’ diets, as that is one theory that leads to the cause of hindgut ulcers.
Another suggestion is to limit the amount of bulk – like hay – in the diet that can “scratch” the lining of the stomach. Additionally, hay or forage takes up a lot of volume in the large colon, requiring the colon to work harder to mix and digest it. An alternative is alfalfa pellets, and though experts don’t suggest this strategy long-term, removing hay from the diet is recommended to give the digestive system a break.
Stop NSAID Usage
A second common reason for hindgut or colonic ulcers is the overuse of NSAIDs, like phenylbutazone (bute) or banamine, which block chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins disrupt the mucous production and normal function of the digestive tract and can ultimately aid in the development of ulcers there. Although many older and performance horses rely on these for pain relief, Vitalize has a solution that we’ll discuss in the prevention of hindgut ulcers.
Reduce Stress
It might be challenging to reduce stress for performance horses, the most common victims of hindgut ulcers. However, it is important that your horses get taken care of. Be sure they have adequate turnout, are around other horses that they are friendly with, and have plenty of TLC. If you are on the road a lot, set up their stall like their stall at home to give them comfort. Don’t put them next to a horse they are not comfortable with. Small gestures can add up to stress relief for your horse.
Preventing Hindgut Ulcers
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. At Vitalize, we always encourage taking proactive measures to ensure your horse stays healthy and happy. You should consider:
1. Consistent Schedules
One of the best measures for prevention that horse owners can take is to keep a consistent schedule for their horses. This is even possible on the road. If your horse is used to being fed a certain meal at a particular time, adhere to that schedule. If adjustments need to be made, make them gradually. Horses are creatures of habit—much like we are—and abruptions to their routine can cause stress and, ultimately, ulcers.
2. Reduce, Stop Using NSAIDs
We previously mentioned that a common cause of hindgut or colonic ulcers is the overuse of NSAIDs, like phenylbutazone (bute) or Banamine. Prostaglandins disrupt the mucous production and normal function of the digestive tract, ultimately aiding in the development of ulcers. Although many older and performance horses rely on these for pain relief, Vitalize offers a solution.
3. Provide a Preventative Supplement
Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses, dogs, and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. Vitalize has supplements designed specifically for hindgut and digestive health in mind. All of the Vitalize supplements for hindgut and digestive health contain AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility.
Vitalize® Alimend®
Vitalize Alimend is a liquid product for horses designed to support gastric health and GI tissue. It may relieve occasional gastric issues commonly associated with training, traveling, and performance.
In addition to Amaferm, Alimend contains MHB3®, a patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.
Vitalize® Equine Digest More® Plus
Vitalize Equine Digest More Plus is a pelleted supplement for horses designed to support hindgut health, digestion of nutrients, as well as hoof and coat health. In addition to Amaferm, Digest More Plus contains MOS to help normalize hindgut microflora and support the immune system. It also contains biotin and zinc to promote healthy skin, hair, and hooves.
Vitalize® Equine Protein Pellet
Vitalize Equine Protein Pellet is a pelleted, natural protein supplement for horses, fortified with vitamins and minerals. In addition to vitamins, minerals, and Amaferm, it is fortified with organic trace minerals to balance rations. It also provides 28% natural protein.
Vitalize® Equine High Performance
Vitalize Equine High Performance is a pelleted supplement highly fortified with vitamins and minerals designed to support the nutritional needs of performance horses. It contains high levels of calcium to help maintain proper gut pH. This product is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and organic trace minerals and contains Amaferm for increased digestibility.
Vitalize® Equine Free Choice
Vitalize Equine Vitamin & Mineral Supplement is a highly-fortified loose vitamin and mineral supplement for horses designed to support digestive & nutritional health. In addition to Amaferm, it is fortified with organic trace minerals and high levels of vitamin E, biotin, and B vitamins. It also contains garlic to deter insects.
While we recommend incorporating one of the above into your daily feeding routine, we also have a quick-response product for use in times of stress to help with digestive upset.
Vitalize® Equine Gel
Vitalize Equine Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for horses designed to give immediate support to the digestive and immune system. It contains both Amaferm and MOS and works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Who is Vitalize?
You may be wondering, “who or what is Vitalize?” Well, we’re a team of nutrition experts and horse lovers determined to help you care for your animal. That starts with education. Everything from horse hindgut ulcers to a horse ration balancer—we’ve got your back…and your horse’s tummy.
Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. We are a renowned brand of supplements designed to enhance equine health, provide a good gut feeling and support bone, joint, and soft tissue health. Vitalize products support all equine enthusiasts. From the ranch horse owner on the Western plains to the Olympic jumper, Vitalize offers products to meet the needs of every horse and every rider.
The Vitalize brand is developed by BioZyme® Inc., a global fermentation company pioneering advancements in animal nutrition and health. Through innovative research and high-quality manufacturing, BioZyme creates powerful solutions that improve animal performance.
Our mission: undeniable positive impact on the health and wellness of your animals.
Give your Horses a Good Hindgut Feeling Today!
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