Many horse owners mistake early ulcer signs for simple fussiness or picky eating, but ulcers in horses are a serious condition that can affect performance and well being. Our editorial team has gathered key information to help you recognize the subtle clues your horse may be showing.
Understanding the specific behaviors and physical changes linked to equine gastric ulcer syndrome can prompt earlier veterinary intervention and better management. Below we cover the most reliable signs and what they mean for your horse.
Changes in Eating Habits and Appetite
Horses with ulcers often show reluctance to finish grain or hay, or they may eat more slowly than usual. Some horses will stop eating altogether or exhibit a preference for softer feeds. You might notice them dropping food from their mouth or chewing oddly, as if the feed is uncomfortable.
Another common sign is a decrease in appetite for concentrate feeds while still eating hay, or vice versa. This inconsistency can be a red flag. The horse may also experience weight loss despite adequate feed intake, because the stomach discomfort reduces nutrient absorption.
Watch for excessive salivation or drooling while eating, which can indicate nausea or pain. If your horse suddenly becomes picky with its favorite treats, consider ulcer testing.
Behavioral Signs: Irritability and Grumpiness
Ulcer pain often makes horses irritable and less willing to be handled. A normally gentle horse may pin its ears, swish its tail aggressively, or even bite when you approach its girth or flank area. Some horses become cranky during grooming, especially around the belly.
You might also notice a reluctance to work, with the horse refusing to move forward, bucking, or showing resistance to the bit. These are not just training issues; they can be pain responses. Horses with ulcers often exhibit a tense, unhappy expression with clamped jaws.
In the stable, look for pawing, lying down more than usual, or standing with a hunched posture. Some horses may yawn excessively or grind their teeth. All of these behaviors can point to gastric discomfort.
Recurrent Colic and Digestive Upsets
Mild, intermittent colic is a classic sign of ulcers in horses. These episodes may be short lived and respond to walking or anti spasmodics, but they often recur. The horse might show signs of abdominal pain such as looking at its flank, kicking at its belly, or stretching out as if to urinate.
Some horses develop diarrhea or loose manure, while others suffer from gas colic. The discomfort is usually worse after eating, especially after a high grain meal. Ulcers can also cause a subtle decrease in performance due to low grade pain.
If your horse has repeated colic episodes with no clear cause, gastric ulceration should be high on your list of suspects. A veterinary gastroscopy is the only reliable way to confirm.
Poor Coat Condition and Body Condition Changes
Chronic ulcers can lead to a dull, rough hair coat and muscle wasting along the topline. The horse may lose condition even if its feed is adequate. Sometimes you see a pot bellied appearance combined with poor muscle development, especially in the back and hindquarters.
Weight loss can be gradual, so regular body condition scoring is helpful. Horses with ulcers often have a tucked up flank and a less shiny coat. They may also be more prone to infections or slower to recover from illness due to the stress of chronic pain.
If your horse looks unthrifty despite good care and nutrition, consider gastric health as a factor.
Performance Issues and Training Resistance
Many performance horses with ulcers show a sudden decline in willingness to work. They may refuse jumps, slow down on the track, or become heavy on the forehand. Resistance to the bit or difficulty collecting can stem from the pain of a full stomach pressing on the ulcerated area.
Some horses become explosive or spooky, while others just seem dull and unwilling. Changes in stride length, especially a shortened stride, can be a sign. The horse may also be more difficult to load in a trailer or handle during farrier visits.
If your horse’s performance drops without a clear lameness or respiratory issue, ulcers should be considered. Rest and medication often bring back the spark.