Nutritional management of gastric ulceration

Gastric ulcers are common in horses and equine gastric ulcer syndrome describes ulcers in the distal oesophagus, nonglandular and glandular stomach as well as the proximal duodenum. Ulcers in the distal oesophagus and nonglandular region of the stomach are probably caused by hydrochloric acid, whereas ulcers in the glandular stomach and proximal duodenum are likely to be caused by a breakdown in the mucosal defence mechanisms. Regardless of the location of ulcers, initial treatment with pharmacological agents is necessary to suppress hydrochloric acid; however, nutrition and management changes are required to maintain ulcer healing and help prevent recurrence. In addition, many dietary supplements have been marketed to help maintain stomach health and some scientific data on their effects on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH are presented.