This may save your horse's life someday

I've done a lot of thinking and research on many topics since my 27-year-old Paint, Kobeejo, underwent colic surgery for a strangulating lipoma last month. Mostly, I have gotten deeper into my already existing research on the horse's most unique digestive tract.

The very first thing I wanted to fully look into was the ulcers the hospital discovered my horse had. Every veterinarian and nutritionist, even at Tufts, insisted the way to prevent ulcers was to feed 24/7 free-choice hay/forage, always provide fresh clean water and make sure your horse gets plenty of movement (living outside with a shelter being ideal). I had always learned that, if a horse has this, plus the companionship of other horses even nearby (and no excessive medications such as Bute), they would be good to go. My horse always had all of this! So, why did he develop such severe ulcers?

As it turns out, studies show that horses in stressful situations, such as moving to a new barn, being taken away from their friends, and of course illness and performance can cause such stress any horse can develop ulcers with only 4 days! So, I got to thinking back through the 16 years I have owned my horse. I've come to many conclusions.

• Some horses are simply more prone to ulcers than others. My horse tends to be very stoic; like a human who bottles up their emotions. Much to the dismay of many horse owners, horses can stress just as people do. The problem is that horses who show no symptoms get no help, unless, like my Kobeejo, something happens and the horse needs to be scoped. Other horses may show symptoms that are mistaken for behavior; "Oh, that horse is just a bitch!" Um, no. Yes, I have seen mares with excessive hormones who should be on a calming supplement, and perhaps Depo shots, but if a horse starts acting up, kicking for no reason, girthy, biting, etc. it's best to err on the side of caution and either have the horse scoped for ulcers, or treat as if they do have them. Though it can be expensive, GastroGuard and Sucralfate are the leading choices used for a month, then a follow-up with a gastro supplement. Any horse who has high-stress levels, such as tending to pace, or acting angry when this is not the norm, should be considered for ulcers.
• Horses that perform and/or travel a lot NEED to be a good gastro supplement. Offering forage all the time will also help... actually, all horses should have forage all the time! I cannot stress this enough. As grazers, their internal systems were designed for eating. Not grain, but forage (roughage). Much of this also has to do with the horse's psyche. Millions of years of evolution have created an animal whose instincts scream at them to eat. A good example is something I witness all too often at big barns who feed only a few "flakes" of hay twice a day with grain. These horses run out of hay after 2-3 hours. The stomach empties with 15 - 30 minutes. Grain is eaten more quickly, and hence passes through more quickly. Forage requires more chewing time, which allows acid-buffering saliva to do its work. Once the horse is done, it searches for more as its body is telling it to graze. I have seen horses that are out in a grassless paddock led into the barn and pull at their lead lines to get to any hay they notice, such as when a wheelbarrow of hay is being brought by them. A well and properly fed horse pays no attention to the hay in wagons that sit waiting to be fed out. He doesn't need it. His tummy is satisfied, as is his psychological needs.
• If your horse is in work, please feed him/her at least a flake of hay before he works! This produces a barrier against acid splash between the squamous and non-squamous layer of the stomach.
• If your horse must be on Bute (or any NSAID), please feed an ulcer preventative as well. Be smart. Ulcer supplements are everywhere and easy to feed.

I have learned much more than this. However, the take-home point of all of this is the importance of constant forage and less stress to your horse. Be diligent. When my horse colicked with a strangled lipoma (which is death to many older horses), He had no compromised intestine, so he still has everything in there that was there before. While in the hospital, the vets praised his condition up and down... how can a 27-year-old horse look so good, esp with Cushing's, Insulin Resistant, chronic laminitis and navicular? I believe the answer lies within my diligent care. I do believe his exceptional recovery rate also has to do with proper feed, which helped raise his immune system to a good level. 

I cannot be 100% sure, because there's no research on this, but I believe having such a healthy digestive tract aided his intestines and the blood flow which aided in the prevention of loss of intestine (that and getting him there fast!). Watch your horse carefully, know even the slightest signs when something may go wrong and act appropriately and quickly. NEVER "wait to see what will happen" when it comes to any colic episode. It could mean your horse's life.

Do everything as the horse's system requires and you have a better chance of your horse surviving a bad episode/surgery, even when older.