No Products in the Cart
Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 07/11/2025
Welcome back—and if you’re just joining us, welcome to the ‘Trust Your Gut’ series. You’ve landed on Part Two: Effective Treatments for Equine Ulcers. If you haven’t read Part One yet, I highly recommend going back and giving it a read first. It sets the stage for everything we’re about to get into here: how ulcers are diagnosed, the different types that exist, and the treatment plans that can help horses recover and thrive.
Ulcers can feel like an overwhelming topic because, well, they kind of are. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosis or treatment. Horses are individuals, and their gut health is influenced by everything from diet to intensity of training. This article won’t cover every single scenario out there, but it will give you a clear, accessible breakdown to help you start forming your own strategy for supporting your horse’s gastrointestinal health.
Feeling ready? Let’s dig in.
The first step toward treating ulcers in horses is accurate diagnosis. If you’re noticing symptoms like behavioral changes, girth sensitivity, poor performance, or weight loss (see Part One for the full list), it’s time to call your vet. From there, your veterinarian will recommend a diagnostic approach, typically starting with an endoscopy.
An endoscopy is a common and effective tool used to visually confirm the presence of ulcers. During this procedure, your vet will guide a small camera (an endoscope) through the horse’s nostril and down into the esophagus to view the stomach lining.[2][3] It allows for a clear, real-time picture of what’s happening inside your horse’s upper gastrointestinal tract.
It’s important to note that the horse will need to fast for 12–16 hours beforehand to ensure a clear view during the scope. No hay, no grain, just water.
A gastroscopy is a more targeted version of an endoscopy. While an endoscopy may give your vet a broader look at both the upper and lower airways, a gastroscopy is used specifically to examine the stomach and esophagus.[5] Not every vet uses the same technique, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss your horse’s unique case before moving forward.
✅ Reduce ulcer symptoms
✅ Restoring weight on horses who have suffered with ulcers.
✅ Reduce frequency and amount of water passed in horses with FWS
✅ Reduce swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.
That’s right — there’s more than one kind. In fact, there are two primary types of gastric ulcers in horses, and understanding the difference is key to developing the right treatment plan.
These ulcers occur in the non-glandular region (also known as the squamous or upper region) of the stomach. This area accounts for about one-third of the stomach’s structure and lacks the protective mucous layer that buffers stomach acid.[2][3] That makes it particularly vulnerable to irritation, especially when horses go long periods without forage, or during exercise when acid sloshes upward.
Squamous ulcers are the most common, making up approximately 80% of all diagnosed equine gastric ulcers.[2] These are the ulcers most performance horses, stalled horses, and grain-heavy diet horses struggle with largely because the squamous lining simply isn’t built to withstand consistent acid exposure.
Located in the glandular region—the lower part of the stomach where acid is produced these ulcers are a bit more complex. This region naturally secretes acids like hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and bicarbonate, along with protective mucus.[3] However, when stress, inflammation, or NSAID use interferes with that protective barrier, glandular ulcers can develop.
You may have heard these referred to as hindgut ulcers. Because of their location and function, glandular ulcers often require a different approach than squamous ulcers especially when it comes to treatment and prevention.
Once your horse has been officially diagnosed, it’s time to start healing. The best treatment plans address both the cause and the condition. That means combining medical support with thoughtful changes to the horse’s management and lifestyle.
Before medication even enters the conversation, your vet may recommend foundational changes. These don’t just support healing, they help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Here’s what that might look like:
Maximize turnout: More movement, more social interaction, and less stress.
Forage-first feeding: Prioritize hay, especially alfalfa for its calcium content and limit grain-based feeds.
Wet the feed: Soaking hay or grain can reduce irritation and help with digestion.
Reduce workload and travel: Especially during treatment, keeping stress low is key.
Limit NSAID use: Medications like Bute and Banamine can irritate the stomach lining, so alternatives may be needed.
Consider allergy testing: Chronic gut issues could stem from hidden sensitivities.
These small shifts can make a big difference in both healing and prevention.
The most well-known and widely used treatment for gastric ulcers in horses, omeprazole is an FDA-approved acid suppressant that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach.[1] It’s typically given in a paste or liquid form, and consistency is key. Not all omeprazole products are created equal so work closely with your vet to choose one that’s properly dosed and high quality.
Often used alongside omeprazole, sucralfate is an antacid that coats the stomach lining and protects ulcers during healing.[4] It essentially acts like a bandage for the gut, giving the tissue time to recover without being bombarded by acid. It’s available in tablet, powder, or liquid form and may be used short or long-term depending on your horse’s condition.
This prostaglandin analog is especially effective for glandular ulcers (EGGD). [3] It enhances blood flow to the stomach lining and promotes mucus production—both essential for healing.[4] Misoprostol may be used on its own or in combination with other medications, depending on your vet’s recommendation.
While medications are often necessary for healing more advanced ulcers, many horse owners are finding value in integrative care especially when it comes to long-term gut maintenance and relapse prevention.
Supplements can’t replace medication, but they can absolutely support the healing process. One of the most effective strategies is incorporating anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly nutrients into your horse’s daily routine.
Camelina Plus is a standout in this area. It’s a clean, naturally sourced blend that includes:
Cold-pressed camelina meal
Organic alfalfa meal
Turmeric, ginger, and licorice root (known for anti-inflammatory properties)
Black pepper (to aid in absorption)
Together, these ingredients have been shown to reduce inflammation, soothe the stomach lining, and support GI health from the inside out.
Want to learn more about Camelina Plus? Click the link below.
✅ Reduce ulcer symptoms
✅ Restoring weight on horses who have suffered with ulcers.
✅ Reduce frequency and amount of water passed in horses with FWS
✅ Reduce swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.
Healing ulcers isn’t always a straight line and that’s okay. Whether your horse is actively in treatment or you’re just starting to connect the dots on a potential issue, remember: knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll be to make confident decisions and ask the right questions.
This series is here to help you navigate a complex issue with clarity, compassion, and confidence. You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to learn, adapt, and advocate for your horse.
Stay tuned for Part Three, where we’ll dive into prevention strategies, daily routines, and gut-health practices to help keep ulcers from coming back. Your horse’s long-term health starts with a deeper understanding and you’re already on your way.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ's.
Jessica is a brand consultant who brings awareness and intention to equestrian and pet platforms. As a former collegiate equestrian athlete and animal lover, Jessica leads with passion and experience through her writing and brand work for companies who advocate for creating a difference in their space. When she's not riding her horse or walking her dog (with iced coffee in hand), you can find her sharing her love for health and wellness with others and integrating these practices in her everyday work.
