Spillers Ulca Ease Horse Supplement 3kg

Non-glandular ulcers are likely to be caused by the prolonged exposure of the stomach lining to acid.

• Reduced forage intakes – although saliva provides a natural buffer to stomach acid, horses, unlike people, only produce saliva when they chew which means stabling for long periods without forage limits the horse’s opportunity to neutralise acid.
• Fermentation of starch by bacteria in the stomach results in the production of volatile fatty acids which in conjunction with a low pH (acidic environment), increases the risk of ulcers forming.
• Exercise increases abdominal pressure and as a result, acid ‘splashes’ on to the lining of the non-glandular region. Exercise is also thought to increase acid secretion.

The lower region of the stomach is made up of a glandular mucosa which secretes a thick mucus and bicarbonate layer which helps to protect it from acid. Glandular ulcers are thought to be the result of a breakdown in the mucosal defence system and may be less responsive to medical treatment and nutritional management.