Gastric Ulcers in horses are simply open wounds in the stomach.
Ulcers are very common in horses in work with more than 70% of racehorses and more than 90% of endurance horses found to be affected in carious studies.
Leisure and show horses and even horses simply 'at pasture' can also be affected.
Exercise, especially on an empty stomach, low forage diets, extended periods of time without feed, transport, stabling, restricted access to water and stress have all been identified as risk factors.
The risk of the disease increases with time in work.
Ulceration can occur very quickly.
Ulcers can occur in both the upper and lower regions of the stomach.