🚀 Quick Summary
- The Statistic: 50% of healthy foals and 90% of sick foals have gastric ulcers.
- The Cause: Stress of birth/weaning, lying down (squamous compression), illness (sepsis).
- The Look: Teeth grinding (Bruxism), Ptyalism (Drooling), Dorsal recumbency (Lying on back), Diarrhea.
- The Treatment: Omeprazole (Lower dose: 1-2 mg/kg) is safe. Sucralfate is risky (can cause bezoars blockage).
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
1. Why Foals get Ulcers (The “Squamous Compression” Theory)
Foals secrete acid within 24 hours of birth.
- Milk is Buffer: While nursing, the milk buffers the acid.
- Lying Down: When foals recumbency (sleep), the acid pools against the squamous mucosa (top of stomach).
- Result: “Squamous Compression” ulcers along the Margo Plicatus line.
Sick Foals: Sepsis/Illness decreases blood flow to the stomach -> Glandular Ulcers. The stress is immense.
2. Symptoms Checklist: Foal vs. Adult
Adult: Girthy, grumpy, poor coat. Foal:
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Loud, metallic grinding. (Classic sign).
- Ptyalism: Excessive salivation drooling from mouth.
- Dorsal Recumbency: Lying on back with legs in air (Trying to move acid off the painful spot).
- Diarrhea: Often accompanies ulcers (due to stress/dysbiosis).
- Pot-Bellied: Poor thrift, rough hair coat.
3. Treatment Protocol: Dosage Calculation
Drug: Omeprazole Paste (Gastrogard/Ulcergard).
- Dose: 1-2 mg/kg PO daily. (Lower than adult dose of 4 mg/kg).
- Reason: Foals have faster metabolism but also higher absorption.
- Safety: Proven safe for foals > 4 weeks. Under 4 weeks, Ranitidine (Zantac) used to be preferred but is off market. Omeprazole is standard now.
4. Sucralfate Danger Zone (Bezoars)
WARNING: Do NOT give Sucralfate to milk-fed foals.
- Physics: Sucralfate + Milk Protein (Casein) in an acidic stomach forms a hard, sticky ball called a Bezoar.
- Danger: This stone can obstruct the pylorus or small intestine -> Surgical Colic.
- Exception: Only use if foal is weaned or under strict vet supervision.
5. Prevention During Weaning
Weaning is the #1 ulcer event in a horse’s life. Protocol:
- Creep Feed: Start eating grain/hay before weaning to develop gut flora.
- Prophylaxis: Start 1/4 Tube Ulcergard (or 0.5 mg/kg) daily starting 2 days before weaning and continue for 7-10 days.
- Buddy System: Wean in pairs. Reduces cortisol.
- Alfalfa: Introduce Alfalfa hay early for buffering.
6. FAQ: Can I use Aloe?
Q: Is Aloe safe for foals? A: Yes, generally. Unlike Sucralfate, Aloe does not form bezoars. It is soothing. Recommendation: Use Aloe Vera Juice (2-4 oz daily) during weaning stress. It encourages drinking and coats the throat.
🏆 Final Verdict
Foals are fragile. If you hear a baby grinding its teeth: Scope immediately. Treat aggressively with Omeprazole. Skip the Sucralfate until they are off milk. And remember: Wean Gentler. The damage done now can last a lifetime.