Ulcers/Poor Condition in Young Colt

[kmaynard]

I have a 1 1/2 year old AQHA colt that has had ulcers since he was 3 months old. We have tried Gastrogard but every time we take him off of it they reoccur. We had him scoped to confirm ulcers and were told they weren't that bad. The vet said some horses have to stay on ulcergard forever. I have read just enough to realize we have probably caused other problems with the Gastrogard. He is not thin but his growth has been poor and he has no energy. This has become chronic. Any suggestions?

[mward]

unfortunately, you are right that horses on gastrogard are not cured and in many cases their overall digestion gets worse. some ulcers can actually be caused by lack of acid. without acid to start the breakdown of starches they will ferment and the by products produced can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestine.
please give me more information on your colts overall diet and management and perhaps the group will be able to offer some suggestions you have not already tried. Madalyn

[kmaynard]

Lil Jose has been on alfalfa and bermuda hay. Pretty much free choice on the bermuda. He has access to salt and minerals and is turned out with 2 other geldings most of the time. He was healthy until the damn was sent to a breeding facility where they were in a stall of over a month. When they returned was when signs of ulcers started to occur. When he was 5 months old he got strep myositis (immune-mediated myositis) and all his back and rump muscles atrophied in a matter of days. He was put on a steroid treatment and within 4 months the muscle built back up, but we have continued to have the ulcer problem. He also contracted strangles at about 8 months old which he recovered from quickly. He is very lethargic and sometimes he appears to be hungry but other times just picks at the feed. In an effort to get him off the ulcergard I have recently tried a product recommended to us called Stomach Soother. It is basically papaya juice. It seemed to help for a while but he still occasionally "crash's" . I have read some of your advice about using slippery elm and aloe with the probiotics and success. Was wondering if I should try something like that.

[mward]

I would suggest a product called Karbo combo and also the succeed. I am not sure the aloe and slippery elm would be strong enough. I suspect you have ulcers though the entire digestive tract and probably an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. the karbo combo and succeed both have some anti ulcer properties and help re establish a healthy bacterial flora. I would also use the CT essentials on a regular basis both while giving the Karbo combo or succeed and after you finish them. I order the karbo from Dr. Russel Smith but I don't have his number with me. if you can't find it call my office 512 288 0428. I would also consider the homeopathic remedy silica30c twice a day for 3 days. it seems Lil Jose is particularily susceptible to strep infections and he may still have this organism in his system. Madalyn

[kmaynard]

Madalyn,

Thought I would update you on our progress with Lil Jose. While waiting to get the Suceed and the essentials that I ordered I put him on Aloe Vera Juice and the slippery Elm. In 2 days we could not believe the difference. He started playing with the other geldings and was actually hard to catch. He literally has not gone out of a walk for 8 months. We were thrilled. We have had him on the Aloe Vera and slippery elm for 2 weeks. I started the suceed about 1 1/2 weeks ago along with the essentials. I just received the Karbo combo. What should I keep him on at this point. Should I give both the suceed and the Karbo Combo? Should I continue the Aloe Vera and Slippery Elm. The progress has been amazing. I think he has gained 50 pounds in 2 weeks and his energy level is amazing. We have had to limit turn out time because he wears himself out since he is so weak. I cannot thank you enough.

Kathy

[mward]

Kathy,
what great news. at this point, I would just stay with the slippery elm and aloe for at least another month. keep the other products in case you need them but sounds like he is well on his way to healing. Madalyn

[lworthington]

Kathy,

Wonderful news about your boy! I think slippery elm, especially when combined with aloe, is about the best thing we can provide for these types of problems. It's a supplement/remedy in its natural form, and the body always loves those types of things best. I know Succeed and other ulcer products are very good, but, coming from an herbalist's point of view, I think the "real thing" is always a sure bet. I have two horses on slippery elm powder sprinkled over their grain twice a day forever, and it is a magic ingredient for them both (one ulcer prone, the other diarrhea prone).

I'm eager to hear what Madalyn says about maintenance, but I'd say "When in doubt . . . go the slippery elm route."

(I'm a poet and didn't even know it!)

Leta

P.S. I also recommend it to clients all the time, with great success.

[mward]

Kathy,
you certainly can continue the slippery elm and aloe long term without any problems. the essentials are important also and I would continue them long term for sure. Madalyn