STRESSED STEEDS

Image Gallery Dr. Looney examines a high-stress horse

COUNTRY VET

High-performance horses often suffer from ulcers.

By Andrea Loone, D.V.M.

— Perle LeMay
Senneterre, Quebec

Dear Perle,

The horse has two areas of stomach lining, one with glands and one without. Most horses who get ulcers develop these in the nonglandular part of the stomach lining, where it is thought that increased stress and feeding regimes are responsible. Most often these horses are being fed large quantities of grain with reduced quantities of hay in two or three large feedings a day. The grain causes an increase in the production of gastric acid, and the acid contributes to the destruction of the epithelium lining of the stomach.

Many horses, especially those with chronic lameness and arthritis and those on pain-relief medications such as phenylbutazone and other anti-inflammatories, develop ulcers in the glandular area of the stomach. Prostaglandin E is required for mucus production and many anti-inflammatories inhibit the production of Prostaglandin E. Without mucus, the glandular area of the stomach is unprotected and often becomes ulcerated.

Regardless of where the ulcers occur, we are finding that they are more and more common in horses that are shown or raced or are heavy performance/travel animals, and in those animals fed heavy grain meals and anti-inflammatories. Stress is probably an enormous factor in the development of these ulcers. A diet best suited to prevention is one that has more forage than grain, is provided frequently, but not to the point of contributing to excess weight, and is supplemented by a low stress, moderated exercise schedule. Antiulcer medications are available for our equine friends, but the most effective ones are frequently the most expensive and may mask signs of ulcers rather than treat them.

Our goat has had a tilled head for two months. He seems to get around okay, but I've noticed his eyes having some uncoordinated motions as well. His appetite is good. Should we worry?

—Andy Blackman
Charlotte, NC

Dear Andy,

There are numerous causes for head tilts in animals. Some of these are very simple to deal with and some are more serious. Head tilting and the eye motions you describe are commonly referred to as neurological disease in veterinary terms. If the animal has had the tilt for a while and appears to be doing well otherwise (appetite, attitude), it is possible that an inner ear infection may be the cause. Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) can be a sequel to upper respiratory disease or systematic infection, especially in young goats, or to certain parasites, such as the ear mite (psoroptes). The rapid circular or back-and-forth eye movements that occur with ear infections come from the inflammation affecting the inner ear nerves that control balance. When treated with appropriate antibiotics early in the course of the disease, response can be complete. Oftentimes, topical and system (oral or injectable) antibiotics are necessary. Severe cases can rupture the ear drum and cause an accumulation of pus and organisms in the soft tissues of the middle ear or in the delicate bones that control hearing and balance.