What next???!!

[chaosmom]

Chaos has been a member of our family for a little over two months now. In that time he has had 3 farrier visits (2 trims and then front shoes), several "look ins" by the vet while he was there for other reasons, a colic, unexplained random lameness.....the list goes on.
Well I'm sitting here at work and my cell phone starts vibrating across my desk. When I see "Doc P" on the screen my heart sinks and I wonder what now???

Ulcers.

Dangit!

He's leaving me with some herbal stuff that the rest of the barn swears by - he's more of a natural type vet but isn't afraid of modern medicine either. Anyway, changing up his feed, putting him on this new supp and waiting.

Could the ulcers explain why he has seemed cranky in the arena lately?

[BoyleHeightsKid]

Yep...

GastroGard is the only thing on the market that heals ulcers. You can also try the generic omeprazole, but I've heard the quality can be a problem.

Here's a lengthy thread on COTH on ordering from Omeprazole Direct:
www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294696&highlight=generic+omeprazole

[niaru]

Yes, ulcers can definitely make a horse cranky. Or turn him into a picky, fussy eater.

Omeprazole is the only thing that will heal an ulcer, however, I've had very good results with my horse with:

-Cimetidine (or Ranitidine) - prescription drugs too but MUCH cheaper than GG
- a digestive supplement such as U-Gard, or aloe vera juice. Some swear by Papaya purée...
- constant (and I mean constant) grazing: free choice hay inside, pasture outside
- as little grain as possible.

Good luck, and I feel your pain about the vet bills...

[HokieThea]

Zak displayed the symptoms of mild ulcers this past winter, and I got a stomach soother product from Smartpak that seems to take care of the problem. After about 4 months on the product he is no longer crabby and girthy.

[chaosmom]

Thanks guys,

I was kind of wondering if he might have ulcers since he has been girthy lately too. Guess I don't have to wonder anymore! Doc P left me with some Chinese herbal stuff that he swears by. Barn owner has had great success with three horses on this stuff so I'm giving it a shot. It has gypsum in it. I've learned to really trust this vet and until he proves otherwise I'll go with what he wants. He'll be on this supp for around 2 months, and it's $35 as opposed to the cost of GG and others. Beyond the cost, it's the way other owners swear by it that has me sold. I'll keep you posted - and let you know what it's called.
As for Chaos, he proved to me last night that he still has some major holes in his foundation training (as well as his stomach) and we are going back to square one. He spent the first 5 years of retirement doing whatever he wanted it seems. Hope he likes the round pen!! ;o)