Up to 50% of foals develop stomach ulcers, particularly during the first few months of life. Foals are known to secrete substantial amounts of gastric acid by 2 days of age, resulting in highly acidic stomach contents in-between periods of time when they are nursing . As a foal’s stomach lining is thinner than that of an adult horse, it is particularly susceptible to damage¹.

Proposed risk factors for gastric ulcers in foals include^1,2:

• Physiological stress
• Concurrent illness
• Transportation
• Weaning, or reduced feed consumption
• Recurrent diarrhoea

As gastric ulceration can be fatal in foals, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are particularly important. As with adult horses, contact your vet as soon as possible if you have any concerns.