EQUINE ULCER ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Your Complete Guide to Identifying Digestive Health Issues
Provided by Herdz - Your Trusted Partner in Equine Health
PART 1: RISK FACTOR ASSESSMENT
Does your horse have any of these risk factors? Check all that apply:
Management Factors
- Stabled for more than 12 hours per day
- Limited turnout (less than 4 hours daily)
- Infrequent access to forage (gaps longer than 4 hours)
- High-grain/concentrate diet
- Recent diet changes
- Limited social interaction with other horses
Activity & Stress Factors
- In regular training or competition
- Frequently transported
- Recent change in routine or environment
- High-stress lifestyle or temperament
- Intensive exercise program
Medical History
- Currently on or recently used NSAIDs (bute, banamine)
- History of colic episodes
- Previous ulcer diagnosis
- Recent illness or injury
- Recent antibiotic use
Risk Level:
- 0-3 boxes checked: Low risk
- 4-6 boxes checked: Moderate risk
- 7+ boxes checked: High risk - consider preventive support
PART 2: FOREGUT (GASTRIC) ULCER SYMPTOMS
Physical Signs - Check if present:
- Poor appetite or eating slowly
- Leaving feed or only eating hay
- Weight loss (especially topline and ribs)
- Dull, rough coat lacking shine
- Recurring mild colic episodes
- Reduced water consumption
- Poor body condition despite adequate feed
Behavioral Signs - Check if present:
- Resistance to girthing (ears back, biting, moving away)
- Poor performance or reduced stamina
- Reluctance to work or go forward
- Teeth grinding (especially during/after eating)
- Increased irritability or grumpiness
- Depression or attitude changes
- Lying down more than usual
- Head tossing or general discomfort
Pain Pattern:
- Symptoms worse on empty stomach
- Discomfort during or immediately after exercise
Total Foregut Symptoms: _____ / 18
PART 3: HINDGUT ULCER SYMPTOMS
Physical Signs - Check if present:
- Loose manure or diarrhea
- Unformed, cow-pat consistency manure
- Undigested grain visible in manure
- Weight loss (particularly over hindquarters)
- Poor body condition despite eating well
- Sensitivity over flank area when touched
- Chronic low-grade colic (not acute/severe)
Behavioral Signs - Check if present:
- General unhappiness or sour attitude
- Sensitivity to leg aids
- Discomfort when belly is touched
- Reluctance to engage hindquarters
- Excessive tail swishing
- Kicking at belly
- Performance decline without lameness
- Change in personality or temperament
Pain Pattern:
- Symptoms appear 2-6 hours after feeding
- Discomfort during fermentation period
- Chronic rather than acute pain
Total Hindgut Symptoms: _____ / 18
PART 4: COMBINED ASSESSMENT
Symptom Severity Guide:
Foregut Score:
- 0-3 symptoms: Low concern - monitor
- 4-7 symptoms: Moderate concern - consider veterinary consultation
- 8+ symptoms: High concern - contact veterinarian promptly
Hindgut Score:
- 0-3 symptoms: Low concern - monitor
- 4-7 symptoms: Moderate concern - consider veterinary consultation
- 8+ symptoms: High concern - contact veterinarian promptly
Important Notes:
- Many horses show symptoms of BOTH foregut and hindgut ulcers
- Subtle signs are still significant - trust your instincts
- Early intervention prevents worsening
- Some horses mask pain well - absence of symptoms doesn't guarantee absence of ulcers
PART 5: IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS
If you checked 4+ symptoms in either section:
Step 1: Contact Your Veterinarian
- Schedule appointment for examination
- Discuss gastroscopy if available
- Bring this completed checklist
Step 2: Implement Management Changes
- Increase forage to 24/7 if possible
- Reduce grain/concentrate feeds
- Ensure constant access to fresh water
- Maximize turnout time
- Provide hay before exercise
Step 3: Consider Nutritional Support
- Research evidence-based supplements
- Ask veterinarian about GastroAID Recovery
- Ensure product targets BOTH foregut and hindgut
Step 4: Monitor & Document
- Take photos of manure consistency
- Track appetite and eating patterns
- Note behavioral changes
- Record weight/body condition weekly
PART 6: PREVENTION CHECKLIST
Daily Management - Tick when implemented:
- Forage available 24/7 or minimum 1.5-2% body weight
- Hay provided before grain meals
- Hay offered before exercise (30-60 minutes prior)
- Fresh, clean water constantly available
- Consistent feeding times maintained
Weekly Management:
- Monitor manure consistency daily
- Check body condition score
- Observe eating behavior and appetite
- Note any behavioral changes
- Assess coat quality
Monthly Management:
- Review diet composition (forage vs concentrate ratio)
- Evaluate stress levels and lifestyle
- Consider preventive supplementation during high-risk periods
- Schedule regular veterinary wellness checks
High-Risk Period Support: (Competition, training intensification, transport, stabling, medication use)
- Increase preventive supplementation
- Maximize forage access
- Minimize stress where possible
- Consider GastroAID Recovery support
PART 7: NOTES & OBSERVATIONS
Date of Assessment: ________________
Specific Concerns or Observations:
Veterinarian Consultation Notes:
Treatment Plan:
Follow-Up Date: ________________
WHY GASTROAID RECOVERY?
✓ Dual Action: Only Australian supplement with published clinical trials for BOTH foregut and hindgut support
✓ Scientifically Proven: Two peer-reviewed studies demonstrate effectiveness
✓ Complete Protection: Pectin, lecithin, prebiotics, probiotics, and natural buffers
✓ Safe Long-Term: No acid rebound, suitable for daily maintenance
✓ Australian Made: Manufactured to GMP standards by Kelato
✓ Fast Results: Horse owners report improvements within days
CONTACT & RESOURCES
Herdz - Your Partner in Equine Health
???? www.herdz.com.au ???? sales@herdz.com.au
???? 0439 746 942
Shop complete digestive health products online
Read Our Complete Guide: "Understanding Gastric & Hindgut Ulcers in Horses" available at Herdz.com.au/blog
This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of equine health conditions.
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