Ranvet

20/10/2026

Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds 🐴

Equine Gastric Ulcers are one of the most common health concerns affecting Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). They are the result of progressive erosion of the lining with the distal oesophagus, stomach and proximal small intestine, caused by gastric acid. They are most often present on the upper lining of the stomach, and at the junction between the upper and lower regions. It can be a painful condition, and have various health implications.

While ulcers can occur in any horse, Thoroughbreds are particularly susceptible due to the unique management, feeding and training practices associated with racing. In fact, studies have indicated as much as 85-95% of racehorses show some grade of ulceration, with many carrying these ulcers into retirement and retraining. Thus, understanding why ulcers develop, recognising the signs and knowing how to manage them can help support your OTTB’s health and performance.

Why Are OTTBs More Prone to Gastric Ulcers?

Unlike humans, horses produce stomach acid continuously, whether they are eating or not. In a natural environment, horses may spend up to 16 hours a day grazing, which provides a constant flow of forage and saliva to help buffer stomach acid.

Racehorses however, often experience several factors that can increase ulcer risk, including:

🟤High-grain, energy-dense diets
🟤Periods without access to forage
🟤Intensive exercise programs
🟤Frequent travel
🟤Changes in environment and routine
🟤Stabling for extended periods
🟤Racing and training stresses

Even after retirement from racing, many OTTBs remain at increased risk, particularly during the retraining period when management, diet and workload are transitioning.

Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis

The signs of gastric ulcers can vary significantly between horses. Some horses show obvious symptoms, while others continue working despite considerable discomfort.

Common signs include:

🟤 Poor appetite or fussy eating
🟤Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
🟤Poor, dull or dry coat quality
🟤Changes in behaviour or attitude, particularly more nervous or erratic temperaments
🟤Girthiness
🟤Development of behavioural stereotypies such as weaving, stall walking or wind sucking
🟤Reduced performance
🟤Reluctance to move forward under saddle
🟤Mild recurrent colic
🟤Poor recovery after exercise

These signs can be an indication but are not necessarily exclusively caused by ulcers. They can be associated with many other health conditions, thus Veterinary advice for a diagnosis and/or prescription treatment is required. The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is through gastroscopy, which allows your veterinarian to examine the stomach lining and determine the location and severity of any ulceration.

It is important to note that a prescription drug, such as a Ranitidine or Omeprazole, are the only registered treatments for ulceration. Over-the-counter options can be useful aids and incorporated into management programs, but are not registered “treatments”. Your veterinarian can develop an appropriate treatment plan and monitor your horse’s response throughout recovery.

Continue Reading:

Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds Equine Gastric Ulcers are one of the most common health concerns affecting Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). They are the result of progressive erosion of the lining with the distal

19/10/2026

What a lovely ride Kye and his Mum, Susan, had together at the beach! Bobby was being a very good role model for Susan's young horse Audrey, as it was her first time hitting the waves 💙

18/10/2026

Wishing a big happy birthday to our Sales and Marketing Manager Portia! 🎂
We hope you have the best day! ❤️

17/10/2026

Skye and Dougall take on the Tamworth Interschools Horse Extravaganza! Results incoming but to say we’re proud would be an understatement!!
Sending cheers all the way from Sydney!! 📣

📷: Skye & Dougall at ENSW State Interschools Championship

16/10/2026

Have you checked the new Nationals Health Hub yet?

October we're look at starting where you are, by carrying out some common horse health assessments such as Weight Checks, Body Condition Scoring, and a Diet Analysis. Click the link and explore now! Road to Nationals | Ranvet

15/10/2026

What a great weekend at the Southern Cross Cutting Club Wattamondara! ❤️
Congratulations to all the winners who received a Ranvet goodie, we hope you and your horses love them! Thank you again to everyone involved in SCCC, we can’t wait for the next one! 🏆🐴

14/10/2026

Sienna and Apples are living our springtime dreams! What a magical evening spent ba****ck in the waves with your heart horse ❤️🐴

13/10/2026

How can I keep my horse safe from ticks? 🪲

With warmer weather upon us, we can expect the ticks to start to come out from their hibernation. We most commonly worry about ticks on our dogs and cats, and if you are a farmer, on your livestock as well, but what about our horses?

There are three main types of ticks that are commonly found on horses.

🐄 Cattle Ticks – predominately in areas such Queensland, Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia
🌳 Bush Ticks – Mainly found along the coastal region of Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, stretching down to Northeastern Victoria.
❌️ Paralysis Ticks – Along the coastal areas of Eastern Australia and are worse during late Winter, Spring and the Summer months

If you do live in a high infestation area it can be hard to prevent your horse from getting a tick at some stage. However, there are a few preventative measures to help reduce the risk.

✔️ Remove any scrub or bush in your paddock, ticks love to live amongst the brush ready to bounce when something walks past
✔️ Keep grasses short- this helps reduce the chance of them climbing up legs
✔️ Check your horse daily for any ticks
✔️ There are some insect repellents that may help reduce the chance of a tick bite, especially any that are Pyrethrum based
✔️ Some people like to use light weight rugs on their horses as a form of protection. This may or may not work, however daily checking is still required. Ticks climb and can still make their way under the rug to their preferred areas.
✔️ Groom your horse daily to keep coat clean and short
✔️ If you have gone for a ride, especially in an area with a lot of bush or trees, be sure to thoroughly check your horse afterwards, making sure they haven’t picked up a tick on the ride.
✔️ If the ticks are particularly bad where you are, try to relocate your horse to a less infested area.

Ticks like biting areas where the skin tends to be a bit softer and thinner. The most common areas that need to be checked thoroughly are

🐴 Around the mouth, lips and nose
🐴 Eyes and Ears
🐴Stomach
🐴Flank
🐴Armpits
🐴Between the hind legs
🐴Base of Tail
🐴Girth area
🐴Legs

If you do find a tick on your horse, your first reaction is probably going to be to pull it off. Try not to do this as quite often you may get the body of the tick, but the head will remain buried in the skin. The best way is to spray the tick with a pyrethrum-based spray and wait for about an hour. If the tick is still alive spray a second time. Once the tick has died, it can be safely removed or may even just fall off. If your horse has a large infestation of ticks, you should call your veterinarian straight away. They will be able to help you with removing the ticks and any necessary treatment.

Of the most concern is paralysis ticks. Adult horses will have some resistance if only one or two ticks are found, however young or small horses can become quite unwell. Young horses can even die if not treated correctly.

Symptoms of tick paralysis

⚠️ Staggering Gait or muscle weakness (paralysis)
⚠️ Skin irritation around site of bite and localised swelling
⚠️ Excess rubbing or scratching
⚠️ Difficulty breathing which may appear as choke
⚠️ General distress
⚠️ Sweating and high temperature

Ticks love moisture and darkness and can be more prevalent after a lot of rain and humidity. Keeping grass short and regular monitoring of your horse are the most effective and less costly ways to keep your horse safe. Remain vigilant and contact your veterinarian immediately if your horse displays any concerning signs.

How can I keep my horse safe from ticks? With warmer weather upon us, we can expect the ticks to start to come out from their hibernation. We most commonly worry about ticks on our dogs and cats, and if you are a farmer, on your livestock as well, but what

12/10/2026

Wishing a big Happy Birthday to brand ambassador, Skye! 🥳
We’re so proud to have you as part of the team and to support you on your journey! Here’s to you on your special day! 🍰

12/10/2026

Ranvet were proud to partner with Camden Equitation Inc, to sponsor the Preliminary level at the Camden Equitation Comp! A big congratulations to Dorothea Lungershausen and her horse, Oh Dear Gretel, receiving the High Achievers Award 🏆