Ulcer Pain

Horses suffer from stress, just as people do. And for both, that can lead to ulcers.

Here’s why: The stomach produces acid to aid digestion. To prevent the acid from coming in direct contact with the stomach’s lining, mucus cells form a protective coating. But stress interferes with mucus production. Ulcers develop when acid erodes the stomach wall.

The horse finds himself in a self-perpetuating, vicious cycle: Because his stomach hurts, he eats less. With less food in his stomach for the acid to work on, it’s easier for the acid to damage the stomach lining. So he eats even less.

Natural Plan Stomach Soother™ helps breaks the ulcer cycle.

The papain enzyme in it triggers production of the natural mucus that protects the mouth, esophagus and stomach.That, in turn, makes the horse feel better so he’s willing to eat more. Larger quantities of food absorb more acid, further protecting the stomach lining.

The appetite-stimulating characteristics of Natural Plan Stomach Soother also encourage food intake.

The mucus surge in the horse’s mouth literally produces a “mouth watering” reaction, similar to that of a person with a sweet tooth studying a desert menu. The horse is attracted by the sweet, pungent aroma of Stomach Soother and feels a strong urge to eat.He does, and he feels good, and this positive experience reinforces his desire to eat.

The principal causes of stress (and eventually, ulcers) in competition horses are:

• Intense training, which taxes the horse mentally and/or physically
• Confinement
• Pain
• Illness
• Being transported to another location

Even horses that exhibit none of the classic signs of ulcers have been found to have them, in mild to moderate form.

Some veterinarians believe that the majority of competition horses suffer from ulcers to one degree or another. They find that after treatment with Stomach Soother, significant improvement occurs in horses not considered symptomatic.