Squamous vs Glandular Stomach Ulcers in Horses

Squamous vs Glandular Stomach Ulcers in Horses

Not all stomach ulcers in horses are the same.

Two regions, two patterns, two plans. Once you know where an ulcer sits—on the squamous (top) or glandular (bottom) lining—you’ll understand why it started and how to fix it.

But with the right routine and the right pairing of meds, most horses turn the corner quickly.

The two linings

A horse’s stomach is split by the margo plicatus into two very different surfaces.

The pale squamous (non-glandular) third has little protection and doesn’t produce acid. The darker glandular two-thirds makes acid, enzymes, mucus, and bicarbonate. It’s designed for acidity. Until its natural defenses are thinned.

This anatomy drives the two main ulcer patterns.

Squamous: acid splash on an unprotected surface

What goes wrong

During exercise (especially after a long gap without hay) fluid churns and acid can bathe the squamous lining. High-starch feeds, limited turnout, travel days, and fasted work raise this risk.

Common signs

Girth-sensitive when tacking up, fussy with concentrates, dips in effort, mood changes under saddle. Fit horses in regular work are frequent cases.

In short

Squamous disease is mostly a mechanical splash problem on tissue not built for acid. So, prevention focuses on feed timing and reducing starch peaks.

Glandular: defenses overwhelmed on a surface built for acid

What goes wrong

Here the issue isn’t splash; it’s barrier failure. Stress, frequent NSAID use, illness, or reduced blood flow can thin the mucus/bicarbonate layer. Bile acids and ongoing acidity then irritate tissue that usually copes well.

Common signs

Much overlaps with squamous: on-off appetite, tension around the belly, reluctance to move off the leg, changes in attitude. Stabled, stressed, or recovering horses often feature here.

In short

Squamous disease is mostly a mechanical splash problem on tissue not built for acid. So, prevention focuses on feed timing and reducing starch peaks.

How to be sure

Gastroscopy is the only way to confirm location and severity. Getting the type right makes treatment faster and avoids guesswork. If signs persist despite management changes, speak with your vet about scoping to guide a plan for stomach ulcers in horses.

Treatment for stomach ulcers in horses

Squamous pattern

Start with omeprazole to reduce acid. Abler’s AbPrazole (omeprazole) is available as enteric-coated granules, tablets, or paste. Choose the form your horse takes reliably. Many cases improve within 1–2 weeks; complete healing usually needs a full course and a taper, paired with ulcer-friendly feeding and training routines.

Glandular (or mixed) pattern

Combine acid suppression with lining protection. Use AbPrazole (omeprazole) and add AbSucralfate (sucralfate) to coat and protect the glandular surface while it heals. These cases often need longer courses and careful management of stress and any NSAID use.

Support while treating

AbPrazole Plus pairs omeprazole with a probiotic to support digestive balance during recovery.

Timing tips that help:

Give omeprazole on a relatively empty stomach. Space AbSucralfate from feed and other medicines as directed so it can bind effectively to ulcer sites. Follow your vet’s dose and taper schedule.

Management that protects both linings

• Keep forage available as steadily as practical; slow-feed nets reduce long gaps without chewing.
• Offer a small alfalfa feed 20–30 minutes before work to help buffer acid splash.
• Trade some starch for fat and fibre; split larger meals into smaller ones.
• Increase turnout and maintain low-stress routines on travel and competition days.
• If NSAIDs are required, use the lowest effective dose and duration under veterinary guidance; discuss protective strategies for stomach ulcers in horses.

Squamous vs glandular at-a-glance

• Primary driver: squamous = acid splash; glandular = barrier failure.
• Typical triggers: squamous = fasted work, starch spikes, hauling; glandular = stress, frequent NSAIDs, illness.
• Therapy focus: squamous = acid suppression (omeprazole); glandular = acid suppression plus surface protection (sucralfate).
• Prevention angle: squamous = feeding timing and forage access; glandular = stress and medication management.

Choosing Abler products by pattern

• Mainly squamous stomach ulcers → AbPrazole (omeprazole) in the format your horse accepts best.
• Need digestive support during therapy → AbPrazole Plus.
• Glandular stomach ulcers or mixed → AbPrazole + AbSucralfate to shield and support healing.

Management that protects both linings

Squamous vs glandular at-a-glance

Choosing Abler products by patternManagement that protects both linings

Anatomy explains cause and guides treatment. Identify the likely type, match the medication (omeprazole for squamous; omeprazole plus sucralfate for glandular), and keep a routine that protects the stomach. With a steady plan for stomach ulcers in horses, most cases settle well, and you’ll usually spot the first positives within a couple of weeks.