Are we in the clear yet

Today marks the last day of Gastrogard for Ben (hopefully for good!). He started out with a full tube for 30 days then went to 1/2 tube for 30 days & now 1/4 tube for 2 weeks. We are at the last day of the two weeks & while I'm excited with that comes some apprehension naturally. He has relied on it for 2 & 1/2 months. I always become nervous when he decreases any of his medications but its also a step in the right direction which is what we strive for. Fingers crossed he is perfectly fine without it. He will still be continuing the Sucralfate & Misoprostal for the remainder of the month. Next month as long as he continues improving will be even more nerve wrecking because that's when the Dr was considering stopping the Misoprostal. I trust my vets so I know they always have his best interest which is why you don't stop the medications cold turkey. He has gained good weight & putting back his muscles on his topline nicely. He hasn't been ridden in 3 months now & the fact that he is putting muscle on is a full result of his turnout routine. He will not be ridden while on any medications because as I have said before just because you are decreasing the symptoms does not mean you have a fully healed horse yet.  Ulcers are an injury (an internal one) & should be given proper time off & your routine reevaluated. Once your horse is fully healed you slowly bring them back just like an outside injury.

Ben had a very nice morning/afternoon full of appointments. He had his massage which showed his right knee was feeling its arthritis due to the weather we have been experiencing (nonstop rain) which intern resulted in left sided back discomfort. Both were helped with the massage & energy work with plenty of releases! I cant imagine how stiff & sore he would be if he was stuck inside though! As I always say rain wont make them melt! You just need a proper blanket (if you blanket). His toe trim was one of his best behavior wise yet. He was very calm & very cooperative for him. His farrier even commented on the difference in his behavior since his ulcers have undergone treatment. He began displaying uncharacteristic behavior before his ulcer were found. He never likes having his toes done but he was behaving worse than he ever had. After both his appointments he went back outside with his neighbor buddy & began eating his hay.

In another two weeks I will recheck his Succeed Fecal test to see where things are. I'm hoping we get fully negative results this time around! I couldn't be more pleased with his progress & response to his treatments. Always remember its more than just doing the medications you also have to look at your routine & make some serious changes & that includes feed changes. Ulcer horses should be getting small frequent meals (3+), unlimited hay, alfalfa (hay or cubes soaked)  low sugar low starch feed ideally one that has no grain & as much turnout as possible. They also need digestive support supplements & if needed a supplement to help prevent reoccurrence. The less the stress the better off everyone will be!