Ah, horses! These majestic creatures that captivate us with their beauty and power. But have you ever wondered why your horse yawns? Is it just tiredness or is there something else behind this yawn? You might be surprised to learn that yawning in horses could be a sign of something much more serious, like gastric ulcers.
Interpreting your horse’s messages
THE horse is a complex creature and its behaviors can often be interpreted as posts to tell us something. When your horse yawns, he may simply be tired or disconnected from his surroundings. However, there are other reasons why your horse might yawn.
For example, if your horse yawns frequently, it could be a sign of stress. Horses can become stressed for a variety of reasons, such as a change in environment, an unbalanced diet, or excessive exercise. This is why it is essential to closely monitor your horse’s behavior and take note of any unusual changes or signs.
Clinical signs of gastric ulcers in horses
Gastric ulcers are a common health problem in horses, and one of the clinical signs that your horse might be suffering from them is yawning. Indeed, when the horse’s stomach is irritated or damaged, it can cause pain which manifests itself in frequent yawning.
THE gastric ulcers are damage to the stomach lining that can be caused by stress, improper diet, or strenuous exercise. Other clinical signs include the horse scratching the ground, or experiencing recurrent colic. If your horse exhibits any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek help from a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding the importance of the horse’s stomach
The horse’s stomach is divided into two regions: the glandular region and the non-glandular region. Gastric ulcers usually occur in the non-glandular region, where the lining is more sensitive to stomach acids.
Yawning can be a way for the horse to relieve pressure or pain in its stomach. It’s a bit as if the horse is trying to “get rid of” what is bothering him in his stomach. Additionally, yawning stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid.
How to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses?
The prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers in horses mainly involves appropriate management of diet and stress. A balanced diet, high in fiber and low in grains, can help maintain the health of the horse’s stomach. Additionally, avoiding stressful situations and allowing the horse to get enough rest can also help prevent ulcers from developing.
If ulcers are suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted promptly. He will be able to carry out an endoscopic examination of the horse’s stomach to confirm the diagnosis and propose appropriate treatment.
A horse yawning may seem commonplace, but it can also be a sign of something more serious like gastric ulcers. It is essential to be alert to clinical signs and consider all aspects of your horse’s life, from their diet to their stress levels. So a yawn is not always just a yawn, but can be a message from your horse. So the next time you see your horse yawning, don’t forget to ask yourself what he’s trying to tell you.
*Updated 23 July 2024
