| | Gastric Ulcers in Horses - The Merck Veterinary Manual |
 | | In adult horses, ~30% have mild gastric erosions, and the prevalence and severity of ulcers increase as the intensity of work increases—90% of race horses have gastric lesions, and in 50% the lesions are moderate to severe. |
 | | Ulcers in the squamous mucosa result from increased exposure to hydrochloric acid, which can be secondary to prolonged periods of not eating or nursing, intensive exercise, or delayed gastric emptying. |
 | | The effects of different feeds on gastric acidity and ulcerogenesis have not been thoroughly studied, although one report indicated that alfalfa hay was associated with reduced ulcer severity in research horses. |
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