## Overview Duodenal ulceration is erosion of the duodenal mucosa, seen more often in foals than adults. Clinical signs include teeth grinding, colic after nursing, diarrhea, and poor growth. Severe ulcers can perforate or heal with stricture formation. ## Causes Stress, illness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, or other factors disrupting mucosal defense. The exact triggers in foals are multifactorial. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus gastroduodenoscopy or contrast studies. Response to anti-ulcer therapy is supportive. ## Treatment Acid suppression (omeprazole, histamine blockers), sucralfate, and management of underlying stress or illness. Severe cases may need intensive care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated ulcers with treatment. Perforation or subsequent stricture worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Minimizing stress in foals and judicious use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
teeth grinding in foals; colic after nursing; diarrhea; poor growth
## Overview Duodenal ulceration is erosion of the duodenal mucosa, seen more often in foals than adults. Clinical signs include teeth grinding, colic after nursing, diarrhea, and poor growth. Severe ulcers can perforate or heal with stricture formation. ## Causes Stress, illness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, or other factors disrupting mucosal defense. The exact triggers in foals are multifactorial. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus gastroduodenoscopy or contrast studies. Response to anti-ulcer therapy is supportive. ## Treatment Acid suppression (omeprazole, histamine blockers), sucralfate, and management of underlying stress or illness. Severe cases may need intensive care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated ulcers with treatment. Perforation or subsequent stricture worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Minimizing stress in foals and judicious use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
teeth grinding in foals; colic after nursing; diarrhea; poor growth