It is important to remember that although your horse's signs may abate within the first week of treatment, the ulcers do not heal without at least three weeks of drug therapy and changes in environment and feeding. It is very important to follow your veterinarians recommendations for the frequency and length of treatment, as well. For instance, your horse may feel a lot better after he is given a low dose of cimetidine twice a day, instead of the recommended high dose three times a day. However, at the end of three weeks, your horse will likely still have gastric ulcers.

If it is at all possible, you should have a re-check gastroscopy performed 3-4 weeks after you start treatment. In this way, you will have hard evidence of how well the ulcers are healing. You will be able to make a more intelligent and informed decision about how long, if at all, you should continue treatment.