03/28/2026
A Horse’s Environment Is Not Separate from Its Health—It’s the Foundation of It
Ammonia gas from urine breakdown in a horse’s stall is more than just a smell—it is a respiratory irritant that affects the horse’s mucous membranes, starting in the airways. When inhaled, ammonia can irritate and inflame these delicate linings, contributing to a stress response in the body and increasing cortisol levels. This stress response can reduce the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms—lowering mucus production, increasing acid exposure, and weakening the stomach lining—increasing susceptibility to ulcer development.
Mucous membranes are not just in one place—they are a continuous protective lining throughout the horse’s body. They line the nose, lungs, digestive tract, eyes, and urinary and reproductive systems. Think of them as the horse’s internal skin, forming a connected system that protects against the outside environment.
Because this system is connected, irritation in one area—like the lungs from ammonia—does not stay isolated. It can contribute to systemic inflammation and stress, which may weaken other mucosal surfaces, including the stomach. This is why environmental factors like stall air quality play a much larger role in overall health than many people realize.
When a horse is exposed to ammonia, you are not just affecting the lungs—you are influencing the entire mucosal system, including the stomach’s ability to protect itself from acid.
A horse’s health is built from the inside out—and protecting the mucous membranes supports the lungs, the stomach, and the foundation of the horse’s performance and well-being.
Treatment Approaches for Equine Gastric Disease
https://thehorse.com/1141800/treatment-approaches-for-equine-gastric-disease/
Treating equine gastric disease requires an accurate diagnosis and pharmacological therapy combined with management changes. Sponsored by Kelato.