Final answer:
It is true that gastric distention can lead to a horse's stomach rupture if not treated in time. Preventing ulcers involves managing the horse's diet and stress to maintain a healthy mucus lining, and avoiding foods that increase stomach acid or irritation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement stating with gastric distention, a horse’s stomach can rupture if treatment is not in time is indeed true. The stomach of a horse has limited capacity for expansion, and excessive gas or feed can lead to distention. If the pressure becomes too great, as in cases of severe colic, it could cause the serosa layer of the stomach to rupture, resulting in a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent attention from a veterinarian.
The formation of an open wound in the stomach may be due to several factors including bacterial infection, viruses, or irritation from ingested items. In horses, ulcers can occur when there is a degradation of the mucus lining, which is meant to protect the stomach lining from acidity. Preventive measures typically include managing diet and stress to avoid stomach irritation and maintaining a healthy mucus lining. Foods that increase the acid content or that are irritating should be avoided to reduce the risk of ulcer formation.