Horse Gastric Ulcers - How to Treat and Prevent

1. Gastric Ulcers: How to Treat and Prevent We know that horses are prone to gastric (or stomach) ulcers. Gastric ulcers affect an estimated 50-90 percent of horses, with performance and racehorses being among the most vulnerable. We even know which therapy and management choices can aid in the ulcer treatment for horses and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. What is a gastric ulcer? Gastric ulcers in horses (also known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome or EGUS) are a prevalent condition in racehorses and elite performance horses, although they can affect horses of all ages and types, especially if they have limited fodder access. Foals are also vulnerable, not least because their gastrointestinal mucosa is rather thin. When digesting stomach acids come into contact with the upper part of the stomach lining, which lacks the same protective coating as the lower part of the stomach, squamous gastric ulcers form. The lower two-thirds of the stomach, which are immersed beneath the acidic gastric secretions, are affected by glandular ulcers. Glandular ulcers afflict the lower two-thirds of the stomach, particularly the last third, known as the antrum. Glandular Gastric Disease is the correct name for this condition. Ulcers develop gradually and are caused by a breakdown of the mucus layer, which protects glandular tissue from acid. The clinical indicators are more variable, and may or may not involve weight loss or appetite alteration. Some horses may acquire a dislike for girthing, but this is not always the case.

2. Identifying and diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses Horse ulcer treatment can be done easily Although there is no conclusive visible evidence that a horse is suffering from stomach ulcers, there are performance horse is suffering: certain indicators that a   lower efficiency change in attitude (reluctance to work/reluctance to be tacked up) body in terrible condition decreased appetite colic of a mild severity Advertisements     Gastric Ulcers: How to Treat and Prevent The most prevalent treatment for gastric ulcers in horses has been an equine-specific version of omeprazole given at a dose-dependent on body weight. The length of time the horse requires this will be determined by the severity of the ulcers as well as the animal’s treatment and diet. Generally 30days is the required length of treatment. Ulcers can be effectively treated in two stages: Stage 1:  The most successful treatment for squamous ulcers in horses is a specific type of omeprazole administered at an adequate dose for a period of time suited for your horse’s ulcers: broad shallow squamous lesions heal faster (14-21 days) than more focal deep lesions (28 days). A combination of omeprazole and the mucosal protectant Sucralfate is used to treat glandular ulcers, with ulcer treatment time of 28-56 days expected.  Stage 2:  In over 80% of squamous instances, complete healing occurs; ideally, the gastroscopy should be repeated. However, if the horse has had an excellent clinical response, this can be bypassed and the horse placed on maintenance treatment for a period of 2-3 months. There are two alternatives for squamous lesions maintenance: first, continue using equine specific omeprazole but lower to a 1/4 dose. This method is less reliable, and because the supplement’s effect is fleeting, it must be taken every 6 to 8 hours. Protective feeding and management modifications must be maintained in any scenario.  

3.  In cases of glandular ulceration, full healing occurs in around 70% of cases; nevertheless, some patients endoscopically worsen, necessitating a repeat gastroscopy. Ulcer treatments for horses and feeding management  Feeding less grain; if horses require more calories to maintain weight, try supplementing the diet with oil or another fat source; allowing fodder to be chosen at will (hay, pasture, or an alternative forage such as hay pellets or cubes). Corn oil or rapeseed oil (50-100ml 1-2 times per day) will help to lower stomach acid production and improve glandular mucus barrier function. Using slow-feeders and/or haynets to extend the time it takes for hay to be consumed. Including alfalfa in one’s diet has been demonstrated to help with stomach buffering. When it comes to nutraceuticals, Merritt advises business owners to look for items that have scientific proof of performance. Instead of two meals each day, the concentrate ration should be divided into three.       Get horse ulcer medication - https://abler.com/shop