By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
There is a new treatment for gastric ulcers in horses.
“Gastric or stomach ulcers are a common problem in racehorses and other performance horses,” Dr. Bob Judd, host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network, said. “The only effective treatment in most cases in a drug called GastroGard.”
GastroGard contains the drug omeprazole.
Omeprazole, in human use, is sold under the brand names Prilosec and Zegerid.
“It has been shown that most other forms of omeprazole are not effective, because the chemical is broken down in the stomach while GastroGard maintains its efficacy,” Judd said. “Unfortunately, GastroGard is expensive. So there are lots of products on the market claiming they are effective at treating gastric ulcers when they have been shown not to be effective.”
There is a study showing aloe vera justice is somewhat effective in treating ulcers, but Judd said the ulcers only healed in very few horses compared to GastroGard.
“A new study by Dr. Nathan Slovis out of Lexington, Kentucky, indicates a product containing a polysaccharide blend of high molecular weight Hyaluron and Schizophyllan was 90 percent effective at healing or improving gastric ulcers in 30 days,” Judd said. “While the scientists are not sure why the polysaccharides are effective, it is believed to protect the mucosal lining of the stomach and decrease the amount of acid produced.”
Hyaluron is an established antioxidant and is thought to create a mechanical barrier that protects the lining of the stomach.
“This polysaccharide blend is a non-pharmaceutical alternative to the use of omeprazole and similar drugs,” Judd said.
Horses on long-term GastroGard have their stomach pH altered, which Slovis indicates could alter digestion.
Texas Vet News with Judd airs Monday through Friday on the TFB Radio Network. His shows may also be heard here.