GASTROGARD®

(omeprazole USP)

 
Gastric ulcers are the result of naturally occurring acids damaging the lining of the stomach – and are typically a by-product of stress. They are a common condition that affects all types of horses at any age and the incidence of gastric ulcer is higher than most think. Up to 100%of race horses and 11 to 37% of pleasure riding horses can be affected.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Veterinarians have long been aware of the high prevalence of gastric ulcers in racehorses and other types of performance horses. However, recent studies are revealing that gastric ulcers can be triggered by the activities of horses used for leisure, including trailering and light work.1

THE CONSEQUENCES OF ULCERS

 
While gastric ulcers tend to be under-diagnosed, the pain and impact they cause can be significant and include:
 

  • Impeded growth of foals – and, in some instances can be fatal
  • Colic in foals and occasionally in adults
  • Temperament can be adversely affected making training and handling more difficult
  • Hard to maintain adequate food intake
  • Loading for transportation and behavior in the trailer can become challenging
  • Optimal health, fitness and performance cannot be reached
  • Emergence of stable vices, including stall walking, cribbing or weaving

 

INDICATIONS:

 

To aid in improving, healing and preventing the occurrence and recurrence of gastric ulcers, in horses and foals nine weeks of age and older. 

Available through your veterinarian.

PRESENTATIONS:

7 x 2.28 g tube
72 x 2.28 g tube

 

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References

1. White G et al. Effects of short-term light to heavy exercise on gastric ulcer development in horses and efficacy of omeprazole paste in preventing gastric ulceration. JAVMA. 2007; 230(11): 1680-1682 
2. Bertone JJ. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in elite, heavy use western performance horses. AAEP Proceedings.2000;46:256-259.
3. Bell RJW, et al: The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. NZ Vet J. 2007;55(1):13-8.
4. Chameroy KA, et al. Prevalence of non-glandular gastric ulcers in horses involved in a university riding program. JEVS. 2006;26(5):207-211.
5. Dionne RM, et al. Gastric Ulcers in Standardbred Racehorses: prevalence, lesion description, and risk factors. J Vet Intern Med. 2003;17:218-222.
6. Johnson JH, et al. Field survey of the prevalence of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred racehorses and on response to treatment of affected horses with omeprazole paste. Equine Vet Ed. 2001;13(4):221-224.
7. McClure SR, et al. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in show horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1999;215(8):1130-1133.
8. Mitchell RD. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in hunter/jumper and dressage horses evaluated for poor performance. 21stAnnual Association of Equine Sports Medicine Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings. 
2001:74-77.
9. Nieto JE, et al. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in endurance horses – a preliminary report. The Vet J. 2004;167(1):33-37.