Stomach ulcers are sadly often common terminology for the competitive horse owner. However, there are two distinct types of ulcers: those in the upper region of the stomach (squamous ulcers) and those in the lower region of the stomach (glandular ulcers). Importantly, the difference is more than just location. Glandular ulcers are now classified as an independent condition (read more in our blog) and need to be treated as such.
Why should you care?
Horse owners often have varied experiences with treatment of stomach ulcers, some positive, some negative, some left looking for answers elsewhere. One of the most common treatments for stomach ulcers, is the proton pump inhibitor (i.e. it stops acid being produced) called ‘omeprazole’ (you can read more about this drug in our blog). This drug can be administered in several different ways (oral paste, granules or injections) and can be very effective at healing ulcers in the top part of the stomach (squamous ulcers). But what about glandular ulcers?
What does the science say?
A study by Sykes and colleagues* reported that racehorses with ulcers in the squamous portion of the stomach (the upper third of the stomach) reported an improvement in their ulcers in response to oral treatment with omeprazole (1mg – 4mg/kg body weight) in an average of 96% of horses, with evidence of healing in an average of 86% of horses.
However, if the ulcers were located in the glandular region of the stomach (acid producing, lower half of the stomach), the percentage of horses showing signs of improvement was dramatically lower (34%), with only 14% showing signs of healing. Importantly, they also reported worsening in the severity of lesions in horses treated with omeprazole, in an average of 36% of horses with glandular ulcers, compared to 0% of horses with squamous ulcers.
Take home message
So what lessons to be learned from this study? Firstly, when get your horse scoped for ulcers, don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian where they are located and the severity of the lesions #knowledgeispower. Secondly, if your horse does not respond as you would expect to conventional, pharmaceutical treatment, then it might be time to think outside the box. Finally, prevention is much better than an expensive vet bill, so make sure that you support your horse’s digestive tract daily, and before work and travel.
Unsure where to begin? Contact us for guidance on which products might be right for your horse.
* Sykes et al., (2015) Equine Veterinary Journal, Vol.47 (3), p.285-290
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