Ulcers
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
Gastric ulcers in horses have turned out to be much more common than we thought they were. Even about 11% of horses turned out in pastures have been found to have gastric ulcers. 93% of horses Racing or in Race training were found to have ulcers. The Helicobacter species found to cause Gastric ulcers in man have not been isolated from horses.
Broodmares as well as Race horses have been found to have Gastric ulcers. In women increased estrogen levels have been found to have gastric reflux and there may be a similar situation for pregnant mares.
The Equine stomach has a glandular section and a non-glandular section. The non-glandular section is lined with squamous epithelial cells. [similar to our skin] The glandular section produces a think mucous layer which tends to protect it. And as you would suspect only about 20% of the equine ulcers are found in the glandular portion of the stomach.
The Equine Gastro Intestinal tract is unique in that in spite of being about 100 feet long, it is nourished by relatively few arteries of blood supply. Exercise diverts blood supply and intermittent abdominal pressures may push gastric juices up into the squamous lining producing irritation when there is little or no food present.
Stemmy grass hay is beneficial as the chewing increases the bicarbonate rich saliva reaching the stomach. The Hydrochloric Acid of gastric secrections is countered by the saliva and less irritation occurs. Thus it is easy to see that constantly available grass hay is helpful in preventing, or treating gastric ulcers.
NSAIDs Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatories favor the development of ulcers. In the stomach and in the right dorsal colon where the NASID tend to reduce mucosal blood flow and thus provide what may be an inciting factor. Some workers state that no more than one gram of Butazolidin twice daily for six days each week will not cause ulcers to be developed. Other workers believe we should use as little NASID as possible.
The newer medication Firocoxib does not have the effect of reducing mucosal blood flow. It would be a better choice in a horse with Gastric Ulcer than Butazolidin.
When we feed grain and it ferments in the stomach toxic fatty acids and alcohol are produced which may irritate and predispose to Gastric ulcer. Feeding small amounts several times daily will help reduce this effect.
Mac Barksdale DVM
I found this very interesting!!!
Gastric ulcers in horses have turned out to be much more common than we thought they were. Even about 11% of horses turned out in pastures have been found to have gastric ulcers. 93% of horses Racing or in Race training were found to have ulcers. The Helicobacter species found to cause Gastric ulcers in man have not been isolated from horses.
Broodmares as well as Race horses have been found to have Gastric ulcers. In women increased estrogen levels have been found to have gastric reflux and there may be a similar situation for pregnant mares.
The Equine stomach has a glandular section and a non-glandular section. The non-glandular section is lined with squamous epithelial cells. [similar to our skin] The glandular section produces a think mucous layer which tends to protect it. And as you would suspect only about 20% of the equine ulcers are found in the glandular portion of the stomach.
The Equine Gastro Intestinal tract is unique in that in spite of being about 100 feet long, it is nourished by relatively few arteries of blood supply. Exercise diverts blood supply and intermittent abdominal pressures may push gastric juices up into the squamous lining producing irritation when there is little or no food present.
Stemmy grass hay is beneficial as the chewing increases the bicarbonate rich saliva reaching the stomach. The Hydrochloric Acid of gastric secrections is countered by the saliva and less irritation occurs. Thus it is easy to see that constantly available grass hay is helpful in preventing, or treating gastric ulcers.
NSAIDs Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatories favor the development of ulcers. In the stomach and in the right dorsal colon where the NASID tend to reduce mucosal blood flow and thus provide what may be an inciting factor. Some workers state that no more than one gram of Butazolidin twice daily for six days each week will not cause ulcers to be developed. Other workers believe we should use as little NASID as possible.
The newer medication Firocoxib does not have the effect of reducing mucosal blood flow. It would be a better choice in a horse with Gastric Ulcer than Butazolidin.
When we feed grain and it ferments in the stomach toxic fatty acids and alcohol are produced which may irritate and predispose to Gastric ulcer. Feeding small amounts several times daily will help reduce this effect.
Mac Barksdale DVM
I found this very interesting!!!
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