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Keano was started on daily dosing with omeprazole
(GastroGuard
TM
) which effectively reduces the
production of gastric acid in the stomach and three
times daily dosing with sucralfate (Antepsin
TM
)
which helps to provide a protective barrier over the
glandular ulcers. As soon as treatment was started,
his owner Alison noticed a great improvement in his
appetite - he enthusiastically finished his feeds and
was eating much more hay. Treatment was continued
for one month after which Keano has continued to
have a good appetite and has gradually gained
condition and is certainly feeling well - even recently
jumping back into the yard when he felt the weather
was a bit too cold and wet out in the field.
Although Keano already had a good management
system with daily turn out, some management
changes were able to be made to try to prevent the
ulcers returning. He has free access to fibre in several
haynets to encourage foraging. He is fed oil daily as
part of his ration which can have a protective effect
and he is given a small fibre meal prior to exercise
which helps to provide a mat in the stomach to
absorb the acid and prevent the acid splashing up
into the sensitive part of his stomach.
Although Keano is a thoroughbred, his calm
personality, and light workload might not immediately
make him high risk for ulcers when compared with a
racehorse in training. It is thought that perhaps the
stress of moving home could have triggered the
gastric ulceration. This case shows that ulcers can
occur in different types of horses and that once
treated the improvements can be dramatic.
EQUINE REVIEW
SPRING 2010
6