Abstract: Flunixin meglumine (FM) is commonly used in painful conditions in horses; however, it may contribute to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Some veterinarians combine omeprazole (OME) and FM to reduce EGUS risk. However, the efficacy and safety of this combination in Mongolian horses with chronic lameness remain unknown. Objective: To investigate the changes in lameness and EGUS scores in Mongolian horses through the comparison of three treatment strategies: FM, FM + OME and placebo treated control (CON) and to assess the effects of these treatments on gastric fluid pH, serum total protein, albumin and oxidative stress markers (MPO, SOD, CAT). Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: Eighteen Mongolian horses with initial American Association of Equine Practitioners lameness scores ≥3 of 5 were selected and equally divided into the placebo (CON), FM (1.1 mg/kg IV q. 24 h) and FM + OME (4 mg/kg PO q. 24 h) treatment groups in a randomised block design. During 15 days of treatment, weekly gastroscopy and physiological and biochemical tests were performed. Stomach tissues were harvested from two horses from each group for histopathological examination with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Results: FM (median 1.0, interquartile range 0.0-1.0; p < 0.001) and FM + OME (1.0, 1.0-1.0; p < 0.001) significantly decreased lameness scores compared with CON (3.0, 3.0-4.0). Compared with CON (EGGD: 0.0, 0.0-1.0, p < 0.001; PG1: mean 231.9 ± standard deviation 25.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001) or FM + OME (EGGD: 0.8, 1.0-1.3, p = 0.003; PG1: 207.08 ± 34.85 ng/mL, p < 0.001), FM significantly increased equine gastric glandular disease (EGGD) grade (3.0, 2.0-3.3) and pepsinogen 1 (PG1) content (372.2 ± 33.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Compared with CON (total protein: 70.1 ± 2.9 g/L; albumin: 37.0 ± 3.0 g/L; Gastrin-17: 482.5 ± 48.1 pg/mL), FM significantly reduced total protein (62.8 ± 2.9 g/L, p = 0.003), albumin (31.5 ± 2.3 g/L, p = 0.01) and Gastrin-17 (GT-17) content (284.6 ± 57.2 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Compared with FM (EGGD: 3.0, 2.0-3.3; pH: 2.4 ± 0.3), FM + OME significantly decreased the EGGD grade (0.8, 1.0-1.3; p = 0.003) and significantly increased gastric fluid pH (7.4 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). FM + OME (207.1 ± 34.9 ng/mL) significantly decreased PG1 content compared with FM (372.24 ± 33.25 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Histopathology revealed that 15 days of FM treatment led to gastric lesions in horses, which were mitigated by combining with OME. Conclusions: Individual differences among horses were large, but the sample size was small and sampling was infrequent. Conclusions: Compared with FM alone, use of FM + OME did not impact the reduction in lameness scores with therapy, but reduced the occurrence of EGGD in Mongolian horses. When used to manage chronic lameness, FM + OME might protect against FM-induced EGGD by increasing the gastric pH and decreasing serum PG1 content.
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study investigates the efficacy of co-administering flunixin meglumine (FM) and omeprazole (OME) in treating equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and lameness in Mongolian horses. The authors found that the combined use of FM and OME demonstrated protective effects against FM-induced EGUS in these horses, with the additional benefit of reducing lameness, which FM treatment alone also achieved.
Study Design and Methodology
The study involved in vivo experiments with eighteen Mongolian horses that presented with signs of lameness. These horses were randomly divided into three groups – placebo (CON), FM alone, and FM combined with OME.
Both FM and the FM + OME regimen were administered for a period of 15 days. During this period, weekly gastroscopy and physiological and biochemical analyses were performed to monitor changes brought about by the treatment.
Furthermore, stomach tissues were harvested from two horses in each group for histopathological examination using various staining techniques.
Key Results
Both FM alone and the FM + OME combination significantly reduced lameness scores compared to the control group.
Treatment with FM alone was found to increase gastric glandular disease (EGGD) and pepsinogen 1 (PG1) content, markers of gastric ulcers in horses. However, these were significantly reduced when OME was added to the FM treatment.
FM treatment also led to a significant reduction in serum total protein, albumin, and Gastrin-17 content. This phenomenon was not observed in the FM + OME group, which could indicate potential mitigation of FM’s side effects when OME is co-administered.
Gastric fluid pH observed to be lower in the FM group increased significantly when OME was added, indicative of a healthier gastric environment.
GAstroscopic pathology revealed that gastric lesions induced by FM treatment were mitigated when OME was added, confirming the protective effect of the drug combination.
Conclusions
The study concludes that although both FM alone and FM + OME treatment reduced lameness in the horses, the combined therapy was superior in terms of protecting against FM-induced EGGD.
This advantage was achieved by increasing the gastric pH and decreasing serum PG1 content, thereby creating a more favourable environment in the horses’ stomach.
However, the authors also note that the sample size for this study was small and the horses exhibited significant individual differences, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Cite This Article
APA
Guo W, Li Z, Mao W, Liu X, Yang Y, Yu J, Yang H, Gao R.
(2025).
Assessing omeprazole and flunixin meglumine co-administration in treating equine gastric ulcer syndrome in Mongolian horses.
Equine Vet J.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14477
Vernilimer CD, Hennessy PW. Clinical studies on flunixin meglumine in the treatment of equine colic.. J Equine Med Surg 1977;1:111–116.
Houndshell JW, Hennesss SW. A new NSAID analgesic for horses.. J Equine Med Surg 1977;1:57–63.
Bottoms GD, Fessler JF, Roesel OF, Moore AD, Fraunfelder HC. Endotoxin induced hemodynamic changes in ponies: effects of flunixin meglumine.. Am J Vet Res 1981;42:1514–1518.
Fessler JF, Bottoms FD, Roesel OF, Moore AD, Fraunfelder HC, Boon CD. Endotoxin induced changes in hemograms, plasma enzymes and blood chemical values in anesthetized ponies: effects of flunixin meglumine.. Am J Vet Res 1982;43:140–144.
Moore JN, Garner HE, Shapland HE, Hatfield DG. Prevention of endotoxin‐induced arterial hypoxaemia and lactic acidosis with flunixin meglumine in conscious ponies.. Equine Vet J 1981;13:95–98.
Stefanyk O, Slivinska L. Pathomorphological study on gastric ulceration in horses.. Scientific messenger of LNU of veterinary medicine and biotechnologies. Ser Vet Sci 2019;21(96):192–197.
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Lameness scale. Definition and classification of lameness. Guide for veterinary service and judging of equestrian events.. 4th ed. Lexington, KY: American Association of Equine Practitioners; 1991. p. 19.
Andrews F, Bernard W, Byars D, Cohen N, Divers T, MacAllister C. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS).. Equine Vet Educ 1999;11(5):262–272.
Sykes BW, Hewetson M, Hepburn RJ, Luthersson N, Tamzali Y. European College of Equine Internal Medicine Consensus Statement—equine gastric ulcer syndrome in adult horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2015;29:1288–1299.
Sykes BW. Courses for horses: rethinking the use of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome.. Equine Vet Educ 2019;31(8):441–446.
Gwee KA, Goh V, Lima G, Setia S. Coprescribing proton‐pump inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs: risks versus benefits.. J Pain Res 2018;11:361–374.
Pearson EG, Smith BB, McKim JM. Fecal blood determinations and interpretation.. Proc Am Assoc Equine Pract 1987;33:77–81.
Sykes BW, Sykes KM, Hallowell GD. A comparison of two doses of omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome: a masked, randomised, clinical trial.. Equine Vet J 2014;46:416–421.
Wallace JL, Syer S, Denou E, de Palma G, Vong L, McKnight W. Proton pump inhibitors exacerbate NSAID‐induced small intestinal injury by inducing dysbiosis.. Gastroenterology 2011;141:1314–1322. e5.
Jamieson J, Kutryk M. Studies on the effect of phenylbutazone and salicylate on the rates of synthesis of albumin and acute‐phase α1‐acid glycoprotein by rat liver slices.. Biochem Med 1980;23:293–301.
Rainsford K, Willis C. Relationship of gastric mucosal damage induced in pigs by anti‐inflammatory drugs to their effects on prostaglandin production.. Dig Dis Sci 1982;2:624–635.
Mahmud T, Rafi SS, Scott DL, Wrigglesworth JM, Bjarnason I. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.. Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:1998–2003.
Goddard PJ, Hills BA, Lichtenberger LM. Does aspirin damage canine gastric mucosa by reducing its surface hydrophobicity?. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Phys Ther 1987;252:G421–G430.
Goddard PJ, Kao Y‐CJ, Lichtenberger LM. Luminal surface hydrophobicity of canine gastric mucosa is dependent on a surface mucous gel.. Gastroenterology 1990;98:361–370.
Ruiz‐Hurtado PA, Garduño‐Siciliano L, Dominguez‐Verano P, Martinez‐Galero E, Canales‐Martinez MM, Rodriguez‐Monroy MA. Evaluation of the gastroprotective effects of Chihuahua propolis on indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcers in mouse.. Biomed Pharmacother 2021;137:111345.
Tan B, Chiranthanut N, Chansakaow S, Sireeratawong S, Khonsung P, Nimlamool W. Gastroprotective effects of Pikad Tri‐phol‐sa‐mut‐than herbal remedy on multiple gastric ulcer models in rats.. Heliyon 2023;9(8):e19297.
Kamar SA, Bayoumi AH, Rady HY. Spirulina supplements: an approach moderating aspirin pers귭 histological and ultra‐structural alterations in albino rats gastric mucosa.. Ultrastruct Pathol 2022;46(2):204–216.
Sánchez S, Martín MJ, Ortiz P, Motilva V, Alarcón de la Lastra C. Effects of dipyrone on inflammatory infiltration and oxidative metabolism in gastric mucosa: comparison with acetaminophen and diclofenac.. Dig Dis Sci 2002;47(6):1389–1398.
Wallace JL, McKnight W, Reuter BK, Vergnolle N. NSAID‐induced gastric damage in rats: requirement for inhibition of both cyclooxygenase 1 and 2.. Gastroenterology 2000;119:706–714.
Takeuchi K, Ueshima K, Hironaka Y, Fujioka Y, Matsumoto J, Okabe S. Oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin in rats. Relation to gastric hypermotility.. Digestion 1991;49(3):175–184.
Miura T, Muraoka S, Fujimoto Y. Lipid peroxidation induced by indomethacin with horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide: involvement of indomethacin radicals.. Biochem Pharmacol 2002;63(11):2069–2074.
Coskun T, Yeğen BC, Alican I, Peker O, Kurtel H. Cold restraint stress‐induced gastric mucosal dysfunction. Role of nitric oxide.. Dig Dis Sci 1996;41(5):956–963.
Takeuchi K, Yasuhiro T, Asada Y, Sugawa Y. Role of nitric oxide in pathogenesis of aspirin‐induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.. Digestion 1998;59(4):298–307.
Oyagi A, Ogawa K, Kakino M, Hara H. Protective effects of a gastrointestinal agent containing Korean red ginseng on gastric ulcer models in mice.. BMC Complement Altern Med 2010;10:45.
Halliwell B. Free radicals, antioxidants, and human disease: curiosity, cause, or consequence?. Lancet 1994;344:721–724.
Mahadik SP, Scheffer RE. Oxidative injury and potential use of antioxidants in schizophrenia.. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1996;55(1–2):45–54.
Odabasoglu F, Halici Z, Cakir A, Halici M, Aygun H, Suleyman H. Beneficial effects of vegetable oils (corn, olive and sunflower oils) and alpha‐tocopherol on anti‐inflammatory and gastrointestinal profiles of indomethacin in rats.. Eur J Pharmacol 2008;591(1–3):300–306.
Biswas SK. Does the interdependence between oxidative stress and inflammation explain the antioxidant paradox?. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2016;2016:5698931.
Kishimoto T. Interleukin‐6: from basic science to medicine—40 years in immunology.. Annu Rev Immunol 2005;23:1–21.
Ahmed SM, Luo L, Namani A, Wang XJ, Tang X. Nrf2 signaling pathway: pivotal roles in inflammation.. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017;1863(2):585–597.
Stepan V, Sugano K, Yamada T, Park J, Dickinson CJ. Gastrin biosynthesis in canine G cells.. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2002;282(5):G766–G775.
Beltinger J, Hildebrand P, Drewe J, Christ A, Hlobil K, Ritz M. Effects of spiroglumide, a gastrin receptor antagonist, on acid secretion in humans.. Eur J Clin Invest 1999;29(2):153–159.
Walsh JH, Richardson CT, Fordtran JS. pH dependence of acid secretion and gastrin release in normal and ulcer subjects.. J Clin Invest 1975;55(3):462–468.
García‐Sancho M, Rodríguez‐Franco F, Sainz A, Rodríguez A, Silván G, Illera JC. Serum gastrin in canine chronic lymphocytic–plasmacytic enteritis.. Can Vet J 2005;46(7):630–634.
Wolfe MM, Soll AH. The physiology of gastric acid secretion.. N Engl J Med 1988;319:1707–1715.
Code CF. Reflections on histamine, gastric secretion and the H2 receptor.. N Engl J Med 1977;296:1459–1462.
Hirschowitz BI. An update on histamine receptors and the gastrointestinal tract.. Dig Dis Sci 1985;30:998–1004.
Mohamadkhani A, Darvish Moghaddam S, Salmanroghani H, Allafsghari A, Yazdanbod A, Mirzaei M. Are the serum biomarkers pepsinogen I and II good predictors for the detection of subjects with atrophic gastritis in areas that have different gastric cancer incidence?. Arch Iran Med 2013;16(4):208–212.
Yusuf FS. Formulation and in‐vitro evaluation of floating microballoons of stavudine.. Univ J Pharm Res 2016;1:13–19.
Zhang XM, Li JX, Zhang GY, Li XH, Gu H. The value of serum pepsinogen concentrations for the diagnosis of gastric diseases in Chinese Han people in midsouth China.. BMC Gastroenterol 2014;14:3.
Ning P, Sun L, Liu H, Yuan Y. Expression of pepsinogen C in gastric cancer and precancerous diseases and its clinical significance.. Chin J Clin Oncol 2004;1:422–426.
Miki K. Gastric cancer screening using the serum pepsinogen test method.. Gastric Cancer 2006;9:245–253.
Boutemine IM, Amri M, Amir ZC, Fitting C, Mecherara‐Idjeri S, Layaida K. Gastro‐protective, therapeutic and anti‐inflammatory activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. fatty oil against ethanol‐induced gastric ulcers in rats.. J Ethnopharmacol 2018;224:273–282.
Cai JP, Wu YJ, Li C, Feng MY, Shi QT, Li R. Panax ginseng polysaccharide suppresses metastasis via modulating twist expression in gastric cancer.. Int J Biol Macromol 2013;57:22–25.