Effects of intramuscular omeprazole on gastric acid secretion in horses over a twenty-four hour period.

This study investigates the impact of omeprazole, administered intramuscularly, on gastric acid secretion in horses over a day. The researchers found that omeprazole significantly reduced the volume and total acid output while raising the pH level in the horses’ stomachs, making intramuscular administration of the drug a potentially simple and cost-effective treatment for gastric ulcers in horses.

The Background

• The study focuses on the effects of omeprazole, a commonly used medication to reduce stomach acid, in horses.
• While most commonly administered orally in humans, this research explores the effectiveness and potential advantages of intramuscular injections in horses.

Research Methodology

• Researchers evaluated the effects of the drug on characteristics of gastric juices, including volume, total acid output (TAO), and pH levels, over 24 hours.
• The research involved treatment with doses – low (LD: 0.25 mg/kg) and high (HD: 1.0 mg/kg).
• A total of five horses, each equipped with a chronically implanted gastric cannula, were assessed.
• Comparisons were made between the untreated controls and the animals that received a dose of pentagastrin, a peptide that stimulates gastric acid secretion.

Key Findings

• Omeprazole caused a significant reduction in the basal TAO and the pentagastrin-stimulated TAO. The reduction was more pronounced with the higher dose.
• Following omeprazole administration, an increase in gastric pH was observed.
• With the high dose treatment, the range of pH increased more broadly compared to the low dose and the control group.
• The bioavailability of the omeprazole was found to be between 70 to 80 percent, indicating that a significant proportion of the drug is readily absorbed and utilized by the horse’s body.

Implications of the Study

• The research suggests that intramuscular delivery of omeprazole may be an effective treatment for gastric ulcers in horses.
• Due to the simplicity of administering an intramuscular injection and the high bioavailability of the medication, this method could present a practical and cheaper alternative to current treatment methods.