Effects of short-term light to heavy exercise on gastric ulcer development in horses and efficacy of omeprazole paste in preventing gastric ulceration.

The study examines the impacts of heavy to light exercises on the development of gastric ulcers in horses over an eight-day period. It further assesses the effectiveness of omeprazole paste in preventing gastric ulcers.

Research Methodology

• The experiment was a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial involving 102 horses which appeared normal during gastric mucosal endoscopic examination and were in different training levels ranging from light to heavy.
• The horses were assigned to four trial locations and treated with either a placebo (via an empty syringe) or omeprazole paste (at a ratio of 1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO) daily for eight days.
• The training regimen varied across the different locations and included early training for western performance events, mechanical exerciser walking, trotting, and cantering, as well as standard race training (two locations).
• The research measured the prevalence of gastric ulceration at the end of the eight-day treatment period in both the placebo and omeprazole-treated groups.

Findings

• At the end of the experimental period, results showed that a higher number of horses treated with omeprazole paste (88%) were free from gastric ulcers as compared to those in the placebo group (27%).
• The study concluded that horses under different training intensities, from light to heavy, even for a period as short as eight days, are vulnerable to developing gastric ulcers.
• Furthermore, the use of omeprazole paste was found to significantly decrease the development of gastric ulcers.

Significance and Implications

• The results of this study have important implications for the health and performance of horses under training. They suggest the need for consistent monitoring to detect any signs gastric ulcerations, considering even a short period of training can lead to the development of gastric ulcers.
• The findings also propose that omeprazole paste may serve as an effective preventative treatment for gastric ulcers in horses, potentially improving their health and performance.