The effect of feeding a commercial feedstuff on gastric squamous gastric disease (ESGD) healing and prevention of recurrence.

This study investigates the impact of a commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix feed on the healing and prevention of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) recurrence in horses. The results suggest that the commercial feedstuff aids in preventing ESGD recurrence when included in a horse’s diet during the healing phase and afterward.

Objective of the Research

The primary objective of this research was to determine whether a commercial feedstuff, comprised substances known to help combat symptoms of ESGD, could facilitate ESGD healing and deter recurrences.

• ESGD is a common equine disease associated with acid damage to the horse’s stomach lining.
• Pectin, found in beet pulp, changes its structure under acidic conditions to resemble mucous, which then binds to the horse’s stomach mucosa, thereby offering protection against acid damage.
• Alfalfa, another component of the commercial feed, has a strong innate acid-buffering capacity, providing a natural defense against acid-induced damage.

Methodology

• The study included ten horses diagnosed with ESGD. The horses were of various ages, breeds, and included both mares and geldings.
• All the horses were treated with omeprazole according to the attending veterinarian’s recommendation.
• The horses were then randomized into two groups: one that additionally received the commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix feed and another group that did not receive any additional feed.
• The study duration was one month, at the end of which gastroscopy was performed to evaluate the response to therapy.
• If the ESGD had healed, omeprazole therapy was ceased, and the commercial feed was provided to all horses for another month. ESGD recurrence was checked via gastroscopy after this period.

Findings

• After a month of treatment, ESGD was found to have healed in all horses.
• However, at the end of the second month (during which all horses received the commercial feed), ESGD had recurred in significantly more horses that had not been fed the commercial feed during the initial treatment month.
• The feed mix thus appears to have played a crucial role in preventing ESGD recurrence.

Implications

• The commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix feed appears to be a promising aid in both the healing process and prevention of ESGD recurrence in horses.
• While the currently accepted treatment involves a medication, omeprazole, this research suggests that diet alterations using the feed mix can offer additional support in handling ESGD.
• This commercial feed could potentially serve as an essential supplementary tool in managing equine health, specifically in the regulation and prevention of gastric diseases.