02/27/2025
What are the benefits to having a gastroscope performed before starting treatment for gastric ulcers?
✅ Identifying if gastric ulcers are present/a concern for your horse
✅ Identifying the type & severity of gastric ulcers
- Did you know there are two types of gastric ulcers: squamous ulcers and glandular ulcers
⚕️Squamous ulcers: traditionally identified, located in upper part of the stomach usually around the transition between the non-glandular and glandular region. Typically treated with omeprazole +\- sucralfate depending on severity
⚕️Glandular ulcers: located in the bottom of the stomach - most frequently near the pylorus (exit to the intestines). More difficult to treat usually require a combination of medications and prolonged treatment, along with dietary management changes.
✅ Gastrogaurd Guarantee - if your horse has squamous ulcers and after 28 days of a full tube of GG has not resolved to a satisfactory level - you can receive a second month of treatment FREE
✅ Identify any other abnormality or lesions in the stomach:
1️⃣ Masses or tumours
2️⃣ Parasites - such as gasterophilus (bot larva)
3️⃣ Delayed gastric emptying - the stomach does not empty as quickly as it should (usually due to something partially blocking the exit - inflammation from ulcers, a mass, or narrowed passage from scarring)
Over 60% of performance horses will have gastric ulcers and up to 90% of race horses 🏇
What causes gastric ulcers?
✅ Intensity and Frequency of exercise
✅ Stress/Anxiety - around training, hauling, competing
✅ Current management practises - stabling, less turn out
✅ High Starch/grain diets
✅ Lack of grazing/continual forage - meal feeding
✅ Medications - Bute, Banamine etc
If you believe your horse may be suffering from gastric ulcers speak with your veterinarian about a gastroscope or treatment options.
