SPRING 2013
Plum Park Farm, Watling Street, Paulerspury, Towcester, Northants NN12 6LQ
Equine gastric ulceration Practice News The hidden health threat
Until recently it was thought that gastric ulcers only affected racehorses.
goodbye to Hannah Hughes who is
However, through better diagnostics and a more detailed understanding of the
leaving the nursing team to become Yard Manager at Milton Keynes
disease it has become apparent that all horses are at risk of developing this
performance limiting disease, especially horses undergoing intense levels of
training. Studies indicate that gastric ulcers occur in up to 63% of performance
horses, around 70% of thoroughbred broodmares and 37% of leisure horses.
Plum Park on Wed 23rd January. Jeremy Kemp-Symonds gave a What are equine gastric ulcers?
Please visit our website to view a video of the evening –
stomach lining, due to prolonged exposure
to the acid produced by the stomach. Claire Booth will
bleeding. In extreme circumstances in foals,
Diagnosis
the condition develops to such an extent
that perforation of the stomach can occur,
all aspects of foaling, drawing on her ex-
endoscope. Our equine vets use this endoscope to view the upper portion of the
What are the signs of EGUS?
GI tract, including the oesophagus, stomach
Signs of ulcers in yearling and adult horses
Please contact the clinic or visit our website for further details:
are common, but are not always immediate-
Classification of www.towcester-vets.co.uk
ly recognised as due to gastric ulcers. The signs vary greatly between individuals, but
equine ulcers Alice Sheldon is now posting a
the more common clinical signs in adults
regular blog on the latest news and research in the world of equine or-
oped by vets to help classify the severity of
equine ulcers, in which grades 2 or above
are considered clinically significant. Equine gastric ulceration article continues overleafOpening Hours Grade 0: Stomach lining Grade 1: Stomach lining Grade 2: Stomach has
available to answer any incoming calls or equine emergencies. Towcester Veterinary Centre Equine, Clinic Plum Park Farm, Watling Street, Paulerspury, Towcester, Northants NN12 6LQ Tel: 01327 811007 • www.towcester-vets.co.uk • [email protected] Equine gastric ulceration continued: Grade 3: Stomach has large Grade 4: Stomach has extensive NEW PRODUCTS available at Towcester Veterinary Centre Equine Clinic
We are pleased to introduce our new range of nutra- ceuticals. These are available to purchase over the counter from the clinic following prior discussion with a vet.
Hoof Supplement This contains biotin, calcium, zinc, copper and methionine and formulated to maximise healthy hoof growth. We have found it to be especially useful in horses which have poor hoof and sole quality. Probiotics Our probiotics contain high levels of Saccharomyces. Why Do Gastric Ulcers Develop?
Current research suggests that this is the most effective
Gastric ulcers occur when aggressive factors in gastric juice
probiotic ingredient. Designed to maximise intestinal
– such as acid and digestive enzymes – overpower the protec-
health, these supplements are particularly beneficial to
tive factors in the stomach lining. As horses have evolved to be
horses suffering from a range of intestinal disorders such
continually feeding, acid is continually secreted into the stomach;
as diarrhoea. They can also be useful in cases receiving
this means that prolonged periods without food to neutralise that
acid can lead to ulceration. When horses are denied free access to feed or fail to eat, ulcers can develop rapidly. Ulcer supplement This is used for horses who are at risk or are suffering Does Your Horse Have Gastric Ulcers?
from gastric ulcers. We often use this after a course of
If your horse has no spark, is reluctant to canter or gallop,
Gastroguard in EGUS cases. The supplement works in
threatens to buck or bite when the girth is tightened, head shakes
4 different ways; Contains antacids, a seaweed extract to
when ridden, or is showing signs of mild recurrent colic then
form a gel on top of stomach contents, prebiotic and es-
your horse might have gastric ulcers!
sential amino acids to improve production of mucus and cells to line stomach.
Remember 1 in 3 leisure horses are affected by gastric ulcera- tion and performance horses are far more likely to be affected! Blood Tonic
Visit the web site for more information, videos and to conduct an
An iron and B vitamin tonic. Great for a boost in flat horses
or horses with low red or white blood cells, recovering from illness. This product is also useful for horses in high
Once diagnosed, treatment with a daily oral paste, omeprazole
(gastroguard), is very effective. It often results in a near immediate improvement in clinical signs. Joint Aid Our best selling old favourite. Contains 99% pure, phar-
Assessment for gastric ulceration is usually performed in
maceutical grade Glucosamine to maximise bioavailability.
the clinic using our stocks. However we can perform the
Perfect for maintaining high performance horses and well
procedure on your yard if you book our mobile diagnostic
loved old ponies alike. Always worth a trial, you should see
unit via reception. Doing this will mean you can take advantage of
our reduced visit fee scheme. In November 2012 we held a gastroscopy day at our clinic. Several horses were ‘scoped’ and a video of the talk given to clients on the cause and effect of gastric ulceration in the horse is posted on our website. It is about 40 minutes long, very informative and it is worth viewing if you suspect that your horse may have ulcers. We are planning to run another day soon, where we will be offering clients the opportunity to present their horse for gastroscopic examination free of charge to enhance the practical demonstration.
Check out our new look website on www.towcester-vets.co.uk
This Newsletter is provided as an education service to our clients. All news and other items in this newsletter are for information only and should not be treated as a substitute for specialist veterinary advice. For all images, the copyright is the property of the photographer.
Renée Isaacs Langdon, BSc (Hons), MSc, ND CCNM Integrated Healthcare Centre, 1255 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Phone: (416) 498-8265 Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire pt.: ____________________________________________ DOB: _______________ M F Date: _______________ Please list your four major health concerns in order of importance: 1. ________________________
SPRING 2013
Equine gastric ulceration continued: