We offer a wide variety of services:
Call (916) 685-2494 to find out more
|
|
|
Emergency Info
Open 24 Hours
(916) 685-2494
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pet Portal Access
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News
We will post news of interest here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gastric Ulcers
|
Domestic horses are prone to developing excess stomach acid which can
lead to ulcer development. Rates of gastric ulcer occurrence have been
recorded as high as 50% of pleasure horses and 90% of racehorses.
Factors predisposing horses to ulcer formation include:
| * |
Age - young horses are more ulcer prone |
| * |
Breed/Temperament - nervous or "hot blooded" horses are more
likely to develop ulcers |
| * |
Performance/Training - horses at use have a higher incidence |
| * |
Feeding patterns
|
* |
Episodic (stall feeding 2-3 times/day) fed horses
have a higher incidence of ulcers than do horses which
graze throughout the day. |
|
* |
Higher concentrate (grain) diets are associated with
ulcer formation. |
|
| * |
Stress
|
* |
Physical stresses such as systemic disease or
painful musculoskeletal diseases are associated with
ulcers |
|
* |
Behavioral stresses such as:
|
* |
Stall confinement |
|
* |
Transportation |
|
* |
Changes to the environment or social group |
|
|
| * |
Medication - the NSAID class of anti-inflammatory drugs (Bute,
Banamine) can decrease protective barriers in the stomach and
facilitate ulcer formation. |
| * |
Exercise - increases in stomach acid have been noted
following forced exercise such as training or performance. |
Gastric ulcers may cause one or more of the following symptoms in the
horse:
| * |
Weight loss |
| * |
Recurrent colic |
| * |
Poor performance |
| * |
Irritable behavior |
| * |
Repetitive behaviors such as cribbing, weaving, and grinding
of teeth |
| * |
Shifting or poorly identifiable lameness |
| * |
Poor hair coat |
| * |
Loss of appetite |
Endoscopy ("scoping") of stomach is the only definitive method
for diagnosing and assessing the rate of healing of gastric ulcers.
Endoscopy is recommended at the beginning and end of treatment.
Endoscopy can also be a useful tool to assess ulcer risk in horses
entering training, recovering from systemic disease, or undergoing
convalescence following lameness or injury.
Ulcer treatment is aimed at managing risk factors and reducing
acid levels in the stomach through the following methods:
| * |
Omeprazole paste. Omeprazole is the active ingredient
in medicines such as Ulcergard and Gastrogard. Omeprazole blocks
acid production in the stomach. |
| * |
High roughage, low concentrate diet. |
| * |
Pasture if possible. If pasture turnout is not an option,
free feeding of grass hay, or small, frequent feedings may be
advisable. |
| * |
Minimizing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use. Horses with
ulcers should not be given Bute or Banamine without a veterinary
recommendation. |
| * |
Minimizing stress. Avoid changing stables or routines during
the healing period. Avoid hauling on long trips if possible. |
|
| Contact Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at
(916) 685-2494 to make an appointment! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
