Effect of a Supplement on Non-Glandular Gastric Ulcer Scores and Gastric Juice pH

A supplement (SGU)^a added to feed prevents the worsening of nonglandular gastric ulcers in stall-confined horses 2 weeks after discontinuation of omeprazole treatment and lessens the increase in gastric ulcer scores after intermittent feeding, without altering the gastric juice pH. Authors’ addresses: Equine Health Studies Program, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 (Andrews, Camacho, Loftin, Garza, Keowen, Kearney); and Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, AL 36088 (Gaymon); e-mail: fandrews@lsu.edu.

1. Introduction

SGU containing botanicals (herbs), coating agents, and natural antacids for horses with gastric ulcers has limited data available on its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SGU on nonglandular (NG) gastric ulcers scores and gastric juice pH after omeprazole treatment in stall-confined horses.

2. Materials and Methods

This study was performed in racing-age stall-confined Thoroughbreds (n = 8) as a 42-day 2- period crossover design in which all horses received no treatment (untreated controls) or treatment (SGU pellets, 40 g, twice daily). In addition, from days 1 to 14 all horses were treated with omeprazole paste^b , and then treatment was discontinued. From days 28 to 35, all horses underwent intermittent feed-deprivation. During feed-deprivation, all treated horses were fed SGU. From days 35 to 42, horses returned to their normal diet. Gastroscopy was performed on day -1, 14, 28, 35, and 42. Gastric juice pH was measured and NG gastric ulcer number (NGN) and severity (NGS) scores were assigned by a masked clinician (FMA). 

3. Results

After 14 days, NGN and NGS scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both groups compared to those on day -1. On days 28 and 35, NGN scores remained significantly lower in the SGU-treated horses when compared to the untreated controls. By Day 42, NGN and NGS scores were not significantly different in either group. Gastric juice pH was low and variable, except on day 14, when gastric juice pH was significantly higher in both groups due to omeprazole treatment.

4. Conclusions

SGU supplement fed to horses prevented gastric ulcers from increasing in horses after omeprazole treatment, without increasing gastric juice pH. Supplementation with SGU aids in the protection of the NG stomach from the rebound acid effects after omeprazole treatment is discontinued and in stall-confined horses undergoing intermittent feeding.

Acknowledgments

Conflict of Interest

This study was funded by Smart Pak Equine, LLC., Equine Health Studies Program Equine Funds and the LSU Foundation.

Footnotes

^a SmartGut^® Ultra, SmartPak Equine, LLC., Plymouth, MA 02360.

^b GastroGard^® paste, Merial Limited, Duluth, GA 30096.