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Is gastric acid the problem?!?!

Horses. Stress. Gastric Ulcers.

We all know these terms go together. It probably makes some of you nervous just seeing those words.

So what events are stressful to horses?

As you know, horses can be stressed by just about anything. It depends largely on personality and previous experience. We know from experimental testing that the big stressors for horses are transportation (trailering, flying etc.) and intense exercise or competition (show jumping, endurance, or racing).

Why does it lead to gastric irritation?

Both psychological and physiological stress can change gastrointestinal homeostatic mechanisms and can lead to oxidative damage. In a recent study (2023), when horses were examined after transport, they had decreased gastrointestinal sounds and decreased gastric emptying (slower motility). These same horses had a gastroscopy performed before and after transportation which revealed worse gastric ulceration after transport, some of which were severe (grade 4). This change was seen within 12 HOURS, rapid development of ulcers and the first study to show it happens this fast!

Is gastric acid the problem?!? We love to blame it, don't we.....

The traditional approach to treating gastric ulcers associated with stress is administration of omeprazole (Gastrogard or Ulcergard) several days before and after a stressful event. These products are proton pump inhibitors (meaning they decrease gastric acid secretion and increase stomach pH).

Interesting, in the recently publication noted above, those horses DID NOT have lower gastric pH associated with transportation, but DID have worse gastric ulcers. MIND BLOWN, RIGHT?!

This means acid secretion in the stomach may not be the only cause of gastric ulcers in horses related to stress.

So, what can we do?!?
Feed a small meal

In that study, having some feed in the stomach during transport was protective against gastric ulcers and alfalfa has been indicated as a good option due to the buffering effect of calcium. However, the study also found lower gastrointestinal motility related to transport which may lead to colic. It seems to be best practice to provide a small meal within 6 hours of transport or while on the trailer. We don't want there to be a bunch of food in the GI system that could lead to impaction, but we want the protective effects on gastric ulcers.

Consider supplements to maintain homeostasis (not just decrease stomach acid)

There isn't much research in horses regarding gastrointestinal homeostasis. However, there are studies in people and other animal species. Much of it is opinion and you can draw your own conclusions.

My recommendation would be to administer a good prebiotic and probiotic with some research supporting their use. These are products such as Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Beta glucan. These products have been shown to improve digestion, maintain a healthy environment for good bacteria, and nourish the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract. Beta glucan has also been shown to modulate the immune system in horses during times of stress, providing an additional defense.

Another supplement to consider would be Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow root). This herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Based on the research, inflammation and oxidative damage are likely a big contributor to gastrointestinal issues related to stress. It also helps regulate blood sugar spikes related to stress, balancing the bodies energy needs and potentially being protective to the feet laminae.

These ingredients are all in our Equi-Gut+ product for a reason, we believe in the power of nature and the science that supports it!

Just my thoughts, hope it's helpful. Feel free to read the reference literature at the bottom and do your own research!




References:

Gharehaghajlou Y, Raidal SL, Freccero F, Padalino B. Effects of Transport and Feeding Strategies Before Transportation on Redox Homeostasis and Gastric Ulceration in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2023 Jul;126:104268. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104268. Epub 2023 Mar 3. PMID: 36871793.

Boyle AG, Magdesian KG, Durando MM, Gallop R, Sigdel S. Saccharomyces boulardii viability and efficacy in horses with antimicrobial-induced diarrhoea. Vet Rec. 2013 Feb 2;172(5):128. doi: 10.1136/vr.100833. Epub 2012 Nov 16. PMID: 23161811.

Picetti TS, Soveral LF, Miotto R, Erpen LMS, Kreutz Y, Guizzo JA, Frandoloso R, Kreutz LC. Orally administered β-glucan improves the hemolytic activity of the complement system in horses. Vet World. 2021 Apr;14(4):835-840. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.835-840. Epub 2021 Apr 5. PMID: 34083928; PMCID: PMC8167517.

Xue, T.-T., Yang, Y.-G., Tang, Z.-S., Duan, J.-A., Song, Z.-X., Hu, X.-H., Yang, H.-D., & Xu, H.-B. (2022). Evaluation of antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, nitric oxide production inhibitory activities and chemical profiles of the active extracts from the medicinal and edible plant: Althaea officinalis. Food Research International, 156, 111166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111166

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