GASTRIC ULCERS ISSUE 21_Jerkins feature.qxd 20/07/2011 12:01 Page 1
VETERINARY
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) remains a serious problem in racehorses and other performance horses. Sometimes in obvious ways, but often in more insidious ways, it robs both horse and owner by compromising the horse’s appetite, feed efficiency, condition, comfort, and willingness to work. Were we to be able to accurately calculate it, the amount of money los t to this disease would probably be staggering. By Dr. Christine King 26 TRAINERMAGAZINE.com ISSUE 21
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MEPRAZOLE paste has been a great leap forward in our ability to treat and prevent EGUS, particularly in horses who must remain in training. But there’s no denying that long-term treatment with this drug is costly. Changes in diet, feeding schedules, housing, turnout, exercise, and other management factors are important and they help many of these horses. But the fact remains that strenuous exercise is a major