Horses are prone to several health issues, one of which is gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are a painful condition that affects the stomach lining of horses, and it can cause several problems, such as weight loss, colic, and even death in severe cases.
To treat gastric ulcers, veterinarians often prescribe Gastrogard, a medication designed to relieve the symptoms of gastric ulcers in horses. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Gastrogard and how it can help horses with gastric ulcers.
What is Gastrogard?
Gastrogard is a medication that contains omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of gastric ulcers in horses.
Gastrogard comes in the form of a paste that is administered orally to horses. The paste is designed to stick to the stomach lining and provide a protective barrier that prevents further damage to the stomach lining.
How does Gastrogard work?
Gastrogard works by inhibiting the proton pump, a protein in the stomach that is responsible for producing acid. By reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, Gastrogard helps to relieve the symptoms of gastric ulcers and promote healing of the stomach lining.
Gastrogard is designed to be administered once a day for 28 days, although the duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the ulcers. It is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.
What are the benefits of Gastrogard?
Gastrogard is an effective medication for the treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. It has several benefits, including:
1. Relief of symptoms: Gastrogard can help relieve the symptoms of gastric ulcers, such as poor appetite, weight loss, and colic.
2. Healing of the stomach lining: Gastrogard can promote the healing of the stomach lining by reducing the amount of acid that comes into contact with it.
3. Prevention of ulcers: Gastrogard can help prevent the development of new ulcers by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
4. Easy administration: Gastrogard comes in a paste form that is easy to administer orally to horses.
It is important to monitor horses closely while they are on Gastrogard and report any unusual symptoms to the veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Gastric ulcers are a common problem in horses, but with the help of Gastrogard, they can be effectively treated. Gastrogard is a safe and effective medication that can help relieve the symptoms of gastric ulcers, promote healing of the stomach lining, and prevent the development of new ulcers. If you suspect that your horse has gastric ulcers, it is important to consult with a veterinarian, who can diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include Gastrogard.