Fatty Acids and Squamous Gastric Ulcers: Kentucky Equine Research Publishes New Study

Kentucky Equine Research received word that the results of a recent study will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The paper, titled Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Increases Levels in Red Blood Cells and Reduces the Prevalence and Severity of Squamous Gastric Ulcers in Exercised Thoroughbreds, details a study in which researchers observed the relationship between plasma and red blood cell fatty acid composition as well as squamous gastric ulcer occurrence when horses were supplemented with short-chain (SC-) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs).

Ashlee Hauss, a research coordinator at Kentucky Equine Research and an author on the paper, said, “Researchers and veterinarians are constantly on the lookout for ways to prevent or heal gastric ulcers because the syndrome is so pervasive. In this study, we found that supplementation with LC-PUFAs was associated positively with prevention or resolution of severe squamous gastric ulceration. This was exciting for us, certainly, but also for the future well-being of all horses!”

Read the full-length paper.

According to its website. the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is a monthly, peer-reviewed, general veterinary medical journal. The journal publishes manuscripts dealing with any subject germane to the practice of veterinary medicine. Specifically, the mission of JAVMA is to advance and promote the science and art of veterinary medicine while upholding world-class standards in peer-reviewed veterinary medical scientific publications.