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High-performance horses, such as racehorses and eventers, suffer from equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) at a higher rate than pleasure or sedentary horses. Regardless of the underlying cause, treatment often involves environmental and dietary management and the administration of omeprazole, a prescription medication used to decrease the production of stomach acid.

“Omeprazole, currently considered the ‘treatment of choice,’ plays an important role in managing EGUS in horses. However, owners and trainers should end omeprazole therapy prior to certain athletic events or risk violating competition regulations,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research.

The European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee (EHSLC), a group that represents European racing regulatory authorities, for example, recommends a 72-hour withdrawal time for omeprazole. That recommendation was based on blood and urine detection times and associated screening limits based on studies involving the administration of an FDA-approved product (37% w/w) at a daily dose of 4 mg/kg for 28 days.

“Different formulations of omeprazole are currently available, including compounded products, that aren’t necessarily metabolized by the body in the same way as the original approved product. This means that the recommended withdrawal time may not be appropriate for all types of omeprazole,” Crandell noted.

If a product lasts too long in a horse’s system, a positive test could result and fines or suspension from competition levied. If the product is withheld for an excessively long period of time prior to competition, the horse could suffer from both health and welfare concerns.

Using a different formulation of omeprazole, researchers* recently revisited the withdrawal time for omeprazole by offering six Thoroughbred racehorses paste and calculating urine and blood levels of the drug after administration.

Based on their results, the researchers concluded that “a detection (withdrawal) time of 48 hours is recommended, which should assist those balancing what is best for an individual horse with what is needed to protect the integrity of the sport in which they are involved.”

Readers should note that these data reflect one study’s findings and that owner and trainers must consult with their veterinarian to comply with each governing body’s current withdrawal times. Furthermore,, concerns regarding long-term omeprazole administration on bone health persist.

“In addition to omeprazole, several nutritional supplements also support gastrointestinal health,” reminded Crandell.

She added, ““Kentucky Equine Research offers products to support gastrointestinal health, including RiteTrac. This product quickly neutralizes excessive gastric acid, protecting the stomach lining and restoring the normal gastric environment,” advises Crandell.

In addition to its skeletal benefits, including increasing bone density, Triacton buffers stomach acid to bolster gastric health and reduce the incidence of ulcers, and it also moderates the pH of the hindgut to prevent acidosis.

In Australia, look for these products to help ease gastrointestinal discomfort.

*Viljanto, M., L. Hillyer, P. Hincks, et al. Re-evaluation of the regulation of omeprazole in racehorses: An evidence-based approach. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. In press.

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