Best Practice Treating Horses With Omeprazole and Sucralfate

Horses participating in races and events can be prone to gastrointestinal issues such as equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Such conditions can have a significant impact on a horse’s well-being, performance, and quality of life. This leaves horse owners searching for solutions, but luckily, advancements in veterinary medicine have produced treatments such as Omeprazole (AbPrazole) and Sucralfate (AbSucralfate). Let’s discuss these medications and best practices in treating horses with Omeprazole and Sucralfate to ensure the health of our equine companions. 

What is AbPrazole or Omeprazole?

  

AbPrazole, also known as Omeprazole, is a medication developed to aid in treating gastric ulcers in horses. Belonging to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), Omeprazole works to reduce the acid content in the horse’s stomach. 

What Does Omeprazole Do?

  

Omeprazole's primary function is to inhibit gastric acid secretion by blocking the enzyme system responsible for acid production. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, ulcers and lesions in the intestinal lining can heal, preventing new ulcers from forming. Omeprazole gets to the root of the pain to improve the horse’s appetite, performance, and behaviour by reducing gastric acidity and promoting healing. 

Omeprazole Composition

 

Omeprazole is composed of a benzimidazole derivative that specifically targets the proton pumps in the stomach lining, thus making it a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). AbPrazole, an Omeprazole medication produced by Abler, is available in a paste, capsules, or granules.

Best Practice When Administering AbPrazole

  

As with all medication, following the guidelines when administering Omeprazole is critical for optimal results. The AbPrazole (Omeprazole) should be given to the horse when their stomach is empty, typically first thing in the morning. The dose can be sprinkled on the main feed or with a handful of damp feed. AbPrazole is enteric coated and best fed on damp or dry feed but not soaked in water. Each dose is effective for 24 hours, so the horse only needs to consume it at the recommended dosage once a day to reduce acid production throughout the day. 

What is AbSucralfate or Sucralfate?

  

AbSucralfate, or Sucralfate produced by Abler, is a medication used to treat the symptoms of equine glandular gastric ulcer disease (EGGUD), pyloric ulcers, and equine squamous gastric ulcer disease (ESGUD). Sucralfate is also effective in treating hindgut and right dorsal colitis. This medication forms a protective barrier over ulcers to relieve the pain the horse may be experiencing. Shielding the ulcer from the gastric acid also aids the healing process. 

What Does Sucralfate Do?

  

Sucralfate reacts with gastric acid, binding to gastrointestinal mucosa, and adhering to the ulcers to create a physical barrier. This medication binds to ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and intestines. This barrier protects the ulcer from further injury by acid and digestive enzymes to offer symptomatic relief.

Sucralfate Composition

  

Sucralfate is a hydroxy aluminium salt of sucrose octasulfate, which interacts with gastric acid to bind to damaged mucosal surfaces without being absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, Sucralfate is safe for long-term ulcer management. AbSucralfate, Abler’s Sucralfate, is available in granular form.

Best Practice When Administering AbSucralfate

  

Because AbSucralfate (Sucralfate) coats the digestive tract, it can interact with other medications and supplements. For this reason, it is best to dose the horse with AbSucralfate at least on an empty stomach, at least one hour after AbPrazole or any other medication. AbSucralfate is most effective if administered every 8 hours; however, most horse owners still get good results with two doses per day. AbSucralfate shouldn’t be fed with a large meal, but it can be mixed with water and syringed directly into the horse’s mouth, made into a paste and smeared onto treats, or sprinkled on a handful of damp feed. 

 

Abler’s goal is to help your horse recover from ulcers through a practical approach. By adhering to the prescribed course and following the best practice guidelines, equine ulcers can be treated effectively to improve their health, comfort, and performance.