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Gastroduodenal ulceration in foals
Author(s) -
Murray M. J.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3292.1999.tb00948.x
Subject(s) - medicine , horse , gastroduodenal ulcer , peptic ulcer , paleontology , biology
Gastric ulcers are highly prevalent in foals, and severe ulcers can develop as early as 2 days of age. Gastric acidity can be very high in foals, particularly between nursing activities. Hydrochloric acid can begin damaging the gastric epithelium within minutes of exposure. Risk factors for ulcers include illness and other conditions that result in decreased nursing and feeding. Foals with severe illness, such as septicemia, may have reduced gastric mucosal blood flow, further predisposing the gastric lining to injury. Clinical signs may not be apparent in foals until ulcers are very severe, and when clinical signs are noted, treatment should be very aggressive. Drugs that block gastric acid secretion are recommended, and the proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are particularly recommended.