No, UlcerGard and GastroGard are two different products made by Merial and they are not interchangeable. UlcerGard is an oral paste used to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses, while GastroGard is a paste used to treat and control gastric ulcers in horses.
While they are both made by Merial, UlcerGard does not contain the active ingredient omeprazole like GastroGard does. Therefore, it is important to use the product as directed and not substitute one for the other as it could be harmful to your horse.
If you have any questions about which product to use, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
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Are GastroGard and UlcerGard the same thing?
No, GastroGard and UlcerGard are not the same thing. GastroGard is the trade name for the active ingredient omeprazole and is used to treat gastric and intestinal ulcers in horses. It works by reducing acid production in the stomach while protecting the lining of the stomach and intestine.
UlcerGard on the other hand is the trade name for the active ingredient omeprazole and is used to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses. It works by reducing acid production in the stomach and by creating a protective coating on the lining of the stomach.
While the active ingredient is the same, the way that GastroGard and UlcerGard are used is different. GastroGard is used to treat gastric and intestinal ulcers that are already present, while UlcerGard is used to prevent and treat gastric ulcers from forming.
Can you treat ulcers with UlcerGard?
Yes, UlcerGard, an oral paste containing omeprazole and ranitidine, is approved by the FDA for prevention of equine gastric ulcers in horses at risk of developing gastric ulcers. When used as directed, UlcerGard has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of gastric ulcers, and has also been used to treat existing ulcers.
When treating existing ulcers, UlcerGard should be administered for four to six weeks. For best results, an equine veterinarian should be consulted to assess the medications necessary for treatment and ensure the horse does not develop further issues.
What’s the thing for horses with stomach ulcers?
For horses suffering from stomach ulcers, the most important thing is to provide them with proper nutrition and dietary management, as well as medication and supplements to help heal the ulceration. First and foremost, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best dietary plan.
A diet high in fiber and low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) is often recommended, as is reducing the feed frequency and limiting grain intake. It may also be recommended to add a supplement or medication to the horse’s feed to help heal and protect the stomach lining.
Common supplements recommended for horses with stomach ulcers include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and products containing zinc or copper. Many veterinarians also recommend feeding alfalfa hay, providing small-frequent feedings throughout the day (including plain electrolytes with no grains), and offering loose salt and mineral blocks in the stalls or paddocks.
Every horse is different and should be assessed individually when determining the best course of action.
Is omeprazole the same as GastroGard?
No, omeprazole is not the same as GastroGard. Omeprazole is a type of medication that is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in humans. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
GastroGard, on the other hand, is a medication used to treat ulcers and other stomach issues in horses. It is an Omeprazole paste that works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the horse’s stomach.
It is designed specifically for horses and is not for human use.
How long does it take for UlcerGard to work?
UlcerGard is a medication used to help prevent stomach ulcers in horses. It contains the active ingredient omeprazole, which is a member of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class of drugs. When given at the recommended dose and frequency, UlcerGard can begin to work within 24 to 48 hours.
However, the full results of treatment aren’t typically seen for 1 to 2 weeks as the drug builds up in the horse’s system and begins to take full effect. While the medication begins to work within 1 to 2 days, it is important to continue to give the recommended dose for the full course of treatment as directed to ensure that the ulcers have been treated successfully.
Can gastric ulcers heal on their own in horses?
In most cases, gastric ulcers in horses can heal on their own. The healing process usually occurs over the course of several weeks to months depending on the severity of the ulcer. Some horses will experience improvements within two weeks of being diagnosed and treated, while more severe cases can take several months to heal.
The key to healing gastric ulcers in horses is to reduce risk factors and provide supportive care while the horse’s body works to heal itself. Reducing risk factors includes monitoring the horse’s diet to make sure that it is low in sugar and high in fiber, as well as providing regular exercise and reducing stress.
It is also important to ensure that the horse is receiving proper medication and treatment to reduce the acidity in the stomach and healing inflammation. This includes providing the horse with proton-pump inhibitors or using acid-controlling diets.
It is important to remember that the healing process is not always a linear one and that it is often slow and can be complicated by other health problems. Additionally, while the ulcers may heal on their own, the underlying cause may still remain.
For this reason, it is important to address the underlying cause with your veterinarian to ensure the horse remains healthy in the long-term.
Do I need a prescription for GastroGard?
No, you do not need a prescription for GastroGard. GastroGard (omeprazole) is an FDA approved medication to help manage and prevent stomach ulcers in horses. It is available over-the-counter in paste or oral granule formulations.
Depending on your horse’s individual needs, your veterinarian may provide a prescription for GastroGard, but it is not always necessary. It is recommended that you discuss your horse’s health needs and treatment options with your veterinarian prior to beginning any medication.
How many mg of omeprazole is in GastroGard?
GastroGard (made by Merial) contains 2. 28 milligrams (mg) of omeprazole per mL of suspension. This is equivalent to 25 mg per 5 mL syringe. Furthermore, the recommended dosage for use in horses is 1.
5 mg/kg of body weight per day, which amounts to 0. 5 mL of GastroGard per 100 lbs of body weight per day.
Can I give my horse human omeprazole?
No, you should not give your horse human omeprazole. While omeprazole is often used to treat ulcers in horses, it is important to note that there are special equine formulations of omeprazole that are specifically designed for horses.
Human omeprazole may not have the same potency or dosage as the equine version, and thus may not have the same desired effect in a horse. Furthermore, it is possible that the inactive ingredients present in the human version of omeprazole could be harmful to your horse, as many over-the-counter human medications contain ingredients that can be toxic to horses.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your horse any medication. They can help you determine the best choice for your horse, as well as provide the dosage and administration advice necessary to ensure your horse’s safety.
What is the supplement for equine ulcers?
The supplement typically recommended for equine ulcers is GastroEase EQ paste. GastroEase EQ is a proprietary gastro-intestinal supplement specifically intended for the health of the equine digestive system.
It helps support the digestive system’s healthy bacterial microflora, and contains herbs traditionally used to help soothe the gastrointestinal tract of horses. The paste also contains a blend of fats to provide calories and energy for horses, as well as MSM, an orgainc sulfur compound helpful for maintaining the mucosal lining of the digestive tract.
GastroEase EQ is an easy-to-dispense paste that can be put directly onto food or can be administered with a dosing syringe. When used as part of the veterinary-prescribed management program, it can be an important component for the treatment and prevention of equine stomach ulcers.
What supplements help with ulcers?
For those suffering from ulcers, there are several supplements that can help provide relief and, in some cases, potentially aid in the healing process. Some of the more commonly recommended supplements include probiotics, zinc, and aloe vera.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that may be taken orally as a supplement, and can be found in the form of capsules or powders, or in fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir. Research suggests that probiotics may help to protect the stomach lining and reduce the risk for gastric ulcers.
Zinc is a mineral that helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach and digestive system. It also helps to prevent ulcer forming bacteria and increases the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Zinc may be taken as a supplement in the form of pills or capsules, generally in doses of 15-30 mg per day.
Aloe vera has long been used as a folk remedy for digestive ailments due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies suggest that the gel found in the inner part of the aloe vera leaf can provide relief to those suffering from ulcers, and may even help in the healing process.
Taking aloe vera juice or gel orally on an empty stomach may help to soothe an ulcer. It can also be applied to the skin as a topical treatment.
How do you treat horse ulcers naturally?
Treating horse ulcers naturally involves a holistic approach of alleviating the symptoms as well as addressing any underlying cause. Many holistic treatments focus on creating a healthier environment within the horse’s stomach.
While over-the-counter medications such as omeprazole or ranitidine can help alleviate the symptoms, holistic approaches can help the horse heal faster and more effectively.
One holistic approach to treating horse ulcers is to improve the balance of the horse’s diet. Feeding a balanced diet with adequate fiber and high-quality digestive enzymes helps increase the buffering of the stomach acid that can lead to ulcers.
Additionally, reducing grain and supplementing with fat and oil can help provide energy without relying on starch. Similarly, feeding small amounts of food multiple times a day instead of giving large meals can help tease the stomach into a less acidic environment.
Additionally, stress and diet management can help reduce the risk of ulcers. Reducing stress can be done through a diet that includes properly balanced hay and quality feed, limiting high-intensity exercise, and providing a calm, consistent environment.
Minimizing changes as much as possible also reduces the stress that can cause ulcers.
Other holistic treatments to help treat horse ulcers include giving an herbal probiotic, avoiding disturbing the horse during meal times, and incorporating natural strategies such as acupuncture and massage.
All of these treatments can help to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and support the horse’s natural healing abilities.
What do vets use to treat ulcers in horses?
Veterinarians use a variety of treatments to treat ulcers in horses. The type of treatment used depends on the severity of the ulcer. If a horse has a mild ulcer, the vet may simply adjust the horse’s diet and provide extra hay and fiber.
For more severe cases, vets may prescribe a course of antibiotics or antifungal medications to reduce superficial inflammation and treat the underlying cause, as well as an acid reducer such as omeprazole (GastroGard).
In addition, if the equine is displaying signs of stomach pain, the vet may suggest pain relievers and/or an antacid such as an H2 Blocker. In some cases, the vet may also suggest gastric lavage, an endoscopic procedure that allows for the vet to visually inspect and flush out contents from the stomach, allowing for improved healing of the ulcer.
Finally, vets may suggest a course of probiotics, prebiotics and digestive aid supplements to help rebalance the horse’s gut microbiome and improve digestion.
What should you not feed a horse with ulcers?
If your horse has ulcers, it is important to take great care in what you are feeding them to ensure the best possible outcome and avoid exacerbating the ulceration. Generally, you should avoid feeding grain and concentrates to horses with ulcers, and focus on forage-based diets.
Forage should be at least 50-60% of their diet, as this aids in proper digestion. Avoid rich, over-conditioned hay, as this can contribute to ulcer development. In addition, high sugar, high starch, and high molasses feeds should also be avoided.
Uneven feeding schedules, such as grazing and free feeding, should also be avoided to help manage the acidity in the gut. Other things to avoid include feeding large amounts of carrots, sugar cubes, treats, and other foods high in sugar and starch.
If possible, you should also avoid exercising your horse in between meals.
