omeprazole for horses is a widely used medication in equine medicine, primarily prescribed to treat and prevent gastric ulcers in horses. Gastric ulcers are a common issue, especially in performance horses, due to stress, diet, and the natural anatomy of the equine stomach. Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production, allowing ulcers to heal and preventing new ones from forming. It is the active ingredient in several equine-specific products, such as GastroGard® and UlcerGard®.

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks the enzyme responsible for producing stomach acid. By reducing acid levels, it helps create a more favorable environment for the stomach lining to heal from existing ulcers and prevents further damage from occurring. Omeprazole is effective in treating equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), a condition affecting a significant percentage of horses, particularly those in training, competition, or stressful environments.

Key Benefits of Omeprazole for Horses

1. Effective Ulcer Treatment: Omeprazole is highly effective in treating gastric ulcers, promoting healing by reducing stomach acid and protecting the stomach lining.
2. Ulcer Prevention: For horses at risk of developing ulcers, such as those under stress or on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), omeprazole can be used preventively.
3. Improved Performance: By alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with ulcers, omeprazole helps improve appetite, mood, and overall performance in horses.
4. Safe for Long-Term Use: Omeprazole is generally safe for long-term use under veterinary guidance, making it suitable for both treatment and ongoing ulcer prevention.

How Omeprazole Works

Omeprazole works by inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach lining, which are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid. By blocking these pumps, omeprazole significantly reduces the amount of acid produced, thereby lowering the acidity in the stomach. This reduction in acid allows ulcers to heal more effectively and prevents new ulcers from forming, especially during periods of stress or while the horse is on medications that may irritate the stomach lining.

Common Uses of Omeprazole in Horses

• Treatment of Gastric Ulcers: Omeprazole is the go-to treatment for horses diagnosed with gastric ulcers, providing relief and promoting healing.
• Ulcer Prevention: Horses that are at high risk of developing ulcers. Such as those in training, traveling, or under stress, may be given omeprazole to prevent ulcers from forming.
• Support During NSAID Therapy: When horses are on long-term NSAID therapy. Which can increase the risk of ulcers, omeprazole is often prescribe to protect the stomach lining.

Price of Omeprazole for Horses

The cost of omeprazole can vary depending on the brand, dosage form, and quantity. For example:

• GastroGard® Paste (2.28 g tube): Typically costs between $30 to $45 per tube, with a full treatment course often requiring multiple tubes.
• UlcerGard® (Preventive): Typically costs around $35 to $50 per tube, designed for daily use during high-risk periods.

The total cost of treatment or prevention will depend on the severity of the ulcers and the duration of the therapy.

Where to Purchase Omeprazole for Horses Online

Omeprazole products can be purchase from various reputable veterinary suppliers. Some recommended online sources include:

• Standlee MED: Offers a range of omeprazole products, including GastroGard® and UlcerGard®, with competitive pricing and reliable shipping.
• Tacoma Vet Med: Provides a selection of equine medications, including omeprazole, often with fast delivery options.
• SmartPak Equine: Known for their extensive range of equine health products, SmartPak offers omeprazole as part of their ulcer treatment and prevention range.

Administering Omeprazole to Horses

• Dosage and Duration: The typical dosage for treating gastric ulcers is 4 mg/kg of body weight, administer once daily for 28 days. For prevention, a lower dose of 1 mg/kg is often recommended. Always follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding dosage and duration.
• Administration: Omeprazole is usually administer orally, either as a paste or in granule form, using a dosing syringe. It should be given on an empty stomach to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Consistency: For best results, omeprazole should be administered consistently at the same time each day. If using it preventively, start the regimen before the horse is expose to stressors, such as travel or competition.
• Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the horse’s response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Conclusion

Omeprazole is a highly effective medication for treating and preventing gastric ulcers in horses. Offering significant benefits in terms of healing, performance, and overall well-being. Whether your horse is suffering from existing ulcers or is at risk due to stress or medication. Omeprazole can be a key component of their health care regimen. For best results, purchase omeprazole from reputable suppliers like Standlee med, tacoma and always consult with a veterinarian to ensure proper dosage and administration.