Re: Ulcers

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-10-12 16:57:05 EDT, LEEVALLONE@aol.com writes:

<< I have a mare who developed ulcers two years ago and when she was diagnosed
 the vet said, "go to Mexico and get the medications" as you will save a lot
of
 money.    I did and on re-scope, she was healed.  I purchase a three week
 course of Carafate and Cimetidine for about $20.   >>

Generic cimetidine is available here now, too, and we use it a lot in ulcer
cases.  We also use some of the newer histamine blockers that are a bit more
effective than cimetidine, but the cimetidine still works well and may be the
drug of choice if the case isn't outrageously bad and cost is a factor.
Carafate is definitely indicated--it provides a biological "bandage" for the
ulcer while it heals.  The other important part of ulcer therapy is an
antibiotic--there are generally bacteria involved in ulcers (H. pylori, among
others) and one is more apt to get good results by addressing that part of the
problem, too.

Ulcers often occur when horses are under unusual stresses, on high-carb diets,
are taking NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, such as Bute or
Banamine) or any combination of the above.  Being closely confined seems to be
a stress--horses confined to stalls for long periods of time have a higher
incidence of ulcers.  Also, some plant steroids can increase the incidence of
ulcers in foals and weanlings--including those found in rice bran.  (Not to
worry in our endurance horses--the rice bran/plant steroid problem has only
been implicated in youngsters.)

Heidi Smith, DVM