[RC] Ulcer Research at Wine Country Rides

[Jessica Tuteur]

Below is information on ulcer research that will be conducted at the Wine Country Rides this June 1st.   Jessica, RM    Free Evaluation At The Wine Country Rides  Does Your Endurance Horse Have Ulcers?  With the availability in recent years of endoscopes of adequate length, stomach (gastric) ulceration is now commonly diagnosed in horses.  Studies in race and show horses have shown a prevalence of gastric ulceration from 60% to 90%.  The presence of gastric ulceration has been associated with clinical signs such as poor appetite, attitude changes, colic and poor performance.  At the University of California we have evaluated the performance of horses with gastric ulceration and found that horses with ulcers had decreased oxygen consumption representing a 4.5 times decreased response to training compared with normal horses.  This means horses are getting tired faster during performance with ulcers, and this may occur without any other signs.  Stresses and demands on the horses and riders during endurance races differ from other equine sports, because these horses perform for hours over uneven terrain, and often in less than ideal environments.  Gastrointestinal signs, such as colic and diarrhea have been complications associated with endurance races in horses. Intense endurance exercise in humans has been associated with gastrointestinal signs included gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea and bleeding ulcers.   The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of gastric in endurance horses and determine if there is a relation between ulcers and/or bleeding with general health, diet, and management.  Procedure: On June 1st at the end of the race, horses will be allowed to rest and recover before evaluation.  You can also have your horse evaluated on Sunday morning.  It is best if we evaluate them before they eat after the race or the next morning prior to feeding so the stomach will be empty. We will provide a questionnaire (attached) with specific questions about your horse's health, feeding, transportation and training protocols.  For the endoscopy we will pass an endoscope (similar to a stomach tube) through one of the nostrils to visualize the stomach.  We will show you the inside of your horse's stomach, we will take some pictures and we will give you a copy.   If your horse has ulcers we will give you a free sample of gastrogard, so that you can start treating your horse.  The complete procedure will last about 10 minutes.  If you provide us with your e-mail address or fax number we will send you the results of your horse and the study.  We will also give a short presentation Friday evening on gastric ulcers in horses. If you have any question please call or email Dr. Snyder ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Dr. Nieto ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) at (530) 752-0290