Merial hosts equine gastric ulcer events

Results of scopings show equine gastric ulcers are prevalent across country

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome or EGUS can occur in horses anywhere, and in 2007, Merial, the maker of Ulcerguard (omeprazole) and Gastrogard (omeprazole), again proved this point with major gastroscopy events at two leading universities on opposite sides of the country.

Between the two events, 26 horses were scoped for ulcers by leading veterinarians. Of those horses, only four showed no signs of ulcers. The first event was held in July at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa. The second event was held in October at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

"We are proud to partner with these two highly regarded universities to promote a greater understanding of EGUS identification, treatment and prevention," says Dr. Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, Director of Large Animal Group Enterprise Veterinary Services, Merial. "These events demonstrate that EGUS can occur across regions, breeds, ages and disciplines."

During each event, veterinarians and horse owners were invited for a free equine gastroscopy followed by a panel discussion on gastric ulcers. Excess acid in the stomach is the main cause of EGUS, and gastroscopy is the only way to diagnose stomach ulcers with certainty. However, there are several clinical signs that may help diagnose EGUS without an endoscopic exam, such as altered eating behavior, poor body condition, change in attitude, recurrent colic, sub-optimal performance, diarrhea or dull hair coat.

At the events, 26 horses were examined with breeds ranging from Thoroughbreds to Quarter Horses and from 2 to 20 years of age. These horses competed in a variety of disciplines, including dressage, eventing and trail riding. After each exam, the stomachs were graded from Grade 0 (non-ulcerated stomach) to Grade 3 (extensive lesions/deep ulceration). Findings of these events show:

--Only four horses had no ulcers;

--11 horses had Grade 1 ulcers;

--10 horses had Grade 2 ulcers;

--One horse had Grade 3 ulcers.

"Ulcers can occur from stress associated with a variety of situations from trailering and training to change in routine," Dr. Hurtig notes. "During these scoping events, we talked to owners and veterinarians who were providing excellent care for their horses--yet the horses were still experiencing EGUS. This follows earlier findings that EGUS can develop in horses exposed to stress in as little as five days."

As follow-up, many horses diagnosed with gastric ulcers at the event were prescribed Gastrogard, which is the only FDA-approved treatment for gastric ulcers. Following treatment, it was suggested that during stressful periods owners put their horses on a proactive prevention program using Ulcerguard, the only FDA-approved product for the prevention of ulcers. Ulcerguard helps ensure optimal gastric health in these horses that have shown to be at risk for EGUS.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

Date: 4/1/08