Research Proven Neigh-Lox® is Suitable for All Horses, No Matter Their Age or Use

For years, horsemen have believed that the surefire way to sidestep gastric ulcers is full-time grazing. However, that widely held theory was challenged recently. Researchers at the University of California at Davis set out to determine the prevalence of gastric ulcers in broodmares. Results of the study indicated that pregnancy was not a factor in the development of ulcers, but the sheer number of ulcers found in these pasture-managed mares was surprisingly high. Gastroscopic examination of 62 mares (33 pregnant and 29 barren) maintained on pasture revealed that more than 70% were affected (le Jeune et al., 2006).

Combined with previous studies that implicate 90% of racehorses and over 60% of other performance horses, this latest research shows that all classes of horses are susceptible to ulcers.

Due to the prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses of all ages and uses, proper management is key. One effective way of reducing ulcers is to support normal stomach pH through the use of a gastric-acid neutralizer such as Neigh-Lox. Based on data from several studies in horses, gastric-acid neutralizers raise the pH in the stomach and create an environment in which ulcers are less likely to develop.

In addition to its neutralizing properties, Neigh-Lox further supports a healthy stomach lining by providing a coating agent, which adds yet another layer of defense against ulcer formation.

Though prevention of gastric ulcers is always preferable to treating them, sometimes gastric ulceration must be treated first through the administration of omeprazole, the only medication known to cure gastric ulcers. Once the ulcers have begun healing, horses can be started and then maintained on Neigh-Lox. As a supportive supplement, Neigh-Lox is much more economical than omeprazole. A comparison shows that daily administration with Neigh-Lox is a cost-effective method of supporting a healthy stomach, which lowers the incidence of gastric ulcers.

Omeprazole……………………………………….$9.50/day

Neigh-Lox…………………………………$2.80-$4.20/day

(Cost varies depending on daily feeding frequency.)

Scientifically formulated, Neigh-Lox is appropriate for horses of all ages, from foals and weanlings to mature horses. The supportive effects of Neigh-Lox in young horses were reported in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in England. Thirty-four foals were enrolled in the study and underwent endoscopic examination of the stomach to determine the severity of gastric ulceration. The study commenced, with 16 foals given a control diet and 18 given the control diet and Neigh-Lox. At the end of the study, gastroscopy revealed the majority of foals that received Neigh-Lox improved, while the majority of those on the control diet worsened (Nicol et al., 2002).

In another study, this one conducted at Auburn University, researchers measured the effect of Neigh-Lox on gastric pH of mature horses. For three weeks, half of the horses served as controls and consumed a diet consisting of Bermuda grass pasture, ryegrass hay, and a 10% crude protein pelleted concentrate. The other horses were fed the same diet and Neigh-Lox. Following the three-week period, gastric fluid samples were collected using a nasogastric tube, and the pH of the fluid was determined using a digital pH meter. Figure 1 shows that Neigh-Lox was effective in raising the pH of the stomach and maintaining an environment that is not conducive to ulcer formation (Garcia et al., 2005).

Recent research has revealed that the population of horses susceptible to gastric ulcers may be larger than ever suspected. Prevention thus becomes key in managing all horses. Neigh-Lox is a cost-effective method of maintaining a healthy stomach that reduces ulcer formation in horses of all ages and uses.

References

Garcia, L.N., McCall, C.A., McElhenney, W.H., Taintor, J.S.,  & Schumacher, J. 2005. The effect of oral antacid on gastric pH and cribbing frequency in the horse. In: Proc. Equine Sci. Soc. 19:214.

le Jeune, S.S., Nieto, J.E., Dechant, J.E. & Snyder, J.R. 2006. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred broodmares in pasture. In: Proc. Amer. Assoc. Equine Practnr. 52:264.

Nicol, C.J., Davidson, H.P., Harris, P.A., Waters, A.J. & Wilson, A.D. 2002. Study of crib-biting and gastric inflammation and ulceration in young horses. Vet. Rec. 151(22): 658-662.