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Discussion on Preventing Cribbing With Ulcer Meds
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Member:
aannk
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Posted on Monday, Jul 21, 2008 - 4:50 pm:
I have heard that some folks use gastroguard to help keep the bellies of their foals from developing ulcers during weaning. Does anyone have any experiences with this? If so, do you give the standard dose? How long do you keep them on it? Would something else less expensive work since you are just preventing, not treating?
Alicia
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008 - 8:17 am:
Hello Alicia,
Though foals do rarely suffer from serious ulcerative disease I see no evidence of the problem associated with weaning as often it occurs in foals prior to weaning. The incidence is most closely associated with other systemic disease during which omeprazole becomes a logical preventive medicine. More specifically I don't see anywhere any of your questions have been studied experimentally.
DrO
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Member:
aannk
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008 - 1:38 pm:
Dr O,
OK, so let me see if I understand this.
1) there is nothing that says weaning produces ulcers
2) there is nothing that says weaning starts foals cribbing
3) if he were going to get ulcers, he would already have them
Therefore, giving him gastroguard is not recommended?
Will it hurt him?
Even if it is only "proven" by word of mouth, if the meds don't hurt him, I want to give it.
Alicia
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 7:00 am:
Alicia, what I am saying is that there is no scientific support for the notion this is a useful, or harmful, practice. However I have never seen weaning associated ulcers nor any reports of clinically significant ulcers associated with weaning. That is despite having raised dozens of foals personally and being responsible for the care of hundreds over the years.
Considering that all resources are limited and that when you use them in one place they are taken away from another, rather than sending the money to Merial the money would might be better spent sending it to a charity who has a proven record of helping people, I like "Save the Children".
DrO
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Member:
aannk
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 1:52 pm:
Several breeders have told me this is their practice. Also, my last baby developed ulcers, and cribbing coincidentally at the same time (within a few months of each other) and that is enough proof for me.
I wish there was better proof it does no harm.
Alicia
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