Sometimes an irritated gut can lead to horses biting their stomachs in an attempt to relieve the pain. 

Equine digestive health: Omeprazole & the microbiome

By Kentucky Equine Research

Despite their power and brawn, horses have exceedingly sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. From the ease with which some develop Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) to the rapid onset of diarrhoea following dietary changes or medication, owners should be vigilant and act quickly when gastrointestinal issues arise.

As an example, take omeprazole, a drug prescribed for the treatment of EGUS in many species, including horses. In humans, omeprazole administration alters the microbiome, the specialised microorganisms that populate the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate digestion.

“Studies show that alterations in the human gastrointestinal microbiome are so profound that the number of bacterial species begin to reach the low levels found in patients suffering severe bacterial diarrhoea,” shared Dr Peter Huntington, a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research.

Some human patients taking omeprazole also appear to have a high risk of other infectious causes of diarrhoea, such as salmonellosis...

Read the full article here in the April issue of Equestrian Life!