Gastroscopy is simple and performed under sedation for the horses comfort. The stom-ach needs to be empty to visualise the lining, so the horse must be starved for 16 hours before the procedure. Treatment of EGUS: In the UK we use a medication which blocks acid production called Omeprazole. It is very effective for treatment and prevention. Some types of ulcers are associated with bacterial infection and require antibiotics. Prevention of EGUS:

High roughage/ fibre diets help counter-act the acid responsible for EGUS

Regular turnout allows natural grazing behaviour

When stabled try to constantly provide forage, either trickle feed or use small holed haynets to increase the time spent eating

Prior to stressful times give a low dose of Omeprazole.

EGUS describes the erosion and ulceration of the inner lining of the horses stomach. This happens when the stomach lining is over exposed to acid. Horses naturally graze for the majority of the time and cells in the stomach continually produce acid to help breakdown the food. When grazing, grass and saliva buffer the acid, reducing the erosive effect. Contributing factors of EGUS

Acid is still produced even if horses don’t eat for long periods of time, the stomach then has no buffer

Cereal rich diets increase the acidity within the stomach – equally a high fibre diet can protect the stomach

During exercise acid can splash up onto the upper, sensitive area of the stomach

Stress can increase the risk of EGUS (e.g. transportation, relocation, management changes, competition)

Sick horses and particularly foals on certain medications can be at a higher risk of EGUS

Clinical signs of EGUS:

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Poor coat/ body condition

Acute or recurrent colic

Poor performance

Attitude/ behavioural changes

Discomfort when tightening the girth Diagnosis of EGUS involves passing a camera into the stomach; this requires a 3m long, flexible Gastroscope.

MARCH 2014

24 hour Emergency Service

Contact us:

TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Townhead Farm, Newbig-gin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 017684 83789 townhead@paragonvet.com

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com

LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005

EQUINE GASTRIC ULCER SYNDROME (EGUS) NEAERA FLETCHER

BSc (hons) BVMS MRCVS

Lifelong care for animals

providing clinical excellence, knowledge and experience.

SPRING OPEN EQUINE EVENING Friday 4th April at Newbiggin Village Hall, presentations start at 7:00pm.

Refreshments provided including homemade cakes!

Raffle in aid of The Donkey Sanctuary Guest speakers are:

Anna Harrison (The Donkey Sanctuary) -

‘All about donkeys’

Andrew McDiarmid (Clyde Vet Group) -

‘Assessment of Lameness’

The more the merrier so all are welcome. It would be great for us to get an idea of num-bers so that we have enough cakes. If possible please contact the practice to let us know you are coming. We look forward to seeing you on the night.

Severe EGUS

Deciding to breed from your mare is a big decision. It is a long term commitment with regards to money and time but it can be a very rewarding experience. Once you have made the decision to go ahead there are a number of fac-tors to consider within your pre-breeding preparation. Is the mare healthy for breeding

Is the mare in good general health e.g. vaccinations, teeth, worming and foot care up-to-date

She should be in lean to good body condition and needs to be provided with a balanced diet and sufficient vita-min and mineral supplementation. Fertility is significantly reduced in overweight mares

Older mares are often less fertile especially if they have not previously had a foal

Does the mare cycle regularly and is she easily seen in season? Pre-breeding health checks can be performed by your vet to check suitability for breeding.

Choosing a suitable stallion

What will be the future aims/ use be for the foal

The required size and breed of the future foal

The mares down falls e.g. conformation and tempera-ment

The availability of the stallion

Your stud fee budget and terms off the semen use. When would you like the foal to be born

How early could you manage for the foal be born and will you have enough grass

Are you hoping for the mare to foal outside? If yes you will need to wait until warmer, summer months

Who will watch the mare when close to foaling

At the other end of the year you need to consider weaning; how this will be performed and where both the mare and foal will be housed?

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP

Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com

And please ‘like’ our FACEBOOK page

www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Equine

PREPARING FOR BREEDING KELLY SMITH

BSc (hons)

*CASTRATION PROMOTION* During March we will be offering 20% off equine cas-trates which are performed at our Newbiggin equine facilities. For further details about castration and an

estimate please contact the equine team.

To use natural covering or AI It is important to assess the pro’s and con’s of both types of insemination. NATURAL COVERING

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

*Mares going away to stud require health test certificates for

EVA and CEM before the horse can be taken onsite (results can often take 10 days). For AI centres a CEM swab is taken when the mare is on site and EVA bloods are not required.

For further information about the breeding services we offer or to discuss your mare please contact the practice.

Let us know if you there are any topics that you would like covering in

the newsletter articles. We also love you to share

competition results, news and stories, please email

kelly.smith@paragonvet.com

PRO’S CON’S

Generally slightly cheaper than AI

High risk of injury and disease spread

More natural May require multiple coverings

Accepted by all breed societies

Mare will leave home and often travel long distances

*Pre-breeding health checks for EVA and CEM

PRO’S CON’S

Wider choice of stallions Can be more expensive than natural covering

Reduced chance of injury Semen lifespan is reduced

Improved hygiene and greatly reduced disease risk

Not permitted by some breed societies e.g. TB

Semen quality control and optimum insemination timing

Mare will leave home but not travel too far

Better conception rate in problem mares

*WORM EGG COUNT PROMOTION* During March and April we will be running another of our popular worm egg count offers. All positive samples will

receive a FREE Eqvalan Wormer. Worm egg counts are a great way to prevent the

un-necessary worming of your horses and help to reduce the chance of wormer resistance.

Please drop samples off at Newbiggin or Dalston and make sure they are clearly labelled with your name,

contact phone number, the horse name and age. Once the sample has been examined we will call you with

the results and further advice.