Gastric ulcers caused by bacterial infection? Also in Vet.

[Tickles]

I know that until recently it was believed that human ulcers were the result of stress & lifestyle factors, as I've heard equine ones are. Now that we know human ones are actually the result of a bacterial in faction and can be treated with antibiotics news story are there any ideas that equine ones are caused and can be treated similarly?

 

[f_s_]

Simple answer, don't know!

But, would have though this is a good possibility since an infection would unbalance the gut, therefore causing more acid, therefore causing ulcers! Maybe not, but does seem logical

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

The discovery of h.pylori and its role in gastric ulcers has been acknowledged and patients have been treated with a combination treatment for at least 10 years. There is no reason why horses ulcers are not caused by the same bacteria as it is commonly found in the digestive tract - it will really depend on whether there is a vet interested and actively researching this area as to whether there are any advances in this area. Unfortunately there is a massive time lag between human and equine medicine as there appears to be very little exchange of information between the two (I know as I work in human medicine and have horses and am regulalry astounded by the archaic medicines still being used in horses when there are more effective,safer and more modern drugs available). Of course it also depends on whether the drug companies who produce animal products can afford to produce and trial the different drugs for use in animals.

 

[Bossanova]

There is some evidence to suggest that Helicobacter pylori may be involved in ulcer formation in horses but it's devilishly difficult to diagnose.
Only a small percentage of ulcers (in horses and humans) are thought to be linked to bacterial infection.
Vets do use a middle term course of antibiotics alongside gastroguard if they suspect a bacterial cause

 

[Tickles]

Thanks guys - my only (in)direct experience of ulcers was an elderly relative who'd had part of his stomach sliced out to remove them (60 odd years ago mind!) so could only eat small meals. Am concerned horsey might be nervous/uncomfortable about girthing because of them so glad to hear even equine treatments have moved on a bit!

NB horse is in regular but not heavy work, lives out on grass & isn't fed in summer but has concentrates in winter & is occasionally nervy about various things

 

[SpottedCat]

Have replied in Vet - but the short answer is yes but diff to diagnose because the bacteria die when you take them out of the stomach. However some ulcers do not respond to gastroguard but do respond to antibiotics - my horse being a case in point.

 

[Tickles]

Thanks Spotted_Cat - v helpful!