Polysaccharide Treatment Reduces Gastric Ulceration in Active Horses

Equine gastric ulceration effects condition, performance, and behavior. Prevalence of ulcers in horses can reach 80% to 100%. After reviewing the literature, we propose an oral polysaccharide preparation will be effective in treating equine gastric ulceration. Ten adult horses with gastric ulceration were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a polysaccharide gel containing a blend of hyaluronan and schizophyllan for 30 days. Posttreatment gastroscopies were conducted to determine treatment findings, and images were scored. Percent healing was assessed comparing initial images to posttreatment findings. Of the horses treated with the combinational therapy, 90% showed complete resolution and/or improvement in ulcerative areas, increased appetite, weight gain, and positive behavioral changes. This study provides evidence that gastric ulceration in active horses can be successfully treated with a naturally safe and effective polysaccharide blend of hyaluronan and schizophyllan.