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GastroGard for Horses

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Omperazole Ulcer Treatment for Horses

GastroGard is the number one pet medication for treating equine stomach ulcers. GastroGard contains omeprazole which stops stomach acid production in order to treat and heal the ulcer. GastroGard EGUS treatment is safe for horses and foals 4 weeks of age and older.

GastroGard treats gastric ulcers in horses. It also prevents their recurrence. Treatment and prevention are key to your horse's comfort, well-being, and ability to perform. GastroGard is an easily administered, cinnamon-flavored oral paste.

Benefits of GastroGard:

Treats gastric ulcers
Prevents recurrence of gastric ulcers
Allows horses to continue activity, training, and competing
Remedies the pain, poor appetite, bowel disturbances, acute colic, poor body and coat condition, poor performance, irritability, and other symptoms associated with gastric ulceration
Safe for foals at least 4 weeks old that are likely to experience gastric ulcers in response to stress
Effective in adult horses that are likely to experience gastric ulcers in response to stress and feeding habits inappropriate for their digestive system
Fast-acting, healing most ulcers within 4 weeks
Contains omeprazole, the leading ulcer treatment
Delivers the medication in a highly palatable cinnamon paste
Easily administered once daily in the user-friendly manufacturer-provided syringe
Not reported to cause side effects

Read all instructions and precautionary statements included from the manufacturer.

The entire contents of 1 oral syringe includes the proper treatment dose (at 1.8 mg per pound) for a horse of 1,250 lbs. Each marking on the plunger represents a 250-lb. increment at the treatment dose and a 500-lb. increment at the preventive dose.

Use exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Directions:

Calculate dosage at 1.8 mg omeprazole per pound of body weight for 4 weeks of treatment. Re-calculate preventive dose at 0.9 mg omeprazole per pound of body weight for the second 4 weeks of administration.
Set the dose on the syringe. Rotate the knurled ring on the plunger with a ¼ turn. Slide it so the side nearest the barrel is at the appropriate marking on the plunger by weight (with each marking representing a 250-lb. increment) to pre-set the treatment dose of 1.8 mg. Set to the marking that represents ½ the horse's weight to pre-set the preventive dose of 0.9 mg. Rotate the knurled ring ¼ turn to lock in place.
Ensure that the horse's mouth is clear of feed.
Remove the cap from the syringe. Insert the syringe between the teeth so its tip is over the back of the tongue or in the cheek pouch. Depress the plunger as far as it will go to administer the full pre-set dose.
Observe the horse to ensure the full dose is swallowed. If all or part of the dose is rejected, re-dosing is recommended.
Replace the cap if any product is left in the syringe. Use remaining product the next day.

Frequency of Use:

GastroGard is administered once daily for 4 weeks. It may then be administered once daily at half the initial dose as a preventive measure.

Give a forgotten dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, though, wait and resume the normal schedule then. Do not give a double dose of GastroGard.

Storage:

Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Store GastroGard between 68 and 77 degrees F. Brief excursions down to 59 degrees F or up to 86 degrees F are permissible.

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Studies indicate that at least 70%, and possibly up to 100%, of domesticated horses experience gastric ulceration, as reported by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Omeprazole, the active ingredient in GastroGard, inhibits the production of gastric acid to elevate the pH in the stomach. The reduced acidity in the stomach environment allows gastric ulcers to heal efficiently and prevents their subsequent formation.

GastroGard Active Ingredient (per syringe): 37% w/w omeprazole (2.28 gm)

Warnings:

Keep this product out of reach of children and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.

GastroGard is only intended for use in horses and foals at least 3 weeks old. Do not administer to other animals. Not for human ingestion. In the event of human ingestion, contact your physician or a poison control center immediately.

Use according to your veterinarian's prescription.

CAUTION: Not for use in horses intended for human consumption.

The safety of GastroGard in pregnant and lactating mares has not been proven.

In a study involving 10 stallions given GastroGard for 70 days, no adverse effects were seen on semen quality or breeding behavior. The safety of GastroGard in breeding mares has not been studied.

Tell your veterinarian if your horse has liver or kidney disease.

Not for use in horses with a hypersensitivity to omeprazole. Seek emergency veterinary care in the event of an allergic reaction.

GastroGard is not associated with side effects. However, individual sensitivities may result from administration. Consult your veterinarian about any observed adverse reactions.

Colic, diarrhea, and anemia are common signs of an overdose. Seek immediate veterinary attention.

Ask your veterinarian before giving a horse any other medications or supplements during administration of a GastroGard regimen.