💊 Vet Update 2025: Boosting Omeprazole’s Effectiveness for Equine Ulcers 🐴🧪

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Stomach ulcers are one of the most common conditions in performance horses, and omeprazole is the go-to treatment. However, recent research suggests many horses may not be receiving the full benefit of this costly medication—simply because of when it’s given. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston breaks down how timing around feeding drastically affects omeprazole absorption and how to adjust for better outcomes. 🐎📊

📍 Stomach Regions and Ulcer Types

The horse’s stomach has two key regions:

• ⚪ Squamous (non-glandular): Most common ulcer location; responds well to treatment
• 🔴 Glandular: Less common, harder to heal; often stress or NSAID-related

Understanding the ulcer’s location helps your vet select treatment, but correct dosing strategy is just as critical. 🧪

🧬 The Study That Changed How We Dose

Dr. Ben Sykes (University of Liverpool) conducted a study on omeprazole absorption in relation to feeding time. Key findings included:

• 🥣 Giving omeprazole with hay decreases absorption by up to 66%
• 📉 This led to up to 40% loss of acid suppression over a 24-hour period
• ❌ 3 of 6 horses had no measurable acid suppression when fed with the medication

This explains why some horses fail to respond—the drug never had a chance to work. 💸

🕒 Optimal Timing Strategy for Omeprazole

To maximize absorption and efficacy while still protecting horses with ulcers from fasting-related risks:

• 🍽️ Feed hay at 6:00 pm
• 🕒 Ensure the horse finishes eating by 10:00 pm
• 💊 Administer omeprazole at 7:00 am
• 🥕 Offer feed again at 8:00 am

This creates a 9-hour fasting window for optimal drug absorption without undue ulcer risk. 🧬

📉 Potential Benefit: Lower Dose, Lower Cost

With better absorption, horses may respond to lower doses—making this expensive drug more cost-effective. Always consult your vet before adjusting dosage. 💊💸

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"If your horse isn’t responding to omeprazole, it might not be resistance—it might be the hay. Proper timing is everything." 🐴⏱️

🔚 Final Thoughts: Optimize, Don’t Overdose

Omeprazole works—but only if given at the right time. Avoid feeding it with hay, structure feeding and treatment windows carefully, and you’ll not only improve healing but potentially reduce long-term costs. 🐎❤️

Need help building a full ulcer treatment plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for real-time support. 📱💡