Precautions

Seek veterinary attention immediately for horses showing acute signs such as colic or anorexia. If clinical signs worsen or no improvement is seen within 7 days of starting treatment, consult a veterinarian.

Directions For Use

By law, the user must take due care, obtaining expert advice when necessary, to avoid unnecessary pain or distress when using the product in any way other than directed on the label.

Administration:

Administer orally via syringe on an empty stomach (e.g. first thing in the morning). Withhold food for at least 30 minutes after dosing to maximise absorption.

Dosage:

Treatment: 4 mg/kg – For a 600 kg horse, give 6.0 mL daily for 28 days (1 mL per 100 kg).

Prevention: 2 mg/kg – For a 600 kg horse, give 3.0 mL daily for 28 days (0.5 mL per 100 kg).

Instructions:

Set the dial-a-dose syringe to the required volume and administer into the side of the mouth, reaching back between the teeth and cheek or over the back of the tongue. The product is very sticky, ensure it is applied onto the internal parts of the mouth, not just dropped into the cavity. Immediately raise the horse’s head for a few seconds after dosing to ensure the full dose is swallowed.

Use the remaining product within 1 month of initial administration.

Feeding and management practices are associated with the development of squamous gastric ulceration in horses. Seek veterinary advice regarding modifying practices to reduce ulcer formation where possible, e.g. increase intake of roughage, feed palatable long-stem fibre before exercise to minimise acid splash, and exercise when stomach pH levels are high (e.g. in the afternoon after access to appropriate roughage all day or after omeprazole administration and subsequent feeding), reduce non-structural carbohydrate intake to <1g/kg/meal and change exercise regimes to reduce the quantity of exercise (at a trot or faster) per training and cumulatively over the week.

Pharmacology

Omeprazole inhibits the gastric acid pump within the mucosa of the stomach that regulates the final step in hydrogen ion production and blocks gastric acid
secretion regardless of the stimulus. Even though it is dosed orally, omeprazole, a prodrug, does not act directly on the stomach fluid as it is ingested. Instead, it passes through the  stomach to the small intestine, where it is absorbed and travels via the bloodstream to the acid-secreting cells of the stomach. Here it is converted to its active form.

Omeprazole’s absorption is impacted by the presence of food in the stomach. To reduce this effect, administer first thing in the morning and prior to feeding when the horse’s stomach is naturally at its emptiest. Omeprazole is also a pro-drug that requires activation which occurs best at high concentrations. It is recommended that horses are fed no sooner than 30 minutes post-omeprazole administration but before exercise. The anti-secretory effect of omeprazole causes a dramatic reduction in the acidity of the stomach fluid within hours of commencing treatment. Because the gastric fluid is no longer irritating to the stomach lining, ulcers then heal spontaneously. Continuation with daily dosing can prevent ulcers from recurring.

Squamous Gastric Ulceration in Horses

The squamous mucosa in the upper region of the stomach has limited inherent protection against gastric acid. Frequent or extended exposure to acidic gastric fluid can erode the squamous mucosa, causing thickening that can progress to ulceration within days to weeks.
Key causes of increased exposure to acidic gastric fluid included prolonged durations without feed (especially roughage), long-duration exercise, and extended transport. Diets high in non-structural carbohydrate also increase the risk of squamous gastric ulceration.
Clinical signs associated with squamous gastric ulceration in adult horses include inappetence or decreased appetite, recurrent colic, poor hair coat, unexplained weight loss, poor performance, and aversive behaviour. Accurate diagnosis of gastric ulceration in horses requires endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa.

Safety

An adverse interaction between omeprazole and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. phenylbutazone, flunixin) has been reported. Veterinary consultation should be sought prior to administering omeprazole concurrently with other medications.
Ulcershield has a wide safety margin. It can be safely administered to stallions which are used for breeding. Safety of Ulcershield has not been established in pregnant or lactating mares or foals less than 4 weeks old. The safety of Ulcershield has not been established when used for longer than 91 days.

Withholding Period

It is an offence for users of this product to cause residues exceeding the relevant MRL in the Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds.
Horses producing meat or offal for human consumption must not be sold for slaughter either during treatment or within 63 days of last treatment.

Safety

May irritate the eyes and skin. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after use. Omeprazole may possibly affect the gastrointestinal tract. Handle the product with care to avoid oral exposure.

First Aid

If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone: 0800 764 766

Storage & Disposal

Store below 30°C (room temperature).Preferably dispose of unused product by use. Otherwise, dispose of product, packaging, and waste at an approved landfill or equivalent facility.

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. Registration Number: A10916