Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) are subjects that A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes has spent a lot of his time researching and managing as a clinician. In partnering with Kelato Animal Health, he is now changing the way we think, talk about, treat, prevent and manage EGUS in our horses.
A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes is a leading equine veterinarian with over 22 years clinical experience, who is boarded with both the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in large animal internal medicine, and the European College of Equine Internal Medicine in equine internal medicine.
“In addition to my interest, and experience, in the management of high-performance equine athletes, I have a strong interest in clinical research. My research has focused on gastrointestinal diseases of the horse, particularly EGUS.”
So, why does A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes trust and recommend GastroAID?
Ben has pioneered research on EGUS with a focus on Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), both in Australia and internationally. Whilst searching for a high-quality product he could use and recommend, Ben found GastroAID was the only product on the Australian market that aligned with the findings of his research. Not only is GastroAID backed by independent research, including his own, it has scientifically proven high-quality ingredients that are all clearly listed on the label, is Australian made and is manufactured to GMP standards and conforms to ISO quality standards.
“I use the GastroAID range in my own horses and I can’t recommend it highly enough to all of my clients. We use GastroAID Recovery for the long-term management of EGUS.”
What is GastroAID?
Kelato has two supplements in their digestive health range, GastroAID Recovery and GastroAID Everyday.
While omeprazole remains the treatment of choice for squamous gastric disease, the efficacy of omeprazole alone for glandular gastric disease is questionable. So, some of A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes’ research has also focused on finding effective adjunctive therapies for EGUS, which is what led him to GastroAID Recovery!
GastroAID Recovery is Kelato’s premium supplement targeting both foregut and hindgut health. GastoAID Recovery is formulated to support horses recovering from EGUS or support horses during high risk periods such as heavy training, intensive management and other stressors.
GastroAID Recovery is unique due to the combination of antacids and the “coating agents” pectin and lecithin. These ingredients provide an enhanced barrier for the squamous mucosa and supplement the natural defence mechanisms (muco-bicarbonate layer) of the glandular mucosa in the horse’s stomach. For hindgut health, GastroAID Recovery contains a prebiotic and live yeast probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCMI-1077) that work together to maintain a healthy hindgut environment, stimulate the growth of beneficial microbes and enhance feed conversion efficiency.
GastroAID Everyday is an economical supplement formulated to maintain the health and function of the total digestive tract. Its daily use acknowledges the importance of optimal digestive health and function for a healthier, happier horse.
GastroAID Everyday is particularly beneficial for hindgut health due to the unique, powerful prebiotic and two live yeast probiotics. Just like our digestive system, the horse’s gut contains ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. The balance between these bacteria can be easily disrupted. If the presence of bad bacteria outweighs the good, it can negatively impact your horse’s well-being.
If your horse doesn’t have EGUS and is considered “low risk”, GastroAID Everyday is the perfect supplement to provide daily support by maintaining total gut function, enhancing total gut health and optimising fibre digestion.
What improvements will you see with your horse when using GastroAID?
A healthy digestive system means a healthier horse. GastroAID will help your horse’s gut better cope with the stresses of exercise, stabling, travelling and competition. You will start to notice positive changes in your horse such as improvements in:
• Attitude
• Ability to perform
• Body condition
• Coat quality
• Manure consistency
• Appetite
• Overall well-being
Together, A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes and Kelato are working to improve every horse owner’s understanding of EGUS and the significant differences between squamous and gastric disease. Ben’s clinical and scientific expertise in combination with Kelato’s nutritional solutions provides an encouraging outlook for a future of healthier, happier horses.
Want to find out more? Head to the GastroAID page, get in touch on 1800 Kelato or email technical@www.kelato.com.au.
Written by Technical Manager & Nutritionist Natalie Hackl BAnVetBioSc (Hons), BEqSt for Kelato Animal Health.
15th May 2020