Where to buy misoprostol for horses
It treats and prevents colonic ulcers by protecting the stomach lining and also decreasing stomach acid formation. It is one of the only drugs to actually treat colonic (hind end) ulcers. 65% of all horses have colonic ulcers. Misoprostol is a synthetic form of a prostaglandin. Where to buy misoprostol for horses
Dosage and Administration: One scoop administered orally daily.
In horses, it is used off-label to prevent NSAID-induced hindgut issues such as colitis or hindgut ulcers. In addition, it can be used to treat gastric ulcers in the stomach’s glandular region.
Misoprostol is synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue that acts as a cytoprotectant, protecting cells from damage. [9] This drug can reduce inflammation in the gut and help ease some of the associated discomforts.
It has been shown to reduce the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach of horses. [13] Excessive acidity contributes to the formation of ulcers by eroding cells that line the intestinal tract.
Misoprostol has also been shown to improve intestinal barrier function in the gut of horses on NSAID medications. It helps to support the healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa following injury. [32]
Misoprostol (Cytotec®) is an FDA-approved drug used in humans to prevent or treat gastric ulcers caused by NSAIDs. [2]
In horses, it is used off-label to prevent NSAID-induced hindgut issues such as colitis or hindgut ulcers. In addition, it can be used to treat gastric ulcers in the stomach’s glandular region.
Misoprostol is synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue that acts as a cytoprotectant, protecting cells from damage. [9] This drug can reduce inflammation in the gut and help ease some of the associated discomforts.
It has been shown to reduce the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach of horses. [13] Excessive acidity contributes to the formation of ulcers by eroding cells that line the intestinal tract.
Misoprostol has also been shown to improve intestinal barrier function in the gut of horses on NSAID medications. It helps to support the healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa following injury. [32]
Effects of NSAIDs
Pain-relieving NSAID medications – such as indomethacin, flunixin meglumine (banamine), and phenylbutazone (bute) – inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This enzyme is involved in pathways that activate inflammation following injury or infections.
In particular, the COX-1 enzymes make molecules called prostaglandins and thromboxane, which are involved in activating the immune system and causing a pain response. Where to buy misoprostol for horses
Blocking COX-1 with NSAIDs is an effective way to relieve pain, inflammation and fever, which is why these drugs are commonly prescribed for horses with colic, arthritis or laminitis. Long-term use of NSAIDs may be required to provide comfort and improve the quality of life for these horses.
PROSTAGLANDINS AND GUT HEALTH
However, prostaglandins are also important for protecting cells of the digestive tract. The digestive tract is lined with a mucous barrier known as the mucosa. This blocks bacteria and toxins from being absorbed while allowing nutrients to pass into the blood.
Prostaglandins are involved in maintaining this defensive mucosal barrier and have several effects on the digestive tract, including: [3][4][5][6]
- Increase blood flow in the mucosa by causing blood vessels to dilate
- Raise mucosal bicarbonate secretion which helps to neutralize stomach acid
- Decrease stomach acid production
- Modulate immune responses
NSAIDS AND GUT INJURY
By blocking COX-1, NSAIDs suppress prostaglandin production, which compromises the mucosa’s ability to form a protective barrier between the environment inside the digestive tract and the cells lining it.
This allows stomach acidity and other irritants to cause inflammation, ulcers and bleeding throughout the gut.
In addition, NSAIDs will slow the recovery of pre-existing lesions by causing neutrophils to gather at the injury and exacerbate inflammation. [7][8]
COX-2-specific NSAIDs such as Equioxx and Previcox have been developed to lessen the digestive side effects of NSAID use. However, their long-term use may still induce injury in the small and large intestines. [31]
Ideally NSAIDs should be avoided in horses with pre-existing ulcers in the gut. However, these horses may develop conditions such as laminitis which require treatment with NSAIDs. Misoprostol may be apply concurrently with the NSAIDs to prevent ulcers from worsening. [7]
NSAID-Induced Colitis
Prolonged use or overuse of certain NSAIDs, particularly phenylbutazone, can cause non-specific colitis or right dorsal colitis (RDC) in the colon.
Colitis refers to inflammation in the colon that can lead to diarrhea and poor nutrient absorption. Horses on NSAIDs can develop this condition due to weakened protective qualities of the colon mucosa, which increases its permeability, allowing pathogens and toxins to induce inflammation.
Colitis is characteriz by hindgut ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, ischemia (restricted blood flow), and cell death. In severe or prolonged cases, horses may require hospitalization for this condition.
NSAID use may also cause pre-existing chronic ulcerative colitis to flare up, resulting in more ulcers. [10][11]
Horses with colitis may present with the following clinical signs: [11]
- Diarrhea with possible bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Recurring colic
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- Abdominal inflammation
A veterinarian will diagnose colitis through ultrasound, bloodwork, and a belly-tap to detect excessive swelling, while considering the horse’s symptoms and history of NSAID use.
MISOPROSTOL FOR COLITIS
Misoprostol can be administer to prevent colitis or accelerate recovery by improving the mucosal protection of the gut cells. It can also increase gut pH and promote blood vessel dilation in horses receiving NSAIDs.
These effects further promote healing by reducing damage from acid in the gut and improving the delivery of nutrients to the area. [12][13]
Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a condition characterize by inflammation and lesions in the stomach. Gastric ulcers are common in horses, affecting up to 93% of performance horses. [14]
EGUS can be subdivide into two separate conditions: Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) which affects the non-glandular region of the stomach, and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) which affects the glandular region of the stomach where stomach acid is produce. [15]
Common treatments for ESGD, including omeprazole and sucralfate, have limited efficacy for treating or preventing EGGD. Misoprostol can be use to treat EGGD and has the potential to also treat ESGD, although it has not been test on ESGD.
Misoprostol is more effective than omeprazole and sucralfate for treating EGGD. [16] If your horse has ulcers, ask your veterinarian if misoprostol is appropriate for them.
SIGNS OF GLANDULAR ULCERS
If your horse shows any of the following signs of glandular ulcers, consider using misoprostol: [15] [16]
- Poor performance
- Lack of appetite
- Behavioural changes, especially increased aggression or anxiety
- Girthiness
- Weight loss
- Challenges maintaining weight
- Dull coat
- Recurrent colic
- Teeth grinding (indicating abdominal pain)
Many of the symptoms of EGGD overlap with other health conditions, including colitis or NSAID-induced lesions in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk of developing EGGD increases in horses undergoing an intense exercise regime, often related to the stress of trailering or being in an unfamiliar environment.
Horses fed high concentrate diets while receiving limited forage are particularly susceptible to EGGD.
The veterinarian will scope the horse’s stomach to look for lesions, may biopsy the lesions, and will grade the lesions based on their severity and location in the stomach. [15]
Reproductive Uses
Misoprostol has the potential to induce labour in mares or to facilitate the elimination of uterine contents.
In humans, misoprostol induces cervical dilation and uterine contractions. It has been use to induce labour or empty the uterus in case of early embryonic death. However, it is unclear whether misoprostol use in mares would have similar effects.
One case report found that misoprostol could dilate the mare’s cervix when applied as a cream directly to the cervix. The mare presented with endometritis and an inability to conceive despite being fertile.
As a result of misoprostol treatment, the mare’s cervix became dilated, allowing the mare to become pregnant. [17]
How to Use Misoprostol
Consult with your veterinarian for instructions and dosage guidelines for giving Misoprostol to your horse. Typical usage of Misoprostol in horses is 5 mcg/kg of bodyweight every 8-12 hours.
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook recommends administering Misoprostol three times per day with feed to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. [34]
Misoprostol is typically administer to horses in the form of an oral paste, chewable tablets, oil suspension, powder or topical gel. It may also be formulate in combination with other medications including:
- Omeprazole
- Metronidazole
- Piroxicam
- Phenytoin Sodium
Your veterinarian will help you determine which form of Misoprostol is best for your horse.
Women should handle Misoprostol carefully to avoid accidentally inhaling or ingesting this drug and experiencing uterine contractions. Wear gloves when preparing the drug for administration. [33]
It should not be handle by pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid the risk of harm to the unborn or nursing baby. [33]
Risks of Misoprostol Administration in Horses
Limited clinical trials are available on the effects of Misoprostol in horses, and further research is need to investigate possible side effects.
Anecdotally, is consider to be well tolerate Some horses experience mild colic or diarrhea after taking Misoprostol. [33] In other animals, vomiting and excessive gas have been report. [34]
There may be a risk of other adverse reactions including:
- Misoprostol causes cervical dilation and uterine contractions in humans and has been use to induce abortion. However, the long-term effects are unknown. Misoprostol should be administer with caution or avoid in pregnant mares. [1] [18]
- Women who have received misoprostol during pregnancy often give birth to babies with birth defects including limb, joint and brain abnormalities. These abnormalities are believe to be attribute to the uterine contractions that disrupt fetal blood vessels. While congenital birth defects are a potential side-effect of misoprostol in horses, there is no published evidence as of yet. [21][22]
- High doses of misoprostol may decrease gut motility resulting in digestive upsets and discomfort. [19]
- Long-term administration of misoprostol in high doses can cause hyperostosis, or bone overgrowth, in mice. However, researchers have not been able to reproduce these effects in dogs or other rodents, so it is considere unlikely that this would occur in horses. [20]
Consult with your veterinarian before administering misoprostol to make sure it is the best treatment option for your horse. Your veterinarian will inform you of the appropriate dosage to use and how to minimize the risk of side effects. Where to buy misoprostol for horses
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Misoprostol should not be use in pregnant animals due to the risk of miscarriage. This medication should not be give to lactating mares as it passes into the milk and could cause severe diarrhea in the foal. [34]
Misoprostol is contraindicate for animals with a history of seizures or blood vessel problems. It could cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure or seizures. [34]
If your horse is on other medications, consult with your veterinarian to make sure Misoprostol is safe to use in combination with those medications.
How to Prevent NSAID-Induced Ulcers
While misoprostol and other drugs effectively treat NSAID-induced gastrointestinal injury, there are dietary modifications and management practices that horse owners can adopt to support recovery and prevent ulcer recurrence. Where to buy misoprostol for horses
Forages such as hay, pasture, or haylage are rich in fibre, supporting a healthy mucosal barrier. [23] Forage should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet and be offere free-choice whenever possible.
Choose a hay that matches your horse’s energy needs in order to maximize ad libitum intake without impacting their body condition or performance.
Antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium and flavonoids, also strengthen the mucosal barrier and promote mucus secretion to further protect the mucosa. [24][25]
Other dietary supplements are also beneficial for supporting the mucosal barrier and normal tissue repair processes. These include ingredients such as: Where to buy misoprostol for horses
- Glutamine: To provide the main source of energy for cells of the digestive tract [26]
- Lecithin: To form a phospholipid barrier to protect the stomach lining from gastric acid [27][28]
- Dietary nucleotides: To support healing through maturation of new cells in the digestive tract [29]
- Mannan-oligosaccharides: To increase mucin production and modulate the gut’s immune response [30]
Mad Barn’s Visceral+ contains these ingredients along with prebiotics, probiotics and yeast to support gut health from the stomach to the hindgut. Where to buy misoprostol for horses