title: ImproWin® in the treatment of gastric ulceration of the squamous mucosa in trotting racehorses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gastric ulceration is highly prevalent in horses, and there is a large commercial market for feed-additives and non-licenced products that claim effect for prevention and treatment of gastric ulceration. ImproWin® has been used as a feed additive in horses with anecdotal evidence that it may have some positive effects on gastric ulceration.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ImproWin® treatment on spontaneously occurring gastric ulcers of the squamous mucosa in Standardbred and Coldblooded trotting racehorses. The study was performed as a randomised, double-blinded, single centre study with stratified semi cross-over design with breed as stratification factors. The horses were clinically and endoscopically examined prior to start and after three weeks of treatment. The ulcerations were scored in accordance with Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC) recommendations on a 5 point scale and on a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The patients were responder-classified after 3 weeks. Responders in need of ulcer treatment were randomly allocated to 2 or 4 weeks of additional treatment. Non-responders to placebo were crossed to ImproWin®.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 5-point EGUC score and VAS recorded score was significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01) in both groups after 3 weeks of treatment. From 3 weeks to the end of treatment the score was further significantly reduced in the ImproWin® group (P ≤ 0.05). At the end of treatment, 78% in the ImproWin® group and 54.8% in the placebo group were classified as responders. The difference was significant (P = 0.04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ImproWin® may aid the healing process of ulcers of the gastric squamous mucosa of trotters.
authors.affiliation: Rikstotoklinikken Bjerke AS, Postboks 194, Økern, N-0150 Oslo, Norway. Ingunn.risnes@rikstoto.no.
authors.forename: Ingunn R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Hellings
authors.forename: Stig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Larsen
mesh_terms: D000143:Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000143:Acids; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D014803:Vitamin B Complex