Acid Pump Inhibitor
Omeprazole suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+, K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme system is known as the acid pump, omeprazole has been characterized as a acid pump inhibitor, or proton pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production.

Colic
Abdominal discomfort that can be a clinical sign of gastric ulcers or other problems in horses.

EGUS or Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
A condition that describes damage to a horse's stomach lining by ulcers caused by excessive stomach acid or impairment of some of the natural protection of the stomach lining. Empirical Therapy Treatment of a suspected condition based on clinical signs after other possible conditions have been ruled out.

Endoscopy
Examining the interior of organs or cavities of the body using a flexible lighted instrument.

Foal
A horse under the age of 1 year.

Gastrin
A hormone that stimulates gastric acid production.

Glandular Mucosa
The lining in the lower portion of the equine stomach, where gastric ulcers result primarily from defective mucosal protection.

Helicobacter pylori
Bacteria that are a factor in human ulcers but have not been isolated from horse stomachs and are currently not considered to be a cause of ulcers in horses.

Lay-Up
A break in training or a rest period.

Performance Horse
An equine athlete, such as a racehorse or a show jumper. Any horse in training for competition.

PRILOSEC®(United States)
LOSEC® (international)
The world's No. 1 prescription anti-ulcer medication for humans, manufactured by Astra. The active ingredient in PRILOSEC and GASTROGARD Paste is omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor which blocks acid production and has been used with great success to treat ulcers in humans and now in horses. GASTROGARD is specially formulated for horses and should not be administered to other species, including humans.

Squamous Mucosa
The lining in the upper portion of the equine stomach, where gastric ulcers result primarily from excessive acidity.