Treatment of gastric lesions in horses with pectin-lecithin complex

This study compared the study of a pectin-lecithin complex (Pronutrin) on gastric ulcer healing during an 11 day period in 2 groups of 12 horses each. Twenty-four horses suffering from gastric lesions of differing severity were selected from a larger group of clinical cases on the basis of gastroscopic examination. Both gastric mucosal erosions as well as gastric ulcers were found in the 2 mucosal regions (pars nonglandularis and pars glandularis). The gastric mucosal lesions occurred predominantly in the pars nonglandularis in the vicinity of the margo plicatus. The 24 horses were divided equally into a treated group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). Twelve horses in Group A received Pronutrin, in a dose of 300 g/horse/day over a period of 10 days, whereas horses in Group B received no active substance. Gastroscopic examination was performed on Days 0 and 11. The degree of severity of the gastric erosions or gastric ulcers was evaluated independently in the 2 mucosal regions with the aid of a scoring system. Group A horses showed good acceptance of the product and no side effects were recorded. After the 10 day treatment phase, Group A showed a marked reduction in gastric mucosal lesions or disappearance of lesions, while untreated horses showed no change or, even, a deterioration on Day 11. Statistical calculation of efficacy revealed a highly significant reduction in gastric mucosal lesions in the pars nonglandularis and a significant reduction in gastric mucosal lesions in the pars glandularis in the treated horses. It would appear, however, that the treatment period of 10 days was too short, since the gastric mucosal lesions had often not completely healed in all horses. The results of this study in 24 horses with gastric lesions suggest that a pectin-lecithin complex can have a beneficial effect on the healing of gastric ulcers.