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Gastric ulcers are a common problem in foals and in horses in stressful environments.
The disease is debilitating and often leads to death, especially among foals. The safety of the drug in pregnant or lactating mares has not been determined. Omeprazole, under the tradename Prilosec, is also approved for short-term treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers in humans. GastroGard, which is an oral paste in a calibrated syringe, will be sold by Merial Limited of Iselin, New Jersey. It will be available only on the order of a licensed veterinarian.