PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT PATHOLOGY AND HELICOBACTERIOSIS IN HORSES

Abstract

This article presents information on the prevalence of helicobacteriosis in horses of different age groups. It has been found that gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathology is widely prevalent in horses, ranging from 50% to 80%. The main conditions among GIT pathologies in horses are gastrophylosis, erosions, ulcers, and helicobacteriosis. Helico-bacteriosis is registered in 66.7% to 100% of the investigated adult population and in 20% to 66.7% of the young horses. Stomach examinations using endoscopy and video gastroscopy provide a clear picture of the mucous membrane's condition in different parts of the stomach and allow for the collection of biomaterials for additional research. The percentage of animals affected by helicobacteriosis increases with age. Animals suf-fering from helicobacteriosis experience significantly reduced productivity, delayed growth and development in young horses, leading to premature culling. It is incorrect to only test suspicious animals with indications for helicobacteriosis, as not all carriers of Helicobacter pylori show symptoms of the disease. The use of the drug Domosedan at a dose of 0.5 μg per kilogram of body weight, or Combistress at a rate of 0.5 cm3 per 100 kg of body weight, effectively calmed the an-imals, fully relaxed the GIT, and facilitated successful endoscopy and video gastroscopy examinations.