Details
The equine stomach in a natural environment is kept full 16 to 20 hours a day by the horse constantly grazing pasture or hay. Hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin is produced 24 hours per day in the horses stomach, and is a necessary and important part of the digestion process. Without proper levels of this stomach acid, feed and supplements cannot be properly broken down to the molecular components and this results in nutrients that are not able to be absorbed into the horses body. Over the long term, this may leave horses at risk for nutrient deficiencies.
A horse can only produce saliva when he moves his jaws. Normal chewing action produces 100 to 150 litres of saliva daily. A horses saliva contains substantial amounts of bicarbonates which buffer the stomach acid. The horse’s stomach empties in 15 to 20 minutes leaving only a small amount of digestia (acid) in the bottom of the stomach. The stomach continues to produce more acid, and the horse continues to chew feed, and the acid is continually buffered with fresh saliva. A horse with a full stomach that has the acid continually buffered appears to have very few problems with ulcers. But, what happens when we are training, racing, trail riding, trailering, or withholding feed?
What is acid splash?
During work or stress the stomach shrinks (as much as 60% in some cases), due to the increase of blood flow to the extremities of the body, resulting in a decreased blood flow to the stomach. The upper portion of the stomach collapses in on itself and the remaining acid in the lower portion of the stomach is splashed onto the upper area. This upper area (Squamous Mucosa) is not as resistant to the stomach acid as the lower portion (Glandular Mucosa). The result is acid splashing onto the unprotected Squamous Mucosa while the horse is being worked, trailered, or having feed withheld and this may cause discomfort or sharp pain. Acid Splash can also lead to the development of stomach ulcers.
Unbuffered acid is also believed to trickle into the small intestine, causing duodenal ulcers and creating a drop in the pH level throughout the remainder of the digestive tract and potentially contributing to hind gut acidosis.
How does Acid FX work?
Acid FX is designed to alleviate acid splash for temporary periods of time. Administered orally 15 -20 minutes prior to riding or hauling, it coats the stomach lining and buffers the stomach acid, relieving acid splash pain. The result is a comfortable and calmer horse that responds quickly and willingly, does not ‘grab onto’ the bit, rides more comfortably in the trailer, and returns to eating and drinking much quicker after work or racing. Warm up times and premature sweating are often decreased and the ‘hot’ anxious horses become more relaxed and calmer. Feedback from race horse trainers say that their race horses walk to the track, work hard, then walk calmly back to their stalls.
When should Acid FX be used?
Acid FX is designed to be used every day the horse is worked or trailered. Use it on Hunters, Show Jumpers, Barrel, Reining, Pleasure, Halter, Dressage, Three Day Event, Endurance, Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing, School Horses, Sale Horses, and those going on out on trail rides. Anytime the horse will be exposed to a situation where acid splash and stomach irritation is possible, it the time to use Acid FX. The old adage: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, certainly applies when it comes to protecting your horses stomach – and his ability to perform!
Dosage Instructions
Start by giving 60 cc orally for several days so you get familiar with your horses’ response. Then decrease the dose slowly each day until you find the dose that is ineffective, then increase the dose again until you find the effective dose for that particular horse.
Racehorses:
Daily: 30 to 60 CC daily 15 to 20 minutes before work
Race day: 60cc and 20 grams of EQUINE CHOICE probiotic paste and 60 cc of ACID FX 3 hours before a race . If possible give another 30 cc of ACID FX as close to race as possible.
Show horses:
Daily: 30 – 60cc of ACID FX 15 to 20 minutes before daily work
Show day: 30 – 60cc of ACID FX and 20 grams of EQUINE CHOICE probiotic paste 3 hours before performance ( Helps stabilize the hind gut PH) (Leave on high quality Hay and water until 30 minutes before entering ring ) Supply hay and water between classes if possible.
Give 30 – 60cc of ACID FX 15 to 20 minutes before entering show ring or event.
Trailering:
15 to 20 minutes before loading: Give 30cc to 60cc of ACID FX with 20 grams of EQUINE CHOICE probiotic paste. . Repeat every 4 hours during long trips, stopping to offer hay and water.
Acid Fx is designed to work in conjunctions with Equine Choice Probiotics & Prebiotics. Always provide good quality roughage and water 24/7. The goal is to be as proactive as possible in preventing digestive issues.
Ingredients
Acid FX is a blend of USP Calcium carbonate and USP Magnesium Oxide (to buffer stomach acid), Soy Lecithin and L-Glutamine (to coat and help heal ulcers).
**Veterinary Disclaimer**
This product may be best used upon consultation with a veterinarian. While available for customer purchase, it is advised that you consult your veterinarian before administering additional supplements to your horse as a precaution since situations and circumstances may vary.