Oesophageal lumen pH in yearling horses and the effect of management and administration of omeprazole

Arytenoid chondritis occurs in humans and other animal species, including horses during preparation for sale. The disease is often performance limiting in racehorses and is a source of wastage and economic loss to the Thoroughbred industry. The aetiopathogenesis of the condition is poorly understood. In humans, arytenoid chondritis might be associated with chemical trauma of the laryngeal mucosa from reflux of gastric contents; treatment involves increasing the gastric pH to >4 with proton pump inhibitors. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate oesophageal lumen pH in yearling horses in a paddock environment and undergoing sale preparation; and 2) determine whether administration of oral omeprazole increases oesophageal pH.