Merial launches equine gastric ulcer support app

Merial has announced the launch of a new equine gastric ulcer Blippar App for iOS and Android devices.

The mobile application can be used to scan particular images, allowing users to view  an educational film showing specialist vet Richard Hepburn demonstrating the signs of ulcers and diagnosis via gastroscopy.

At present, 60 percent of competition horses and 38 percent of leisure horses and ponies are estimated to have gastric ulcers, but the number of horses diagnosed and treated for ulcers falls significantly short of incidence levels.

Merial's equine marketing and technical manager Louise Radford said: "We hope that this app will help to raise awareness and prompt more horse owners to consult their vet about gastric ulceration."

The company previously launched a separate Blippar App for horse owners that have been prescribed GastroGard, allowing them to view educational video footage on gastric ulcers simply by scanning the pack.

Merial's therapy contains specially formulated omeprazole that acts at the source of acid production, helping to prevent the excess acid buildup that causes ulcers.