It’s Slime Time
All natural slime coat for added protection from splashing gastric acid

Gastric health is always a hot topic among equestrians. Equine Elixirs ushered in the New Year with a new liquid gastric supplement that has garnered a lot of attention. Slimer, an all natural way to coat the sensitive gastric lining from splashing acid, is the newest addition to Equine Elixirs' exclusively show safe supplement lineup. "An easy to administer liquid alternative to sucralfate is something we have been working on for a while," said Elizabeth Ehrlich, the founder of Equine Elixirs. "We introduced Slimer at the AAEP this year in Orlando, and the veterinarians we spoke with were extremely impressed with its application."

All About Slimer
Slimer gets its name from the 'slimey' nature of its ingredients: hyaluronic acid, beta glucan, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root. This combination of ingredients not only provides mucosal soothing properties, but it helps shield the stomach lining from irritation.  Slimer's viscous nature forms a protective coating over the stomach's squamous and glandular surface, and protects the sensitive gastric tissue from splashing acid for 1-2 hours at a time.  

Slimer can be added to feed or can be dosed strategically before riding, traveling, competing, or times of additional stress. "There are several liquid gastric supplements available that contain lower levels of hyaluronic acid and beta glucan," said Ehrlich.  "One of the things that really sets Slimer apart from the rest, is the higher concentration of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and beta glucan, in addition to its other anti-inflammatory ingredients, which makes it a broader spectrum and more effective product."

Sucralfate is a common medication used to treat ulcers and coat ulcerative tissue for several hours at a time, but often presents a management issue. For maximum effectiveness, it is fed on an empty stomach, typically 3-4 times daily in order to maintain its protective barrier. One of sucralfate's drawbacks is that it can interfere with the absorption of other medications. 

Unlike sucralfate, which adheres to ulcerative tissue only, Slimer will coat healthy stomach tissue as well, providing a broad layer of protection throughout the squamous and glandular region, but for a shorter period of time. Slimer can be given before riding, traveling, or during times of additional stress, but can also be fed daily as part of a regular gastric maintenance program, and will not interfere with the absorption of medications. According to Vivian Yowan, rider and head trainer at Saddle Ridge, LLC, "Slimer has completely replaced the sucralfate that one of my nervous horses previously needed before competing."

Visualizing Slimer at Work
The following gastroscopy images show Slimer coating the stomach. The horses received 2oz of Slimer via syringe and then lunged at the walk and trot for 10-15 minutes to simulate splashing acid while being ridden. 

Though Slimer is brown, it was initially dyed blue to be more visible. In order to show that the blue dye did not discolor the stomach or disassociate from Slimer, over 90cc of water was inserted through the gastroscope to "rinse" a portion showing that the underlying tissue remained pink.

Rave Reviews
There is no shortage of riders and trainers already singing Slimer's praises. "Slimer has been a game-changer for us," said Lauren Crooks of Crooks Show Jumping. "I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my horses’ comfort, focus and overall demeanor during competitions as well as at home. It’s clear that Slimer helps promote a healthy stomach environment and preserve the gastric tissue even in high-pressure environments."  Mary Ann Thomas, trainer at Ashwood Farm, said that she has "seen less reactivity under saddle and in the barn" for those specific horses she knows to have had ulcer issues. 

Get to Know Slimer with Some FAQs
How is Slimer different from Ulceraser and can they be used together?  
Ulceraser is forage based, designed to increase the strength of gastric mucosa, increase circulation and help heal lesions, act as a sand clear, and encourages digestion in the foregut rather than the hindgut to help prevent the release of volatile fatty acids that can contribute to hindgut ulcers. Slimer's viscous nature is designed to coat the squamous and glandular portions of the stomach to help protect the sensitive mucosa from splashing gastric acid during times that horses are most at risk for ulcers.  Both supplements are designed to be used together and compliment one another.

If Slimer has hyaluronic acid does that mean it's also beneficial for joints? 
Yes!  Slimer has more high molecular weight hyaluronic acid than most other joint supplements and it will benefit your horse's joints. The reason Slimer isn't marketed as a joint supplement is because it is not a 'complete' soft tissue support supplement like Arthroscope, which also contains the traditional building blocks of joint health in addition to other potent anti-inflammatories. 

How is Slimer different from omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a drug designed to completely eliminate the production of gastric acid. Slimer is all-natural and will create a temporary slime coating throughout the stomach, but does not eliminate the production of gastric acid, and will not interfere with normal digestion.

Slimer is a great addition for any horse that needs extra gastric protection before riding, traveling, or competing. With its all-natural, show-safe formula, Slimer is easy to administer and an effective way to keep your horses feeling their best.