Effect if an Orally Administered Antacid Agent Containing Mg(OH)₂ and Al(OH)₃ on Abomasal pH in Milk-fed Calves

Abomasal ulceration occurs commonly in milk-fed calves and adult cattle, and severe ulceration can result in abomasal perforation, peritonitis and death. An important therapeutic goal in treating gastric ulceration in monogastric animals is maintaining gastric pH >3.5 by administering oral antacid agents, proton pump inhibitors, or histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Because the efficacy of oral antacid agents in increasing abomasal pH is unknown in cattle, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a widely available oral antacid agent (Extra-strength Maalox®) on abomasal pH in calves. This antacid contains 90 mg of Mg(OH)2 and 100 mg of Al(OH)3 per mL, and the antacid increases gastric pH through the following chemical reactions:Mg(OH)2 + 2H+ ⇒ Mg2+ + 2H2OAl(OH)3 + 3H+ ⇒ AI3+ + 3H2O Purportedly, Mg(OH)2 / Al(OH)3 antacid agents have clinical efficacy in the treatment of abomasal ulceration in adult cattle. There do not appear to be any data available to support or refute such a claim.