Antimicrobial selection and dosing in the treatment of wounds in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study highlights the administration of certain classes of antimicrobials in situations where their use is unlikely to be justified. If these findings reflect more general attitudes and behaviour then greater awareness of, and compliance with, recommendations for responsible antimicrobial use are required among equine practitioners. Bodyweight ought to be measured or estimated using validated objective techniques prior to systemic medications being administered.

Use of large‐scale veterinary data for the investigation of antimicrobial prescribing practices in equine medicine

“…Given the frequency of close contact between horses and people, understanding the threat posed to each species from the transfer of bacterial resistance (genes or organisms) from the other is essential [19][20][21][22]. To date there have been few studies investigating antimicrobial prescription (AP) practices in equine medicine [23][24][25]. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials is known to be a strong driver of resistance, but what constitutes 'inappropriate use' in equine medicine is not well defined.…”

Outpacing the resistance tsunami: Antimicrobial stewardship in equine medicine, an overview

“…A study of antimicrobial selection in wound treatment found that 8.5% of horses were treated with ‘protected’ antimicrobials that were unlikely to be justified (Ross et al . 2016). In choosing antimicrobials, it is useful to remember that important or serious infections do not necessarily need ‘important’ (second or third line) antimicrobials.…”

“…2013; Ross et al . 2016). However, even if weights are known, inappropriate dosing may also occur (Hughes et al .…”

Antimicrobial resistance in companion animals

“…The use of fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins for the treatment of chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation in adult horses provides a good example of the inappropriate use of critically important antimicrobials as few of these horses are likely to have bacterial infection and where bacteria are identified, first line choices are likely to be sufficient to resolve the infection . Sadly, the use of critically important antimicrobials is also common in other scenarios in equine practice and frequent under dosing increases the risk of AMR developing.…”