Current controversies in equine antimicrobial therapy

Abstract

Summary Controversies exist regarding the use, misuse and potential overuse of antimicrobial treatments in foals and adults. When antimicrobials are required for treatment of infectious diseases, veterinarians should follow a logical approach and not simply reach for the newest drug. Targeted, single drug therapy is probably best, and culture and sensitivity testing should be undertaken. The most likely infectious agent, potential drug toxicities, and age‐appropriate dose and route should be considered. The development of an increasing number of different multiple drug resistant pathogens requires that veterinarians use antimicrobial drugs responsibly to protect veterinary patients and the public at large.

Peri‐anaesthetic complications in an equine referral hospital: Risk factors for post anaesthetic colic

“…enrofloxacin was selected as an alternative antimicrobial with a sufficient spectrum of activity and no specific safety contraindications prescribed under the cascade system as a veterinary medicine licensed in the UK for use in another species. However, more recently it has been recommended that the administration of fluoroquinolones and third and fourth generation cephalosporins should be avoided to minimise antimicrobial resistance . Therefore, further controlled studies to investigate the risks of elective surgery without antimicrobial prophylaxis are warranted.…”

Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses, Part III. Cefquinome

“…In general, third and fourth generation cephalosporins should be kept as reserve antimicrobials and not as a first choice for common equine infections, like streptococcal lower airway infections. Instead, more prudent applicable antimicrobials should be chosen, like penicillins (Morley et al, 2005;Hollis & Wilkins, 2009). However, in specific cases of airway infections with bacterial pathogens where cephalosporins are one of few drugs options, then it can be a necessary choice for systemic therapy, bearing in mind the pulmonary pharmacokinetic results from this paper with significantly lower PELF concentrations compared to plasma.…”

Bacterial Skin Diseases

“…[4][5][6]8,17,18 Proper antibiotic use necessitates that the antibiotic inhibit the specific bacteria, preferably in a bactericidal manner. In addition, controversies exist regarding the current use of antibiotics, including appropriate selection and use in certain clinical situations.…”