Treatment of respiratory infections in horses with ceftiofur sodium

Abstract

Summary Ceftiofur sodium was evaluated as a therapy for respiratory infections in horses. This cephalosporin antimicrobial was administered intramuscularly every 24 h and at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg (1.0 mg/lb) of body weight. The efficacy of ceftiofur sodium was compared with that of a positive control drug, ampicillin sodium (recommended dose of 6.6 mg/kg [3 mg/lb], given every 12 h). Both treatments were continued for 48 h after clinical symptoms were no longer evident (maximum of 10 days). Fifty‐five (55) horses with naturally acquired respiratory infections were included in the study; 28 were treated with ceftiofur and 27 with ampicillin. Clinical improvement was recorded for 92.9% of the patients treated with ceftiofur and 92.6% of the animals receiving ampicillin. Both therapies reduced body temperatures to an afebrile level after 2 days of treatment. Complete recovery/cure was noted for 78.6% of the ceftiofur patients and 59.3% of the horses treated with ampicillin. Supporting variables (depression/malaise, respiration/dyspnoea, nasal discharge) were assessed and these also substantiated the effectiveness of the treatments. Both antibiotics were well tolerated. Neither pain nor swelling were noted at the ceftiofur injection site(s). None of the animals developed diarrhoea. Data from this study indicated that ceftiofur sodium is an effective and safe treatment for respiratory infections in horses.

Interpretive Criteria for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Ceftiofur against Bacteria Associated with Swine Respiratory Disease

“…[2][3][4][5][6]7,14 The isolates in this study were from swine and yielded results similar to those using bovine and equine isolates.…”

Overview of the use of antimicrobials for the treatment of bacterial infections in horses

“…Ceftiofur is a bactericidal third-generation cephalosporin that binds to PBPs and prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis (Folz et al 1992;Mahrt 1992;Meyer et al 1992;Cervantes et al 1993;Jaglan et al 1994;Giguere et al 2006).…”

Concentrations of gentamicin in serum and bronchial lavage fluid after intravenous and aerosol administration of gentamicin to horses

“…[5][6][7][8][9] Bacterial respiratory tract infections in horses are usually precipitated by impairment of local host defenses as a result of viral infections or physiologic stress. 12 For that reason, the therapeutic outcome of respiratory tract infections is typically more closely associated with antimicrobial concentrations in airways than in serum. 12 For that reason, the therapeutic outcome of respiratory tract infections is typically more closely associated with antimicrobial concentrations in airways than in serum.…”