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Topic:Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections in horses. They work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, aiding the horse's immune system in overcoming the infection. Commonly used antibiotics in equine medicine include penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin. The selection of an antibiotic depends on factors such as the type of bacteria, the site of infection, and the horse's health status. Responsible use of antibiotics is essential to minimize the risk of resistance. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the efficacy, administration, and impact of antibiotics on equine health.
Cefotaxime kinetics in plasma and synovial fluid following intravenous administration in horses. Cefotaxime powder was diluted with sterile water to a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The volume of solution was adjusted for each experimental horse to provide a total dose of 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg and was administered by infusion through a jugular vein catheter over a 10-min period. All three doses were administered to each of the six experimental horses at three different times. Cefotaxime concentrations in plasma and synovial fluid samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Standard compartmental analysis techniques and the WinSAAM modeling program were used to dete...
Vibrio metschnikovii, a rare cause of wound infection. We report the first case of a postoperative wound infection caused by Vibrio metschnikovii on the lower right leg of a patient after saphenectomy. Compared to the healing of an uninfected site, that of the right leg was delayed, and a cure was achieved by intensified wound care. Several swabs taken from the infected site grew a gram-negative rod in pure culture that was identified as V. metschnikovii by the VITEK 2 system. The source of the infection was not detected; however, the absence of putative risk factors (exposure to water or shellfish or an episode of diarrhea), the profession of the...
Pharmacokinetics, stability, and retrospective analysis of use of an oral gel formulation of the bovine injectable enrofloxacin in horses. In many cases of equine infectious disease, long-term administration of antimicrobial drugs is required. Oral agents are preferred because of the relative ease of administration compared with other routes. Enrofloxacin has been shown to be effective against a variety of equine pathogens, but oral administration of this drug has proved difficult in horses. An oral gel formulation made from the injectable cattle product produces blood levels sufficient to resolve infections caused by a variety of common equine pathogens.
Rupture of the flexor tendons of a horse secondary to a non-responsive digital sheath sepsis. A 12-year-old hunter gelding became severely lame as a result of a laceration to the sheath of the digital flexor tendons of its left hindlimb, but there was no apparent damage to the tendons. The injury became chronically infected with Pseudomonas and Streptococcus species and Escherichia coli which did not respond to antibiotic treatment, and the horse remained lame. A postmortem examination revealed that the tendons had ruptured.
[Primary liver disease in the horse]. The clinical signs of liver disease are highly variable and non-specific. Irrespective of the cause or the duration of liver disease, more specific clinical signs, e.g. hepatic encephalopathy, become apparent in the advanced stages of the disease. Due to the non-specific clinical signs, the possible diagnosis of liver disease is frequently not taken into consideration. However, measurement of the plasma or serum concentrations of total bile acids and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT) may provide valuable diagnostic information. The specific diagnosis can be confirmed by ultrasound examinat...
Risk factors associated with fecal Salmonella shedding among hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease. To estimate prevalence of and identify risk factors for fecal Salmonella shedding among hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 465 hospitalized horses with gastrointestinal tract disease. Methods: Horses were classified as positive or negative for fecal Salmonella shedding during hospitalization by means of standard aerobic bacteriologic methods. The relationship between investigated exposure factors and fecal Salmonella shedding was examined by means of logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of fecal Salmonella ...
Retrospective comparison of azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin for the treatment of foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of azithromycin-rifampin, clarithromycin-rifampin, and erythromycin-rifampin for the treatment of pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi in foals. Eighty-one foals with naturally acquired pneumonia caused by R. equi were included in the study. Information on age, sex, breed, physical examination findings, laboratory testing, and thoracic radiography was abstracted from each medical record. Foals were divided in 3 groups based on the antimicrobial agent selected for therapy. Short-term (discharge from the hospital) and long-ter...
Scanning electron microscopy of the endometrium of mares infused with gentamicin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the endometrium of nine 1-year-old thoroughbred mares after twice intrauterine infusions of gentamicin, on 2 consecutive days. Five mares were infused on 2 consecutive days with 40 ml gentamicin (50 mg/ml) mixed with 80 ml of normal saline. Four mares served as controls and were infused with 120 ml of saline on 2 consecutive days. Endometrial biopsies were obtained from all mares 3 days after the second intrauterine infusion. Each biopsy was processed for SEM by standard methods. The endometrial epithelium of the gentamicin-infused mares had...
Polymyxin B protects horses against induced endotoxaemia in vivo. A safe, affordable and effective treatment for endotoxaemia in horses is needed in order to reduce the incidence of this potentially fatal condition. Objective: To evaluate the effect of polymyxin B (PMB) on signs of experimentally-induced endotoxaemia. Objective: PMB ameliorates the adverse effects of endotoxaemia without causing nephrotoxicity. Methods: Four groups of 6 healthy mature horses each received 20 ng endotoxin/kg bwt i.v. over 30 mins. Additionally, each group received one of the following i.v.; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins before endotoxin infusion; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins after e...
Quantification of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion to equine bone surfaces passivated with Plasmalyte and hyperimmune plasma. To quantify the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to 4 equine bone surfaces passivated in a balanced polyionic solution (Plasmalyte) or hyperimmune equine plasma (Polymune plasma). Methods: In vitro comparative study. Methods: Third metacarpal bone (MC3) surface explants from 9 equine cadavers. Methods: Approximately 1 cm(2) sections of periosteum were removed from MC3 and stapled to sterile stainless steel screens. Three bone surface explants were cut using a surgical saw to present 1 cm(2) surfaces of subperiosteal bone, cut cortical bone, or endosteum. Duplicate explants of each surface wer...
Use of free conjunctival grafts in horses: ten cases. To assess the effectiveness of free conjunctival grafts in the treatment of horses with a range of keratopathies. Methods: A retrospective clinical study of ten client-owned horses treated at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital from May 1996 to September 2001. Methods: The suitability of patients for the surgical procedure was assessed using a slit lamp biomicroscope and by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Surgery was performed with the aid of an operating microscope, under general anaesthesia. A subpalpebral ocular lavage catheter was used for administration of topical atropine and anti...
Antimicrobial susceptibility of equine and environmental isolates of Clostridium difficile. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 50 Clostridium difficile isolates, 36 of them from horse feces and 14 from environmental sites, was determined by broth microdilution. The antimicrobial agents tested were avilamycin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, oxacillin, oxytetracycline, penicillin, spiramycin, streptomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, and virginiamycin. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC 16 microg/ml), oxytetracycline (MIC >/=32 microg/ml), spiramycin (MIC > 16 microg/ml), and virginiamycin (MIC 8-16 mi...
The effect of enrofloxacin on cell proliferation and proteoglycans in horse tendon cells. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used widely in humans and domestic animals, including horses, because of their broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, and relative safety. The use of fluoroquinolones, however, is not without risk. Tendonitis and spontaneous tendon rupture have been reported in people during or following therapy with fluoroquinolones. We have studied the effects of enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used commonly in domestic animals, on tendon cell cultures established from equine superficial digital flexor tendons. Effects on cell proliferation and morphology were ...
Pharmacokinetics of a high dose of amikacin administered at extended intervals to neonatal foals. To determine disposition kinetics of amikacin in neonatal foals administered high doses at extended intervals. Methods: 7 neonatal foals. Methods: Amikacin was administered (21 mg/kg, i.v., q 24 h) for 10 days. On days 1, 5, and 10, serial plasma samples were obtained for measurement of amikacin concentrations and determination of pharmacokinetics. Results: Mean +/- SD peak plasma concentrations of amikacin extrapolated to time 0 were 103.1 +/- 23.4, 102.9 +/- 9.8, and 120.7 +/- 17.9 microg/mL on days 1, 5, and 10, respectively. Plasma concentrations at 1 hour were 37.5 +/- 6.7, 32.9 +/- 2.6, ...
Treatment of suppurative facial cellulitis and panniculitis caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in two horses. Two horses were examined for large head wounds suspected to be the result of trauma and characterized by extensive necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with abundant purulent exudate. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the facial wounds in both horses. Histopathologic examination revealed severe suppurative cellulitis and panniculitis with fistulous tracts and granulation tissue in 1 horse. Both horses were treated with local wound care, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and administration of antimicrobials. The concept of moist wound care was used in the second ...
Uterine microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility in isolated bacteria from mares with fertility problems. Uterine microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility was investigated in 239 mares with fertility problems in a prospective study in Sweden. Uterine swab samples were collected with double guarded swabs and transported overnight before being cultured. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) was determined for a panel of antimicrobials. From 152 of the 239 mares at least one bacterial species was isolated, most frequently E. coli (104 isolates), beta-haemolytic streptococci (31) and fungi (16). beta-haemolytic streptococci were more frequently (p < 0.01) associated with clinical endomet...
Pericarditis and pleuritis caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in a horse. A 13-year-old Oldenburg mare was evaluated for lethargy and signs of mild colic. Pericardial tamponade caused by fibrinoeffusive pericarditis was diagnosed. Cytologic and biochemical evaluation of pericardial fluid was consistent with a septic effusion. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the cause of pigeon fever, was identified by bacteriologic culture of pericardial fluid. Drainage and lavage of the pericardial sac, local (intrapericardial) and systemic antimicrobial treatment, and subsequent corticosteroid treatment resulted in a successful outcome in this horse. To the authors' knowledge,...
Frequency and distribution of tetracycline resistance genes in genetically diverse, nonselected, and nonclinical Escherichia coli strains isolated from diverse human and animal sources. Nonselected and natural populations of Escherichia coli from 12 animal sources and humans were examined for the presence and types of 14 tetracycline resistance determinants. Of 1,263 unique E. coli isolates from humans, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, cows, goats, cats, dogs, horses, geese, ducks, and deer, 31% were highly resistant to tetracycline. More than 78, 47, and 41% of the E. coli isolates from pigs, chickens, and turkeys were resistant or highly resistant to tetracycline, respectively. Tetracycline MICs for 61, 29, and 29% of E. coli isolates from pig, chickens, and turkeys, respect...
Treatment of septic common digital extensor tenosynovitis by complete resection in seven horses. To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the entire intrathecal component of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) in horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Seven client-owned horses. Methods: Seven horses with wounds that resulted in septic tenosynovitis of the CDET sheath were treated by complete surgical resection of the affected tendon and ablation of the tendon sheath; 5 had previous surgery that was unsuccessful. Time from initial injury to complete resection was 1-22 weeks. In 6 horses, the wound was closed primarily using a closed suction (4 hors...
Intraosseous gentamicin perfusion of the distal metacarpus in standing horses. To report tissue gentamicin concentrations after intraosseous (IO) perfusion in standing horses. Methods: In vivo study. Methods: Twelve horses. Methods: Sedated horses had a cannulated cortical bone screw inserted into the dorsolateral aspect of the treated metacarpus and a tourniquet applied proximally. Gentamicin (2.2 mg/kg) diluted in sterile saline solution (0.1 mL/kg) was infused through the screw. Two horses were euthanatized at each time interval: 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours. Synovial fluid and bone samples were collected distal to the screw from both forelimbs. Gentamicin concentrat...
Concentrations of gentamicin in serum and bronchial lavage fluid after once-daily aerosol administration to horses for seven days. To assess gentamicin concentrations in serum and bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) of horses during a 24-hour period after once-daily aerosol administration of gentamicin (GAER) for 7 days and the pattern and degree of bronchial tree inflammation associated with repeated GAER. Methods: 13 healthy adult horses (9 geldings and 4 mares). Methods: The treatment group comprised 8 horses, and 5 horses were untreated control animals. Gentamicin (20 mL of gentamicin [50 mg/mL]) was administered via aerosol once daily for 7 days. Samples of serum and BLF were obtained from all horses before GAER and 0.5, 4,...
Intramuscular dosing strategy for ampicillin sodium in horses, based on its distribution into tissue chambers before and after induction of inflammation. The Pharmacokinetics (PK) and distribution into tissue chamber fluid (TCF) of intramuscularly (i.m.) administered ampicillin sodium were examined in horses in order to design adequate dosing strategies. Concentration-time curves of ampicillin in plasma and TCF were determined in six horses following administration of 15 mg/kg ampicillin sodium, before and after the induction of local inflammation with 0.5% carrageenan. The calculated parameters were used to simulate various dosage-dosing interval combinations. Ampicillin was absorbed very rapidly following i.m. administration. Plasma concentra...
Use of dapsone in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a foal. A 6-month-old male Quarter Horse was evaluated for chronic respiratory tract disease. Diagnostic investigations revealed pulmonary inflammation; Pneumocystis carinii was detected within macrophages. Lymphocyte subpopulation phenotyping and immunoglobulin concentration analysis were performed and results suggested immune suppression. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration was initiated; the colt was discharged but was reexamined 8 days later because of profuse diarrhea and endotoxemia. Bacterial culture of feces recovered Salmonella spp resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and a di...
Antimicrobial therapy for gastrointestinal diseases. Antibiotics will always be needed in horses for many types of infections, but the adverse consequences also must be considered. For the conditions described in this article, there is justification for antibiotic therapy. The intestinal problems that antibiotics can induce are among the risks from their administration to horses. Disruption of the endogenous bacterial population, colitis, and diarrhea are the most common complications from antibiotic therapy.
Treatment of peritonitis. In summary, peritonitis in the horse is a potentially life-threatening disease that must be treated promptly and aggressively. Therapy should be aimed at reducing systemic shock and hypovolemia, correction of the primary cause, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, and abdominal drainage and lavage. The prognosis depends on the ability to diagnose and treat the underlying cause and prevent the development of complications. Mortality rates can be as high as 59.7%, with horses developing postoperative peritonitis having a 56% mortality rate. Long-term complications like adhesion formation or...
[Evolution of bacterial resistance to certain antibacterial agents in horses in a veterinary hospital]. Evolution of bacterial resistance to certain antibacterial agents in horses in a veterinary hospital. A total of 255 antibiograms, conducted according to the Kirby-Bauer method from bacterial isolates collected from horses at the Hôpital Vétérinaire d'Enseignement at the Université de Montréal between 1996 and 1998 were compared with the results obtained about 10 years ago with corresponding bacterial species. A significant increase in the percentage of strains resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SXT), penicilline, tetracycline, and to gentamicin was observed. The percentages ...
Clostridium perfringens type A myonecrosis in a horse in Korea. Acute hemorrhagic myonecrosis accompanied by severe inter- and intrafascicular edema and hemorrhage of the right gluteal area was diagnosed in a 13-year-old male thoroughbred horse. Once the muscular and fascicular changes were subsided, the horse then developed acute respiratory problem. Histologically, the lung had diffuse severe hemorrhage with mild neutrophilic infiltration. The cause of death was acute respiratory failure that is believed to occur secondary to toxaemic event. Alpha and beta2 toxin secreting Clostiridum perfringens type A was isolated from the muscle and lung. The diagnosi...
