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Antimicrobial use and prescribing practices by equine veterinarians in Australia: Insights into reproduction, dentistry, compounding and use for nonbactericidal effects.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a problem for equine practitioners in Australia, but antimicrobial use in practice has been largely understudied. We aimed to evaluate equine veterinarians' intentions of prescribing antimicrobials in areas where we perceived there to be wide ranges of practice - dentistry, reproduction and for nonbactericidal effects. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of veterinarians working in equine practice was conducted over 4 months in 2023 and 2024. Antimicrobial use, including compounding practices, for reproductive and dental disorders, and nonbactericidal effects were investigated. Results: Responses were received from 134 equine practitioners in Australia. Most respondents reported using common equine antimicrobials (trimethoprim sulphonamide (TMS), penicillin and gentamicin). Low- and medium-importance-rated antimicrobials predominated for dental and reproductive disorders although there were some reported uses of high-importance agents, including some not registered for use in horses. Prescribing compounded antimicrobials was common (70% of respondents). Antimicrobials were also reported to be used for contracted tendons, matrix metalloprotease inhibition, anti-inflammatory and antiendotoxic and other nonbacteriocidal effects. Conclusions: Although antimicrobial prescribing patterns varied, most respondents reported using common equine antimicrobials. Antimicrobial guidelines may assist in aligning practice and reducing inappropriate antimicrobial use in horses.
© 2025 The Author(s). Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
Publication Date: 2025-02-25 PubMed ID: 40000246PubMed Central: PMC12134839DOI: 10.1111/avj.13428Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study examines how equine veterinarians in Australia prescribe antimicrobials, focusing on practices in dentistry, reproduction and nonbactericidal uses. The aim is to assess the issue of antimicrobial resistance and understand the prevalence of practices like compounding.
Research Context
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant problem in equine veterinary practice in Australia, with limited existing research on real-world antimicrobial use.
- The intention of the study was to analyze the prescribing behaviors of equine veterinarians in areas with potentially variable practices – notably dentistry, reproduction, and nonbactericidal effects.
Methodology
- An online survey was conducted over a period of four months in 2023 and 2024, targeting veterinarians working primarily with horses.
- The survey looked into antimicrobial usage, including compounding practices, for reproductive and dental disorders, and for nonbactericidal effects.
Results
- Responses were received from 134 equine veterinarians practicing in Australia.
- The majority of respondents reported using common equine antimicrobials, including trimethoprim sulphonamide (TMS), penicillin, and gentamicin.
- Most antimicrobial use reported was for low- and medium-importance-rated disorders in dental and reproductive care, though there were instances of high-importance agent usage, including some not registered for use in horses.
- 70% of the respondents admit to prescribing compounded antimicrobials, which involves combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient.
- Additionally, antimicrobials were reported to be used for several nonbactericidal effects like treatment of contracted tendons, matrix metalloprotease inhibition, and as anti-inflammatory and antiendotoxic agents.
Conclusions
- The prescribing patterns of antimicrobials varied among respondents, but the consensus was towards the usage of common equine antimicrobials.
- The study highlighted the need for antimicrobial guidelines to align practice and reduce the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Hardefeldt LY, Thomas K, Begg L.
(2025).
Antimicrobial use and prescribing practices by equine veterinarians in Australia: Insights into reproduction, dentistry, compounding and use for nonbactericidal effects.
Aust Vet J, 103(6), 307-313.
https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13428 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- REC Equine Specialists, Horsley Park, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Veterinarians / statistics & numerical data
- Horses
- Australia
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Humans
- Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
- Male
- Female
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Drug Prescriptions / veterinary
- Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data
- Reproduction / drug effects
- Dentistry / veterinary
- Drug Compounding / veterinary
- Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data
Grant Funding
- DE200100030 / Australian Research Council
- Australian Veterinary Association through the Antimicrobial Prescribing Guideline project
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors have no conflicts to declare.
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