Clinical use of metronidazole in horses: 200 cases (1984-1989).

The research paper presents a retrospective study reviewing the use of the drug metronidazole in the treatment of various infections in 200 horses from 1984 to 1989.

Study Population and Methodology

• The research was carried out by reviewing case records of 200 horses that were treated with metronidazole over a five-year period.
• The horses were being treated for different types of infections – respiratory tract infections, peritonitis or abdominal abscess, celiotomy (surgical incision into the abdominal cavity), orthopedic infections, and various other soft tissue infections.
• The researchers tracked the types of bacterial infections present in the horses, with bacteria of the genus Bacteroides being the most commonly found.

Use of Metronidazole and Results

• Metronidazole was always used in combination with other antimicrobial drugs during treatment.
• Of the 200 horses that underwent metronidazole treatment, only 4 showed signs of adverse effects. These effects manifested as decreased appetite in the horses, indicating potential side effects of the medication.
• Importantly, the decrease in appetite observed in these 4 horses resolved once the treatment with metronidazole was ended, indicating a potential link between the drug and these adverse effects.

Conclusion

• The report indicates that metronidazole is generally well-tolerated in horses, with minimal side effects, suggesting it as a viable treatment option for certain infections in horses, especially when used in combination with other antimicrobial agents.
• However, potential side effects such as decreased appetite may occur in some horses and should be monitored in clinical use.
• Conditions such as the severity and type of infection, as well as the overall health status of the horse, should be considered when using metronidazole in treatment protocols.