Trimethoprim-sulfonamide: a valid antimicrobial treatment in foals?
Abstract: Trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMPS) combinations are widely used to treat a range of infectious diseases in horses, but some equine practitioners are reluctant to use them for treatment of both neonatal and older foals. Considering the emergence of increased antimicrobial resistance, the use of protected antimicrobials commonly prescribed to foals should be avoided and alternative first-line therapy considered, where appropriate. This review examines the characteristics and pharmacokinetics of TMPS and its suitability for treatment of foals. Data regarding dosage and route of administration are reported on the basis of recent publications in foals. The review intends to share significant information about the common infections that are most likely responsive to TMPS treatment in foals and, as such, where TMPS might be considered a suitable first-line therapeutic option.
Publication Date: 2024-03-13 PubMed ID: 38479105DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.09.0536Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores the efficiency and suitability of Trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMPS) as a first-line therapeutic option for treating infectious diseases in foals, considering the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
Introduction to Trimethoprim-Sulfonamide in Foals
- The article focuses on the use of a combination of drugs, Trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMPS), which is regularly employed for the treatment of various infectious diseases in horses.
- The study observes that some veterinarians are hesitant to use TMPS in the treatment of neonatal and older foals for reasons not clearly stated in the abstract.
Antimicrobial Resistance and TMPS
- The study raises an important topic in the field of veterinary medicine: antimicrobial resistance. It therefore suggests a cautious use of frequently prescribed antimicrobials in foals.
- According to the study, one means of mitigating this issue would be to consider alternative first-line therapies when appropriate.
Research Objectives
- The research aims to assess the suitability of TMPS for use in foals, particularly in relation to the drug’s characteristics and pharmacokinetics, which describe how the body processes the drug and its related effects.
- The study reviews recent findings about the proper dosage and administration methods for TMPS in treating foals.
Potential Impact of TMPS in Treating Foals
- The purpose of the study is twofold: to disseminate crucial information related to the common infections in foals likely to respond positively to TMPS treatment, and to evaluate where TMPS could be a feasible first-line therapeutic choice.
- Ultimately, the study’s results could influence veterinary practice by providing clearer guidance on the use of TMPS in foals and potentially encouraging more practitioners to consider TMPS as a first-line treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Gustafsson K, Sykes BW, Verwilghen D, Palmers K, Sullivan S, van Galen G.
(2024).
Trimethoprim-sulfonamide: a valid antimicrobial treatment in foals?
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 262(6), 825-833.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.09.0536 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.
- 2Faculty of Sciences, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
- 3Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
- 4Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, VIC, Australia.
- 5Equine Clinic De Morette, Asse, Belgium.
- 4Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, VIC, Australia.
- 3Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
- 4Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, VIC, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Trimethoprim / therapeutic use
- Trimethoprim / administration & dosage
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacokinetics
- Sulfonamides / therapeutic use
- Sulfonamides / administration & dosage
- Animals, Newborn
- Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
- Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Merle R, Feuer L, Frenzer K, Plenio JL, Bethe A, Sarnino N, Lübke-Becker A, Bäumer W. Antibiotic Use in Horses: Analysis of 57 German Veterinary Practices (2018-2023). Antibiotics (Basel) 2025 Sep 19;14(9).
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