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Journal of equine veterinary science2021; 105; 103717; doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103717

Use of Antibiotics in Equines and Their Effect on Metabolic Health and Cecal Microflora Activities.

Abstract: In the race against deadly diseases, multiple drugs have been developed as a treatment strategy in livestock. Each treatment is based on a specific mechanism to find a suitable drug. Antibiotics have become a fundamental part of the equine industry to treat bacterial diseases. These antibiotics have specific doses and side effects, and understanding each parameter allows veterinarians to avoid or limit the adverse effects of such drugs. Use of antibiotics causes microbial imbalance, decreased microbial diversity and richness in both cecal and fecal samples. Antibiotics reduced metabolites production such as amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins, increased multi-resistant microbes, and gives opportunity to pathogenic microbes such as Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella spp., to overgrow. Therefore, appropriate use of these antibiotics in equine therapy will reduce the adverse consequence of antibiotics on cecal microbiota activities.
Publication Date: 2021-07-17 PubMed ID: 34607682DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103717Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research study investigates the impact of antibiotic use in horses on their metabolic health and the activity of cecal microflora (intestinal bacteria). The study points out that while antibiotics are essential in treating bacterial diseases in horses, they also have side effects, such as causing imbalances in the horse’s gut bacteria, giving rise to pathogenic microbes, and reducing the production of vital metabolic substances.

Understanding the Role of Antibiotics

  • The study underscores the importance of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial illnesses in horses. These medications work through specific mechanisms to combat various diseases.
  • However, it’s critical for veterinarians to understand the dosage and potential side effects of each antibiotic to minimize negative outcomes.

Impact on the Cecal Microbiota

  • Excessive or improper use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the cecum, the part of a horse’s large intestine. This leads to diminished diversity and richness of the microflora both in the cecal and fecal examples.
  • The antibiotics also give rise to multi-resistant microbes, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella spp. These pathogens can cause serious health issues in horses

Effects on Metabolic Health

  • The analysis indicates that antibiotics interfere with the production of important metabolites, including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins. Such substances are crucial for maintaining horses’ overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

  • While antibiotics are critical in managing bacterial diseases in the equine industry, it’s equally important to use them appropriately to minimize their destabilizing effects on horses’ cecal microflora and metabolic health.
  • Veterinarians are therefore advised to understand the dosages and potential side effects of these drugs for more effective disease management in equines.

Cite This Article

APA
Jiménez BLM, Elghandour MMMY, Adegbeye MJ, Tirado González DN, Tirado Estrada G, Salem AZM, Pacheco EBF, Pliego AB. (2021). Use of Antibiotics in Equines and Their Effect on Metabolic Health and Cecal Microflora Activities. J Equine Vet Sci, 105, 103717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103717

Publication

ISSN: 0737-0806
NlmUniqueID: 8216840
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 105
Pages: 103717
PII: S0737-0806(21)00347-6

Researcher Affiliations

Jiménez, Bárbara Lizeth Miranda
  • Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Edo de México, Mexico.
Elghandour, Mona M M Y
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Edo de México, Mexico. Electronic address: mmohamde@uaemex.mx.
Adegbeye, Moyosore J
  • Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Tirado González, Deli Nazmín
  • National Center of Disciplinary Research Familiar Agriculture (CENID AF), National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP), Ojuelos de Jalisco, Jalisco, Mexico.
Tirado Estrada, Gustavo
  • Postgraduate and Research Division (DEPI), Technological Institute of El Llano Aguascalientes (ITEL), National Technological Institute of Mexico (TecNM), El Llano, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Salem, Abdelfattah Z M
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Edo de México, Mexico.
Pacheco, Edson Brodeli Figueroa
  • Academic Unit of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Iguala de la Independencia, Guerrero, Mexico.
Pliego, Alberto Barbabosa
  • Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Edo de México, Mexico. Electronic address: albertobarbabosa@yahoo.com.mx.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Cecum
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Feces
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Horses

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Zhao X, Ye W, Xu W, Xu N, Zheng J, Chen R, Liu H. Changes in the Diversity and Composition of Gut Microbiota of Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) after Avian Influenza Vaccine and Anthelmintic Treatment.. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 5;12(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12091183pubmed: 35565609google scholar: lookup