Use of antimicrobials in the treatment of reproductive diseases in cattle and horses.

This research article provides comprehensive insight into the usage and impact of antimicrobials in treating reproductive diseases in cattle and horses. It highlights the mixed approaches across different countries, including the presence of unnecessary and non-evidence-based practices. It also sets forth the need for more responsible and legitimate use of these drugs.

Antimicrobials for Veterinary Purposes

• The paper reviews the utilization of antimicrobial compounds for veterinary purposes, particularly in the treatment and prevention of infections found in the reproductive organs of cattle and horses.
• The overall usage of antimicrobials for these purposes is relatively low when compared to the primary uses in food animals.
• The tradition and practices of using these compounds can vary greatly between different countries, and this inconsistency could lead to differing health impacts for the animals.

Common Indications and Treatments

• In cattle, the most common reproduction-related disease that calls for antimicrobial treatment is mastitis. This is typically treated with intramammary products. However, other conditions like metritis and endometritis also require antimicrobial treatment and have specific products designed for intrauterine administration.
• On the other hand, in horses, endometritis, retained placenta, and placentitis are the usual reproductive diseases that require antimicrobial treatment.
• The article notes that the number of authorized antimicrobial products for use in horses is limited. As a result, off-label use of antimicrobials is very common in horse treatment, which could pose various health risks.

Responsible Use and Efficacy

• The study revives the need for more responsible use of antimicrobials, shedding light on existing veterinary treatment practices that may not be evidence-based or valid.
• Not every product designed for local treatment has proven efficacy data, which raises the importance of ensuring only empirically-backed, effective medications are used to treat these animals.
• There are existing practices, such as the routine treatment of cows with retained placenta and the use of post-breeding antibiotic treatments in mares, that are highlighted as examples of unnecessary and potentially detrimental uses of antimicrobials.