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Overview of the use of antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections in horses |
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| Authors: | L. Y. Hardefeldt K. E. Bailey J. Slater |
| Affiliation: | 1. Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia;2. Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Peter Doherty Institute, Carlton, Victoria, Australia K. E. Bailey and J. Slater contributed equally to the work.;3. U-Vet, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia K. E. Bailey and J. Slater contributed equally to the work. |
| Abstract: | The use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine is under great scrutiny with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in the human population. Equine veterinarians rely on antimicrobials as an essential tool for the treatment of infections in horses, but there is much criticism of some use, particularly prophylaxis. While the appropriate use of antimicrobials can be justified in equine medicine, the misuse cannot. The definition of appropriate use is complex and involves the indication for therapy, antimicrobial selection, dosing regimen and timing and route of administration, duration of therapy and modification of therapy based on microbial susceptibility and clinical response. The aim of this article is to provide guidance on these factors to assist equine veterinarians in determining what constitutes appropriate antimicrobial use in horses. |
| Keywords: | horse antimicrobial stewardship therapy |