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Overview of the use of antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections in horses
Author(s) -
Hardefeldt L. Y.,
Bailey K. E.,
Slater J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/eve.13371
Subject(s) - medicine , antimicrobial , intensive care medicine , antibiotic resistance , dosing , regimen , antimicrobial drug , scrutiny , population , antibiotics , pharmacology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , environmental health , political science , law
Summary 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.