Specific Antibiotic Risks

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that are commonly used to treat infection in horses.

 

Before agreeing to antibiotic treatment for your horse, it is important that you understand that the use of all antibiotic drugs involves some risk to the patient. Horses are complex animals and while it is not possible to detail all the potential complications associated with antibiotic therapy; the following is an outline of the recognised areas of risk.

It is important that antibiotics are used in the manner in which they are prescribed and that specific instructions are exactly followed. Many antibiotics have specific complications related to their mode of action and their interaction with the horse.

 

Penicillin (Benzyl penicillin and procaine penicillin)

Anaphylaxis/ allergic reactions occur following previous exposure/ sensitisation to penicillin. Mild signs include skin wheals or oedema to more severe signs causing the horse to drop suddenly to the ground showing breathing difficulties. This is often fatal. If the horse survives an allergic reaction penicillin should not be given again as the next dose may be fatal.

 

Procaine is the agent that stabilises penicillin for intramuscular use. If procaine is accidently injected in the vein it will cause extreme central nervous system stimulation including frantic and uncontrollable behaviour. This is not an allergic reaction. Most horses survive this reaction however they may obtain severe injuries that may be fatal. Keeping the procaine penicillin refrigerated and ensuring careful injection technique will reduce this risk.

 Oxytetracycline Injection

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia occasionally occurs and horses may show lethargy (dull), fever, pale mucous membranes, weight loss and rarely discoloured or dark urine. Signs usually resolve once penicillin therapy has stopped, severe signs may require supportive therapy including hospitalisation, fluids or a blood transfusion.

 

Autoimmune thrombocytopenia (drug induced destruction of platelets) causes haemorrhages (red spots on gums, eyelids, vulval lips) or signs of bleeding. Signs usually resolve once penicillin therapy has stopped, rarely severe signs may require supportive therapy including hospitalisation, fluids or a blood transfusion.

 

Tetracyclines (Oxytetracycline, Doxycycline)

Nephrotoxicity/ renal injury (see aminoglycosides). Risks are increased with dehydration, use of other nephrotoxic drugs and existing kidney disease. Risks are reduced when horses are well hydrated and by ensuring normal kidney function where possible.

 

These drugs result in collapse and death if given rapidly intravenously. This risk is reduced by diluting the drug with sterile saline and slow intravenous administration. Tendon relaxation may occur. This will reverse with time after finishing treatment with the antibiotic. Teeth may become discoloured, especially in younger animals, this may be permanent.

 

Aminoglycocides (Gentamicin and Amikacin)

Nephrotoxicity /kidney injury. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity is associated with length of therapy (greater than 7- 10 days), dehydration, treatment with other drugs that affect kidney function, existing renal disease and high doses. The signs may initially be vague including failure to thrive, weight loss or abnormal blood results. Mild cases may return to normal with time and minimal therapy. Severe cases may result in kidney failure and potentially the death of the horse. These risks are reduced with ensuring correct dose is given once only per day, monitoring hydration and blood tests to monitor drug levels and kidney function.

 

As the veterinary drug supplier,Hope Harmony has imported advanced production equipment, first-class international inspection equipment. At the same time, we has the provincial level veterinary drug research and development center, which invests lots of money in new product development every year that ensure the company's competitiveness in the market is steadily improved. 

If you want to get more information about the oxytetracycline injection, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.