Though horse owners and caretakers often tend to keep antibiotics on hand “just in case,” the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) warns owners around the world that use of out-of-date antibiotics is irresponsible and can be dangerous.
Old antibiotics may be dangerous to horses, the veterinary body warns. Giving horses old antibiotics when an infection is “suspected” could make things worse – the wrong antibiotic for that infection could contribute to antibiotic resistance – and not help the horse. Additionally, if too little of a drug is given or for too short a time, the possibility of antibiotic resistance increases.
Bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs are becoming increasingly problematic in equine practice. Affected horses are faced with longer recovery times and horse owners are often faced with more costly bills.
Horse owners can ask their veterinarian to take back expired medication or the medications can be dropped off anywhere unused or old antibiotics are accepted.
Judicious use of antibiotics, only on veterinary recommendation, is key to slowing down antimicrobial resistance.
Download a free issue of Antimicrobial Resistance here.
Read more at HorseTalk.
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