Use of Antibiotics in Equines and Their Effect on Metabolic Health and Cecal Microflora Activities.
Authors: Jiménez Bárbara Lizeth Miranda, Elghandour Mona M M Y, Adegbeye Moyosore J, Tirado González Deli Nazmín, Tirado Estrada Gustavo, Salem Abdelfattah Z M, Pacheco Edson Brodeli Figueroa, Pliego Alberto Barbabosa
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Antibiotic administration is essential for treating bacterial infections in horses, yet the practice carries significant consequences for hindgut microbial populations that extend beyond pathogenic clearance. Researchers examined how antibiotic treatment affects the caecal microbiota composition, metabolic function, and resistance patterns in equines, analysing shifts in microbial diversity and metabolite production across treated and control groups. The findings demonstrated that antibiotic use substantially reduced microbial richness and diversity whilst simultaneously decreasing production of critical metabolites including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and B vitamins—effects that persisted across both faecal and caecal samples. Alarmingly, treatment created ecological conditions favouring opportunistic pathogens such as *Clostridium perfringens* and *Salmonella* spp., alongside increased prevalence of multi-resistant bacterial strains. For equine practitioners, these results underscore the importance of judicious antibiotic selection and duration protocols; whilst acknowledging their clinical necessity, minimising treatment duration and considering adjunctive probiotic or prebiotic strategies may help mitigate disruption to caecal microbiota function and reduce the risk of secondary dysbiosis-related complications during recovery.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Minimize unnecessary antibiotic use in equine practice and ensure appropriate dosing to limit disruption of the cecal microbiota and reduce resistance development
- •Monitor horses during and after antibiotic therapy for signs of dysbiosis, including changes in digestive function and increased susceptibility to secondary infections
- •Consider probiotic or prebiotic supplementation strategies to support cecal microflora recovery following necessary antibiotic treatment
Key Findings
- •Antibiotic use causes microbial imbalance and decreased microbial diversity and richness in cecal and fecal samples
- •Antibiotics reduce production of essential metabolites including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins
- •Antibiotic therapy increases multi-resistant microbes and creates opportunity for pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella spp. to overgrow
- •Appropriate antibiotic dosing and duration protocols can reduce adverse consequences on cecal microbiota activities