Influence of antimicrobial prophylaxis in horses undergoing sutured castrations.
Authors: Sjöberg Ida, Horn Isabella, Ljungvall Karl, Andersen Pia H, Sternberg-Lewerin Susanna
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Equine Castration Sjöberg and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of 220 horses undergoing sutured castration in a hospital setting to determine whether surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) reduces postoperative complications and surgical site infections (SSI). Surgical records were reviewed for patient demographics, perioperative medications, and complications occurring within 6 weeks post-surgery, with statistical analysis performed using χ² testing. SAP was administered to 62% of cases (136 horses), yet neither overall complication rates (7.1% without SAP versus 11.8% with SAP; p = .36) nor SSI incidence (3.6% versus 4.4%; p = 1.0) differed significantly between groups. These findings challenge current practice assumptions: in a controlled hospital environment with aseptic surgical technique, routine antimicrobial prophylaxis conferred no protective benefit and may warrant reconsideration for routine sutured castrations. This conclusion has implications for cost management and antimicrobial stewardship in equine surgery, though practitioners should note that these results apply specifically to hospital-based procedures and may not generalise to field castrations or high-risk patients; well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm whether SAP discontinuation is appropriate across different clinical contexts.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Antimicrobial prophylaxis for sutured castrations in hospital settings may not reduce infection or complication rates and warrants reconsideration of routine use protocols
- •Aseptic surgical technique appears adequate to control infection risk in this procedure without routine antimicrobial prophylaxis
- •Consider individualizing SAP decisions based on risk factors rather than routine administration to all castration patients
Key Findings
- •Overall complication rate was 10.0% (22/220) with no significant difference between SAP-treated (11.8%) and untreated (7.1%) groups (p=0.36)
- •Surgical site infection incidence was 3.6% in horses without SAP and 4.4% in those receiving SAP (p=1.0), showing no association between SAP use and SSI prevention
- •Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered to 62% of castration patients in this hospital setting