Ophthalmic antimicrobial therapy in the horse
Authors: Matthews A. G.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Ophthalmic Antimicrobial Therapy in the Horse Treating ocular infections in horses presents distinctive pharmaceutical challenges, as achieving therapeutic drug concentrations in ocular tissues requires careful consideration of delivery routes and the eye's natural barriers to drug penetration. Matthews reviews the pharmacokinetic behaviour of antimicrobial agents—including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds—across topical, systemic and regional delivery methods, examining how bioavailability differs depending on formulation, corneal integrity and individual drug properties. Understanding these principles is critical for practitioners, since poor drug selection or inappropriate administration can result in treatment failure even when the causative organism is correctly identified and susceptible. The paper emphasises how factors such as corneal ulceration, anterior uveitis and the specific aetiological agent (bacterial, fungal or viral) should inform both drug choice and delivery strategy. For farriers, veterinarians and support staff involved in managing horses with eye conditions, this review provides evidence-based guidance on optimising antimicrobial penetration and therapeutic efficacy in ocular disease.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Drug selection for equine ocular infections must consider bioavailability and penetration to the site of infection, not just antimicrobial spectrum
- •Route of administration (topical, systemic, subconjunctival) significantly impacts treatment success and should be matched to the infection type and location
- •Consult pharmacokinetic data when treating ocular infections to ensure adequate therapeutic drug concentrations reach the affected tissue
Key Findings
- •Effective antimicrobial therapy of infectious ocular disease in horses is challenging due to ocular barriers and drug delivery limitations
- •Routes of delivery, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of antimicrobial agents vary significantly and affect treatment efficacy
- •Selection of appropriate antibacterial, antimycotic, and antiviral agents requires understanding of their modes of action and penetration characteristics