Characterisation of faecal microbiota in horses medicated with oral doxycycline hyclate.

Summary

# Doxycycline and the Equine Microbiota Oral doxycycline is widely used in equine practice yet antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea remains a problematic side effect, with limited understanding of the underlying microbiological mechanisms. Chapuis and colleagues characterised faecal microbiota composition in horses receiving doxycycline hyclate, using culture-independent molecular techniques to track bacterial community changes during and after treatment. The research revealed significant reductions in microbial diversity and shifts in dominant bacterial populations, establishing a direct link between doxycycline administration and dysbiosis that may predispose to secondary pathogenic colonisation. These findings provide evidence-based justification for monitoring digestive health during oral doxycycline courses—particularly in animals with prior gastrointestinal sensitivity—and suggest potential value in targeted probiotic or prebiotic interventions during treatment. For practitioners, the study reinforces that whilst doxycycline remains a valuable broad-spectrum option for respiratory and soft-tissue infections, informed client communication about diarrhoea risk and proactive microbiota support warrants consideration in clinical decision-making.

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Key Findings

• •Oral doxycycline hyclate administration is associated with changes in equine faecal microbiota diversity
• •Antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea is a common adverse effect following doxycycline treatment in horses
• •Intestinal microbiota alterations have not been previously characterized under doxycycline treatment in horses

Conditions Studied

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