Abstract:
The survey-study was conducted in equids rich 64 districts of 14 states of India to fetch the information on antimicrobial drug use and problems associated with antimicrobial chemotherapy in equids so that future research and extension activities can be planned. The study was a format based survey of equine practitioners (532) in different equids rich districts of 14 states of India. The format information analyzed in Exel® worksheat revealed that more than 40% vets used one or more of the 75 antimicrobials in their 75% patients. Use of ampicillin, ampicillin+cloxacillin, amoxycillin+cloxacillin, gentamicin and strepto-penicillin were ranked one through five by equine practitioners. Intramuscular route remained the preferred one for antimicrobial administration. About 80% vets used antimicrobial formulations meant for human use in equine practice. Penicillins and tetracyclines were the most common antibiotics with adverse actions. Almost 50% practitioners prescribed supportive therapy in their 50% patients. The most common supportive medicines used included antihistaminics followed by liver tonics, vitamins, cortisone, probiotics and mineral supplements. The commonest criterion for prescribing antimicrobials was the clinical diagnosis and least valued was the treatment history. More than 80% vets expressed the need of antibiotic sensitivity testing at least in selected cases. The study concludes that antimicrobials, including those intended for human use, are commonly prescribed in equine practice. Most of the equine practitioners used antimicrobials almost indiscriminately in equids because facilities for antimicrobial sensitivity assay are rarely available.
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