Let's Talk Antibiotics and Their Use In Equine Practice

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat in both human and veterinary medicine. In this episode, equine surgeon Bruce Bladon discusses the importance of addressing antibiotic use in equine practice. Bruce considers the challenges of monitoring and reducing antibiotic use, emphasising the need for a shift in attitude towards antibiotic prescription.

Antibiotic licensing issues and the practical limitations of culture and sensitivity are explored. Bruce addresses the moral responsibility of veterinarians to use antibiotics judiciously, considering both the best interests of individual horses and the vital collective need to combat resistance. Finally, Bruce shares his views on the controversial use of enrofloxacin.

Bruce Bladon:

Bruce Bladon graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1988 and spent one year in mixed practice before moving to equine practice. In 1995 he undertook a Residency in Equine Surgery at the University of Bristol. He is now a clinical director and principal equine surgeon at Donnington Grove Equine Hospital. He became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2001 and Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2016. He will be BEVA President in 2024/25. Bruce is interested in all branches of equine surgery, particularly colic surgery, arthroscopy and fracture repair. He also has an interest in MRI and CT imaging. Bruce has published over 40 papers and has lectured around the world. He was equine surgeon at the Rio Olympic Games and the Asian Games in 2023.

Gayle Hallowell:

Gayle graduated from the University of Cambridge and then completed a rotating large animal internship and residency at the Royal Veterinary College. She then moved to the University of Nottingham to complete a PhD on the equine aortic valve and worked there until 2022 when she joined IVC Evidensia as Director of Veterinary Professional Development. She still loves working as an internal medicine and ECC specialist at Pool House Equine Hospital a day a week.

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Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast Clinic do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia.

Links:

Pool House Equine Hospital https://www.poolhouseequine.co.uk/

Latest VARSS Report issued by the VMD: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663373da1834d96a0aa6cfd5/2779033-v1-VARSS_2022__April_2024_Update_.pdf

BEVA ProtectME Toolkit: https://www.beva.org.uk/Guidance-and-Resources/Medicines/Antibiotics

Free access paper published in EVJ referenced in this episode: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/evj.13988