There is absolutely no doubt we use entirely too many antibiotics in equine medicine. Not only is this true of veterinarians but also human doctors and horsemen are guilty of this medical sin. It just is a hard fact that the vast majority of wounds, colds, and fevers in horses do not need antibiotics . . . really. I know some barns with fewer than 60 horses that use more antibiotics than my 1000 horse practice. The reason for the overuse is a misunderstanding of the nature of infection and the lack of realization of the long term devastating effects of antibiotic overuse. This article discusses these factors and the decision process for deciding when antibiotics ought, and ought not, be used. Also included are scientific reports on antibiotics that do not have their own article. For specific information on most antibiotics and medications used in horses see the medication section that pertains to your drug.

There are several aspects of infection that are consistently misunderstood or ignored:

• The majority of head colds and fevers of unknown origin are viral infections and therefore not treatable with antibiotics.
• Wounds that are: open and drain well, properly cared for, and have minimal soft tissue trauma (bruising) heal well without antibiotics.
• Wounds that do not drain well usually become seriously infected no matter how much antibiotic is used.