Equine Pneumonia

Update: ..."'The combination of a macrolide and rifampin is synergistic both in vitro (in the laboratory) and in vivo (in a live animal), and the use of the two classes of drugs reduces the likelihood of R. equi resistance to either drug,'" he said. Giguére added that rifampin and macrolides are liquid-soluble, a trait that 'allows the drugs to penetrate cell membranes.'"

In addition to erythromycin, veterinarians have begun using two more recently developed macrolides to treat R. equi infections. Both azithromycin and clarithromycin have more modern chemical properties, meaning a smaller amount of drug is required to be effective, and the drug can be administered less frequently. Both characteristics result in fewer doses for the horse...R. Equi Pneumonia Best Targeted with Antimicrobial Combo (AAEP 2010)

Pneumonia's Fatal Grip
by: Heather Smith Thomas, December 01 2006, Article #8286

"Pneumonia is, simply put, inflammation of the lungs. It can be mild or life-threatening (and quickly fatal) depending on its cause and the age of the foal. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Many foals are susceptible to developing pneumonia because of a lack of adequate maternal antibodies contained in colostrum. Very ill foals often will show few signs, so it is up to owners to know when a young foal "isn't right" and call the veterinarian immediately..." For the continuation of this article please follow the link above.