Bacterial infections represent a major challenge in equine medicine, primarily because there are dozens of commonly-occurring bacteria that can infect horses, and which have the potential to cause disease. More often than not, the horse’s immune system is able to mitigate bacterial intrusions without the horse developing clinical signs of sickness. In a majority of cases, bacterial disease occurs when the horse’s immune system is weakened (from stressors or other types of infection) and bacteria are able to replicate and spread throughout the horse’s body.

When a horse shows clinical signs of bacterial disease, the source of bacteria is usually often contaminated water, food or feces that is subsequently (if not intentionally) ingested. In the case of some bacterial infections however (e.g., skin, respiratory), the causative agent may be present in the environment. 

Bacterial infections are also more common in horses that that travel or frequent training stables where many horses congregate. Foals and geriatric horses are at greater risk of developing bacterial disease due to the fact that their immune systems are not as strong as those of younger adult horses.¹

Where to buy Doxycycline Hyclate

Doxycycline is available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹Panchaud Y, Gerber V, Rossano A, Perreten V. Bacterial infections in horses: a retrospective study at the University Equine Clinic of Bern. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2010 Apr;152(4):176-82. doi: 10.1024/0036-7281/a000040. PMID: 20361396.