There are literally dozens of commonly-occurring disease-causing bacteria that can infect horses, and which have the potential to affect any system in a horse’s body. In most cases, a horse’s immune system is able to fight off bacterial intrusions without developing clinical signs of sickness. Bacterial disease occurs when a horse’s immune system is weakened and bacteria are able to replicate and spread throughout the horse’s body.

When a horse contracts bacterial disease, the source of bacteria is usually 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. Horses often develop bacterial disease after their immune system has already been compromised by a virus. 

Bacterial infections are also more common in horses that that travel or frequent training stables where many different horses are coming and going. Foals and geriatric horses are much more at risk of becoming sick 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.