Can I Use Over the Counter Penicillin if my Horse is Sick?
Only administer antibiotics in consultation with your veterinarian. | Photo: Photos.com
Q. Is it okay to administer over-the-counter procaine penicillin to my horses if they are sick or I suspect they have an infection? It’s inexpensive and available at my feed store.

—via e-mail

A. Antibiotics should always be administered in consultation with a veterinarian! Although procaine penicillin is currently available over-the-counter at the feed store, the increased number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria—which can infect all species, including humans—means that fewer and fewer effective antibiotics will be available to help us fight these infections in the future.

It is imperative that antibiotics only be used sparingly, and your veterinarian is the best person to assess whether your individual animal will benefit from antibiotics

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