Do macrolides resolve clinical signs in sheep with infectious keratoconjunctivitis more rapidly than oxytetracycline?

You are called to visit a flock of ewes that six weeks away from lambing. A significant number these affected with varying clinical signs ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis. Following diagnosis and plan for treatment using injectable oxytetracycline, the farmer suggests ‘stronger’ drug had been used on neighbour's farm might speed up recovery process. discussion vet chat forum success when macrolide antibiotic is instead cheaper, more commonly oxytetracycline therapy. wonder if there any benefit in recommending use an quicker resolution In [sheep keratoconjunctivitis], does [administration compared macrolide] result [more rapid cessation signs]? The search strategy can be viewed at https://bestbetsforvets.org/bet/439, also available as supplement this article Vet Record's website https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/20427670/2021/188/8 Sheep severe keratoconjunctivitis Search last performed: 29 March 2021 Paper 1: ‘Pink eye’ or ‘zere oogjes’ infectiosa ovis (KIO). Clinical efficacy antimicrobial therapies1 Patient group: Eight farms recent outbreak (morbidity greater than 20 per cent) were included study, which multiple treatments over four different experiments. However, only two experiments (experiments 3 4) relevant purpose evidence evaluation. experiment 3, 30 sheep single (‘N E’) received intramuscular injection either spiramycin (10 mg/kg) (5 mg/kg). 4, total 32 (‘W W’ ‘S W’) injected 25 mg/kg 10 mg/kg. All Texel breed least year old. Study type: study has some features randomised controlled trial but omissions. Outcomes: Each sheep's eyes examined enrolment, coded scoring system was assign combined score both eyes. re-examined five days after treatment. re-examination occurred 2.5 ‘W nine W’. Key results: no difference ocular scores between treated those (P=0.93). There groups 4 (P=0.56 P=0.23 W’). weaknesses: each relatively low, information provided regarding whether sample size calculations carried out before start limited about factors such age ranges group, their bodyweights type farming used. statistical methods not described, it unclear how comparisons made groups. For example, paper state codes eye aggregated stratified comparison. interpretation coding disease severity unclear, who assessments scores. dosages antibiotics much lower making difficult directly compare results. Furthermore, preparations, preparation containing another (polymyxin B). degree secondary may have influenced results unclear. comparative studies within paper, unknown similar general conditions were, could affect Due omission critical information, would replicate study. This evaluation looks published comparing references levels secretion drugs into lacrimal fluid assessed. outcome interest clinicians treating patients. ‘Evaluating Evidence'section Record aims answer specific questions systematic approach identify succinctly summarise scientific literature. shortcomings taken account, thereby enabling vets incorporate best literature decisions. Please contact us [email protected] you like consider publication section. Mycoplasma conjunctivae usually primary pathogen cases, involvement other bacterial pathogens Chlamydophila. These organisms typically susceptible class antibiotics. As such, selection should guided by responsible guidelines cases. note: publisher content functionality supporting supplied authors. Any queries (other missing content) directed corresponding author article.