Antibiotic Selection In Dogs and Cats

Question 1

What are 6 rules with antibiotic use in companion animals?

Answer 1

1) antibacterials should only be used when required
2) Empirical treatment with broad spectrum antibacterial should be limited to life-threatening conditions
3) Clinical history, physical examination, cytology and local antibacterial sensitivity are needed to select
4) Samples used to confirm/monitor individual treatment should be used to generate information
5) need for disease-specific dosage regimes
6) Pet owners need to be informed of the risk and responsible usage

Question 2

Why is the responsible use of antibiotics important?

Answer 2

Minimise selection of resistant veterinary pathogens and safeguard animal health
Minimise possible resistance transfer to human pathogens
Retain the right to prescribe certain antibacterials that are important in human medicine

Question 3

How can antibiotics be selected to limit AMR?

Answer 3

Individual animal factors, including the species, life-stage, immune status and co-morbidities
The type and severity of infection and the bacterial organisms likely to be involved
The likely susceptibility of the causal organism as determined by knowledge of resistance patters or culture and sensitivity test results
Spectrum of activity of antimicrobial agent
Availability of authorised product
Appropriate dose