Systemic antibiotics – a brief guide for new grads

A lot of information is available regarding different antibiotics and, for the newest generation of vets, the pressure to use them correctly and responsibly is greater than ever.

One of main challenges when you start clinical practice is knowing the most appropriate antibiotic for common presenting conditions.

Below is a rough guide for antibiotic selection according to body system. However, make sure you stick to the following rules:

1. Limit antibiotic use to animals that actually require them – resist the urge to dispense them due to pressure from owners or when you feel there is nothing else to turn to.
2. What is the likely type of bacteria you are aiming to target (such as anaerobes, Gram-positives and Gram-negatives)? Collect samples from lesions/discharge or effusions/blood and urine, and see if there is evidence of bacteria under the microscope.
3. Use the most narrow spectrum antibiotic as possible.
4. Perform a culture and sensitivity whenever possible – especially if a case does not respond to your first line antibiotic.
5. Avoid using fluoroquinolones, third and fourth generation cephalosporins and amikacin without evidence of resistance from culture and sensitivity results.
6. Use an appropriate dosage regime and make sure the owners have the capacity to administer them accordingly.