Today is European Antibiotic Awareness Day and it is opportune that everybody is reminded of the vital use of antibiotics in combatting the spread of disease in both humans and animals.
Every time antibiotics are used there is the risk that bacteria develop a resistance, which can be transferred to other bacteria and spread into the environment.
Once bacteria become resistant to a specific antibiotic, then it can become impossible to treat the disease.
Unfortunately, bacterial antibiotic resistance has surpassed the development of new antimicrobials. This has put pressure on all medical professions to apply their professional code of conduct and best practice guidelines. But this is not enough, because there are other players, mainly the patient and animal owners.
Inappropriate use of antibiotics (antimicrobials) can harm your pet, yourself and your family and, in the long run, is a threat to global health. Antibiotics are important because many infections cannot be managed without them and many surgical interventions could not be carried out without the use of antibiotics. Millions of lives have been saved by antibiotics but resistance towards them has become an issue. Owners and veterinarians need to work together to solve this ongoing problem.
Millions of lives have been saved by antibiotics but resistance towards them has become an issue
Antibiotics are not necessary all the time. Not all infections are caused by bacteria and viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Furthermore, not all bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. Many wound and skin infections can be resolved by local wound care and antibacterial washes.
Diagnostics are important to investigate if a bacterial infection is the cause of your animal’s illness. The veterinarian might need to collect samples to identify the bacteria involved, if at all, through bacterial culture and, if necessary, antibiotic sensitivity.
Not all bacteria are controlled by all antibiotics. As a pet owner, supporting this approach will increase the chance of your pet’s recovery without unnecessary risks (like treatment failure).
There is still the mentality that if an animal is sick, an antibiotic is the cure. Do not demand antibiotics if your veterinarian does not prescribe them. In most cases, it is inappropriate to use antibiotics. Unless your animal is seriously ill always ask your veterinarian whether the prescribed antibiotics are really necessary or if something else could be tried first.
In a clinic’s waiting room, at home, your office or at the grocer, you get different opinions, none of which are scientific. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and give antibiotics as instructed. If treatment is not effective within the prescribed period, then contact your veterinarian.
Do not ever change dosage or stop therapy in advance, even if your pet is better, but make sure you keep your follow-up appointments. Never share antibiotics with other animals or animal owners. Do not reuse tablets prescribed for an earlier illness; they can be inappropriate for the current condition, toxic, out of date or contaminated. Certainly do not give human medicine to your pet, and this could be dangerous.
It is very important that you handle your animal during treatment in a clean way. Always use gloves and disinfect your hands before and after attending to wounds or cleaning ears. Our hands are the most common way germs are spread.
It is of utmost importance that the owner ask the veterinarian to draw up a health plan for a pet to reduce the risk of disease and, consequently, the need for antibiotics.
Never buy antibiotics through the internet or through irresponsible distributors. Besides getting the necessary instructions from your veterinarian, make sure the insert in the package is in a language you can understand.
Prudent use of antibiotics can help resistant bacteria from developing and help keep antibiotics effective for the use of future generations.
Carmel Lino Vella is a consultant veterinary surgeon.