Antibiotics In Veterinary Practice
Written by Shula Berg BVSc CertAVP(GSAS) GPAdvCert(SASTS) MRCVS
Clinically reviewed by Elizabeth McLennan-Green BVM&S CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS
Table Of Contents
- Intro
- Why are we worried about antibiotic use?
- What does this mean for us?
- How does this affect veterinary practice?
Antibiotics are drugs that either kill bacteria or prevent bacteria from multiplying. A healthy immune system can destroy bacteria, so most minor infections will resolve without treatment. In more severe infections, antibiotics are required to help the immune system destroy the bacteria. Occasionally, antibiotics are used to prevent infection, where an infection is considered very likely, or where infection could be catastrophic (such as after surgeries like a hip replacement).
Not all bacteria will cause infection that requires medical treatment. All of us have ‘good’ bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system. However, over 1000 bacteria have been identified that can cause disease in people, and many also affect animals. Not all antibiotics are effective against every bacteria, so it is important that we choose the right antibiotic for each case. We must consider the type of bacteria present, as well as the best way to get the antibiotic to where it is needed. We tend to think of antibiotics as tablets or capsules, however topical treatments such as antibiotic ear drops, eye drops, or skin ointment can be more effective for some infections.
Why are we worried about antibiotic use?
Bacteria are living things and, just like animals, they can evolve and adapt. Some bacteria can evolve to protect themselves from antibiotics by stopping the antibiotics working, which is known as resistance. These bacteria are incredibly challenging to treat as they can be resistant to several types of antibiotics. They are sometimes referred to as 'super bugs'.
When we take antibiotics, we kill off all susceptible bacteria (including ‘good’ bacteria). Any bacteria that are unaffected by the antibiotic will survive and multiply. This means that even if the bacteria causing the infection are killed, we can cause other bacteria in the body to develop resistance to antibiotics. These can be shed into the environment or passed to other people or animals.
What does this mean for us?
If bacteria aren’t killed by antibiotics, we will start seeing infections we can’t treat. Some bacteria that we know can become resistant to treatment include MRSA (which causes chest infections), E. Coli (which causes food poisoning and urinary tract infections), Streptococcus pyogenes (which causes “strep throat”), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (which causes gonorrhea). Imagine having strep throat, a urinary tract infection, or gonorrhea that can’t be treated!
If antibiotics are no longer able to kill bacteria, things that are currently easily treatable will become much more serious. For example, a wound that became infected could become life-threatening. Although we worry about resistant bacteria on a large scale, your own normal bacteria in your body can become resistant to treatment if you take antibiotics too frequently, or don’t take them how your doctor advises. The same is true for your pets, and we are already seeing pets with infections that we simply can’t cure.
How does this affect veterinary practice?
Vets and doctors share a responsibility to use antibiotics carefully, so we ensure they continue working for years to come. The most important ways we can do this are only prescribing antibiotics when they are needed and making sure to always use the most suitable antibiotic for the situation.
This is why your vet will only prescribe antibiotics when they are sure there is a need, and not for minor infections, or those caused by viruses (like most cases of kennel cough, for example). If we are unsure about which bacteria are involved, we may advise culture and sensitivity testing. This is when bacteria from a sample, such as a swab, are grown in the lab where they can be identified.
By law, vets cannot dispense antibiotics without seeing your pet. Although having had an infection once means your pet may be likely to get it again, sometimes this can be a sign that there is an underlying problem, or that the antibiotic used previously was not the best option.
As pet owners, you can help protect from antibiotic-resistant infections by giving all medications as prescribed, including finishing the course, and returning unused or leftover medication to the clinic for safe disposal.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
Page last reviewed: 30th January 2025
Next review due: 30th January 2027