Patterns of antimicrobial agent prescription in a sentinel population of canine and feline veterinary practices in the United Kingdom

Abstract

HighlightsAntimicrobial agent prescription was monitored in a large UK population of cats and dogs over a 2 year period (2014–2016).Systemic antimicrobial agents were prescribed more frequently to cats; topical prescription was more frequent in dogs.A temporal reduction (2014–2016) in antimicrobial agent prescription was observed in both cats and dogs in this population.Premises which prescribed antimicrobial agents commonly to cats generally also prescribed commonly to dogs.The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were cefovecin in cats and clavulanic acid potentiated amoxicillin in dogs.

Exploring the behavioural drivers of veterinary surgeon antibiotic prescribing: a qualitative study of companion animal veterinary surgeons in the UK

“…The identification of these facilitators suggests that the focus for behavioural change cannot be at the level of individual veterinary surgeons alone. Studies describing prescribing patterns of antimicrobial prescribing in small animal veterinary surgeon practice in the UK [1, 15, 18] and internationally [19] highlight that more antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, which encourage appropriate and more limited use, could be helpful and could act as a more tacit form of regulation.…”

“…Inappropriate antibiotic use in companion animals (dogs, cats, rabbits that live in households) has been identified as potentially contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [1]. The extent of the contribution of antibiotic use within companion animal populations to AMR remains unknown.…”

“…In the UK alone, it is estimated that 45% of all households have a pet with 26% of households in the UK owning a dog and 18% of households owning a cat [2]. While antibiotic prescribing for companion animals has been decreasing in recent years [1], there remains substantial potential for inappropriate antibiotic use in the companion animal population to drive AMR. The proximity of humans and companion animals in domestic environments means that there also is potential for the transfer of antibiotic resistant bacteria between species [3, 4].…”

Prescription rebellion: reduction of antibiotic use by small animal veterinarians

“…Since data for vets is likely similar (Singleton et al . ), stewardship initiatives seem equally applicable to all antibiotic prescribers (species independent). The concept of One Health was proposed to foster such interdisciplinary collaboration (Gibbs ).…”

“…Substantial overprescribing of antibiotics, especially in respiratory tract conditions has been described among doctors in the UK . Since data for vets is likely similar (Singleton et al 2017), stewardship initiatives seem equally applicable to all antibiotic prescribers (species independent). The concept of One Health was proposed to foster such interdisciplinary collaboration (Gibbs 2014).…”