Top 5 situations in which you should rethink antibiotics in dogs and cats - responsible antibiotic use

Inspired by: Dr. Jennifer Granick, DVM, MS, PhD, Dacvim (Saim), University of Minnesota

Antibiotics are undoubtedly one of the most important achievements of modern medicine - also in veterinary medicine. They enable the successful treatment of bacterial infections that were often life -threatening. But as in human medicine, it can also be seen here: A too frequent or uncritical use of antibiotics can have far -reaching negative consequences - both for the individual animal and for animal population as a whole. Side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints are only part of the problem. The increasing formation of resistant germs is much more serious, against which at some point there is hardly any antibiotic. That is why it is more important than ever to decide antibiotic agencies consciously and with a sense of proportion.

In many cases - especially with mild or self -limiting disease courses - treatment can be replaced by careful observation, supportive measures and open communication with the pet owners: inside. The following five situations are among the most common in which antibiotic therapy is intuitive, but is not necessary on closer inspection.

1. Cat cold without indications of a systemic disease

A typical scenario in small animal practice: a cat is presented with sneezing fits, tearful eyes and clear nose outflow. For many animal owners: Inside, this is already a cause for concern - understandable, because the symptoms are uncomfortable and often seem more serious than they are. In most cases, however, there is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, mostly triggered by the Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) or the Calicivirus. These infections are widespread, highly contagious, but usually self -limiting - that is, they heal by themselves without specific drug therapy within about ten days.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Their use is therefore not only ineffective for purely viral diseases, but can also harm - for example by disturbing the intestinal flora, loss of appetite or formation of resistance. It is much more important to support the cat in a targeted manner. This includes moistening the room air (e.g. by a humidifier or the hot water in the shower), the gentle removal of nasal and eye secretions as well as stress-reducing measures such as retreat options or the use of pheromones.

Since cats eat greatly over the sense of smell, a clogged nose can significantly reduce the appetite. Aromatic, heated wet food or small portions of particularly tasty delicacies help here. However, if the appetite fails, appetizing medication such as Mirtazapine can also be helpful. Only when the symptoms last for more than ten days, which becomes apathetic or even develops breathing shortage, is further diagnosis including PCR test and, if necessary, antibiotic therapy.

2. Zwinger cough in the dog - without signs of pneumonia

The so -called "kennel cough", medically referred to as canine infectious respiratory respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), is a common cause of acute cough in dogs. The disease is highly contagious and is triggered by various viruses and bacteria - including parainfluenzavirus, adenovirus, bordetella bronchiseptica and mycoplasms. In most cases, the course is mild and is perceived by pet owners: on the inside as annoying but not threatening.

A sudden, dry cough, which is often triggered by excitement or movement, is characteristic. A light nose outflow can also occur. The good news: Most of the dogs concerned show no restriction of their general condition - they eat normally, play and are active. This mild course usually does not require antibiotic treatment. The symptoms usually decrease spontaneously within seven to ten days.

A bacterial component can only be suspected if there is additional fever, striking tiredness or loss of appetite. Then targeted antibiotic treatment can be displayed. In these cases, too, it is crucial to evaluate the overall picture of the animal and not to react only to the "cough" symptom. With dry, non -productive cough, a hustle and bustle can help to give the animal more comfort.

In veterinary practices with several practitioners: inside it can happen that different opinions on therapy arise. A uniform, internal practical procedure ensures trust among the animal owners: inside and avoids misunderstandings.

3. Subclinical bacteriuria - if bacteria do not make sick

Bacteria in the urine do not automatically mean that there is a urinary tract infection (HWI). Only when typical symptoms such as pain when urinating, frequent discontinuation of small amounts of urine (pollakisuria), blood in urine or stranguria (difficult urine) are added, one speaks of an infection requiring treatment. However, the detection of bacteria in urine culture without any clinical symptoms is referred to as subclinical bacteriuria - and usually does not require treatment.

This form is not so rare: up to 12 % of healthy dogs and 13 % of healthy cats have a subclinical bacteriuria - without being affected. The frequency also increases significantly in chronically kidney -suffering animals. Studies show that antibiotic treatment of such animals does not bring any demonstrable advantage - neither in terms of quality of life nor life expectancy.

On the contrary: the unnecessary use of antibiotics promotes resistance and can disturb the sensitive bacterial balance of the body. In human medicine, subclinical bacteriuria is only treated in exceptional cases - for example in pregnant women or patients: inside in front of urological interventions. This reserved attitude should also be the rule in veterinary medicine.

4. Acute diarrhea - less is often more

Diarrhea is one of the most common performance reasons in small animal practice. It is mostly acute, self -limiting and has a variety of causes - from dietary mistakes to stress to viral infections. Nevertheless, many animals get antibiotics like metronidazole prematurely - although numerous studies show that these drugs are not helpful in most cases.

For example, it was shown that Metrronidazole does not shorten the duration of the diarrhea - compared to placebo or a sole dietary measure. On the contrary: antibiotics can significantly damage the healthy intestinal flora and thus cause a so -called dysbiosis, which can last longer and even delay the healing process.

The better alternative? A slightly digestible tasting food, possibly combined with probiotics, often offers the most effective and gentle way to improve. Even with bloody diarrhea-for example in acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS)-it shows that dogs do not require antibiotic therapy without systemic symptoms (e.g. fever, apathy, seps. An antibiosis is only justified in strongly weakened patients or signs of a bacterial translocation (e.g. by a degenerative left -hand postponement in the blood count).

5. Positive Borreliosis serology in healthy dogs

In Borreliosis risk areas, a positive antibody test in dogs is not uncommon-but only a very small proportion of these animals actually develops clinical symptoms. The mere seropositivity only means that the dog was in contact with the pathogen Borrelia Burgdorferi - not that it is ill or will fall ill. Studies show that only about 5 % of seropositive dogs develop clinical signs such as lameness or fever.

Even less often-but feared-the so-called lyme-nephritis is an immune-mediated kidney disease. Nevertheless, it is important not to start therapy hastily in healthy, symptomless dogs. Doxycycline, the preferred antibiotic in borreliosis, can cause side effects such as loss of appetite, vomiting and, in rare cases, liver damage - and should therefore not be used lightly.

International guidelines therefore recommend that dogs without symptoms and without proteinuria in urine do not require treatment - even if serology is positive. Therapy in such cases does not bring any proven benefits and can even bring risks. Instead, you should regularly examine such animals and pay attention to any signs of the disease - without strain on them unnecessarily.

Common questions about responsible antibiotic use:

Summary: Responsible antibiotic use in dogs and cats

The responsible antibiotic use is a central concern of modern veterinary medicine. In times of increasing antibiotic resistance, increasing more and more awareness that every assignment must be carefully and justified. The responsible antibiotic use does not mean to forego life -saving medication - but to use them in a targeted manner and with a sense of proportion where they are actually necessary.

Responsible antibiotic use begins with the careful diagnosis: only if a bacterial infection is securely determined or suspected with high probability should antibiotic treatment be considered. It is crucial not to be guided by expectations or routines, but to be assessed individually in any case - a basic pillar for the responsible antibiotic insert .

Many diseases, such as viral respiratory infections in cats or acute diarrhea in dogs, do not require antibiotic use. Patience is required here - and the willingness to take support measures. This conscious waiver is not a failure, but an expression of medical quality: This is also part of the responsible antibiotic use .

An important aspect of the responsible antibiotic use is open communication with pet owners. Anyone who explains why antibiotics are not given in certain situations creates understanding and trust. It helps to clarify risks such as side effects, intestinal flora disorders or development of resistance-all aspects that play a role responsible antibiotic

The responsible antibiotic insert also includes choosing the right drug, the right dose and the optimal duration. Too short or too long treatment can be just as problematic as the use of a broadband antibiotic without proof of a suitable pathogen. responsible antibiotic use are shown here in daily practice.

Avoiding unnecessary reserve antibiotics is also included. These particularly effective means should be preserved for serious cases - a basic rule for the responsible antibiotic use worldwide. At the same time, the effect should be checked regularly by resistance tests in order to ensure the responsible antibiotic use in the long term.

Another component for the responsible antibiotic use is the training of the practical team. Only those who are informed about the latest recommendations and act uniformly can implement the responsible antibiotic use in everyday life. A coordinated procedure is essential, especially in practices with several treatment.

Last but not least, aftercare is an important part. The responsible antibiotic insert does not end with the last tablet - but also includes monitoring the healing course, if necessary, a post -check and careful documentation.

Overall, it becomes clear that the responsible antibiotic use is a comprehensive process that requires knowledge, experience, communication and consequence. Veterinarians, veterinary assistants and pet owners are challenged together. Only if everyone pulls together, a sustainable and responsible antibiotic use - for the good of the individual animal, the entire animal population and health of humans can succeed.

The responsible antibiotic use is more than a medical decision - it is an ethical mandate. Those who take it seriously not only protect today, but also the medical possibilities of tomorrow. It is therefore important to keep calling, reflecting and further developing responsible antibiotic use The future of animal health depends largely on how we act today - and how consistently we live in practice responsible antibiotic use

Responsible antibiotic use is not an option, but necessity.
Responsible antibiotic use begins with knowledge - and ends with effect.
Responsible antibiotic use not only saves life - he also receives them.