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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Antimicrobial decision making for enteric diseases of cattle.

Journal:
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice
Year:
2015
Authors:
Smith, Geof
Affiliation:
Department of Population Health & Pathobiology · United States

Plain-English summary

Diarrhea is a common problem in both young and adult cattle and can be caused by various germs. Since tests to identify the exact cause aren't always easy to get, veterinarians often have to rely on their experience and knowledge to choose the right treatment. While antibiotics have traditionally been used to treat diarrhea in cattle, there is now more emphasis on using them only when absolutely necessary to avoid unnecessary use in food animals. This article looks at the current information on when antibiotics should be given to cattle with digestive diseases and which ones are the best to use.

Abstract

Diarrhea in neonatal and adult cattle is common and can be caused by several etiologic agents. As diagnostic testing is not always readily available, practitioners must often decide on a course of treatment based on knowledge of the likely pathogen and their own clinical experience. Antimicrobials have long been used to treat diarrhea in adults and neonates; however, there is increased pressure to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics in food animal species. This article reviews existing data on the use of antibiotics given to cattle with enteric diseases to decide when they are necessary and which antimicrobials should be used.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25705025/