Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Antimicrobial prescribing practice in UK equine veterinary practice.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Hughes, L A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Group · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how veterinarians in the UK prescribe antibiotics for horses. Researchers sent a questionnaire to 740 vets and found that only about 38% responded. They discovered that less than 1% of practices had guidelines for using antibiotics, and many vets prescribed them at incorrect doses—some too low and many too high. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was trimethoprim-sulphonamides, but a small percentage of prescriptions were for drugs not approved for use in horses. The findings suggest that creating clear guidelines for antibiotic use could help vets prescribe these medications more responsibly.
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Antimicrobial use is known to select for the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria; therefore prudent use in both human and veterinary medicine is essential to preserve their efficacy. OBJECTIVES: To characterise antimicrobial prescribing patterns in UK equine practice and evaluate factors associated with prescribing. METHODS: A postal questionnaire including 4 clinical scenarios was sent to 740 veterinary surgeons that treat horses. Data were collected on the clinician, their practice and sources of information regarding antimicrobials and their use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain factors associated with 5 outcomes; prescribing off-licence drugs; prescribing at incorrect doses; prescribing 3rd or 4th generation cephalosporins; prescribing fluoroquinolones and prescribing potentiated sulphonamides. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 38% of veterinary surgeons who were sent questionnaires. Less than 1% of practices had antimicrobial use guidelines. Trimethoprim-sulphonamides were most commonly prescribed in each clinical scenario. Eleven percent of prescriptions were for antimicrobial drugs not licensed for use in horses in the UK. Five percent of prescriptions for licensed antimicrobials were under the recommended dose rate and 56% over the recommended dose rate. Fluoroquinolones and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins accounted for 1 and 3% of prescriptions, respectively. Veterinary surgeons working at referral practices were more likely to prescribe 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones and off-licence antimicrobials whereas those working in first-opinion practices were more likely to prescribe potentiated sulphonamides. Sources of information regarding antimicrobials also had an effect on prescribing. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Prescription of antimicrobials at inappropriate doses was common even when provided with the weight of the animal. It is uncommon for UK equine veterinary practices to have guidelines for antimicrobial use. The introduction of such guidelines could lead to more prudent use of antimicrobials.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22994559/