Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Suggested guidelines for using systemic antimicrobials in bacterial skin infections (1): diagnosis based on clinical presentation, cytology and culture.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Beco, L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Cabinet Vé
Plain-English summary
This article discusses the importance of using antibiotics carefully in treating bacterial skin infections in dogs and cats, as these infections are a common reason for needing such medications. It emphasizes the need to confirm that an infection is present, identify the specific bacteria causing it, and choose the right antibiotic to treat it effectively. The article also highlights the importance of managing any underlying health issues that might contribute to the infection. It provides guidelines on how to diagnose these infections through clinical signs, laboratory tests like cytology (examining cells) and bacterial cultures. The outcome of this article is to help veterinarians make informed decisions about diagnosing bacterial skin infections, while a follow-up article will focus on treatment options.
Abstract
Systemic antimicrobials are critically important in veterinary healthcare and resistance is a major concern. Antimicrobial stewardship will be important in maintaining clinical efficacy by reducing the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial skin infections are one of the most common reasons for using systemic antimicrobials in dogs and cats.Appropriate management of these infections is therefore crucial in any policy for responsible antimicrobial use. The goals of therapy are to confirm that an infection is present, identify the causative bacteria, select the most appropriate antimicrobial, ensure that the infection is treated correctly, and to identify and manage any underlying conditions. This is the first of two articles that will provide evidence-led guidelines to help practitioners address these issues. This article covers diagnosis, including descriptions of the different clinical presentations of surface, superficial and deep bacterial skin infections, how to perform and interpret cytology, and how to best use bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of Veterinary Record, will discuss therapy,including choice of drug and treatment regimens.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23292951/