Prescribe Antibiotics Responsibly

Responsible Antibiotic Use: A VETiSearch Commitment to Animal and Global Health

At VETiSearch, we are dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine with a strong ethical foundation. Our approach to antimicrobial stewardship aligns with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) antibiotic categorization and the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recognizing that AMR impacts 11 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we prioritize the judicious use of antibiotics to protect both animal and human health. .

When and How to Prescribe Antibiotics Responsibly: .

1. Incorporate Diagnostic Testing

• Use cytology to confirm bacterial involvement and an infection-related inflammatory response.
• Collect samples for culture before initiating antibiotics whenever feasible.
• For prolonged treatments or suspicion of a high resistance risk (e.g., certain gram-negative bacteria), culture and sensitivity tests should be used.

2. Optimize Dosage and Duration

• Prescribe the shortest recommended antibiotic course to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• Ensure accurate dosing based on the animal's condition and monitor until full clinical recovery.

3. Ensure Effective Targeted Treatment

• Identify the likely bacterial pathogens and ensure antibiotic selection provides effective penetration at the infection site (e.g., prostate, bones).
• Account for pharmacokinetics and interactions with other medications.
• Offer clear instructions and demonstrations for the pet owner for proper administration to improve treatment compliance.

4. Favor Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics

• Use culture results to refine treatment plans and de-escalate to a more specific antibiotic.
• Use VETiSearch's automatic A-B-C-D EMA categorization when treating your patients.
• Minimize the risk of resistance by prioritizing narrow-spectrum antibiotics over broad-spectrum options.
• Avoid combining multiple antibiotics unnecessarily.

Prescribe Only When Absolutely Necessary

• Explore non-bacterial causes, such as viral infections, nutritional imbalances, or metabolic disorders, before considering antibiotics.
• Antibiotics should not replace proper surgical aseptic techniques in perioperative care.
• Where possible, use topical antiseptic treatments to reduce microbial resistance pressure on the gut microbiome.
• Employ methods like thorough wound lavage, debridement, fluid therapy, and dietary adjustments to address underlying conditions without antibiotics.

Customize Practice Protocols

• Collaborate with your team to define first-choice antibiotic protocols for common conditions.
• Clearly communicate when antibiotics should not be prescribed and establish robust biosecurity measures, including vaccination and parasite prevention.
• Track infections, such as surgical site infections, and adjust protocols to reduce preventable cases.
• Regularly review your antibiotic use, particularly for EMA-restricted categories like fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins.
• Promote understanding of AMR among staff and clients using accessible educational tools.
• Encourage responsible disposal of leftover antibiotics to prevent misuse.

At VETiSearch, we are committed to the responsible use of antibiotics as a vital part of our mission to bridge the gap between pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against AMR while promoting sustainable veterinary practices. .