One Prescription Away from Resistance: AMR Explained for Vets

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is not just a theoretical problem; its effects are seen in daily veterinary cases. AMR develops when bacteria evolve to resist drugs, often due to inappropriate antibiotic usage. In India, drugs like enrofloxacin and ceftriaxone fall under Schedule H and H1 of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, indicating restricted prescription use due to their critical importance.

In small animal practice, the common reliance on empirical treatments for conditions such as recurrent otitis, pyoderma, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), often without conducting culture tests, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Clinical Insight

A Labrador retriever with chronic ear infection was unresponsive to fluoroquinolone therapy. Culture and sensitivity revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to most available antimicrobials. Instances like these highlight the significant impact that resistance can have on the available treatment options, ultimately heightening the risk faced by patients.

When bacteria or viruses develop resistance to commonly prescribed medications, healthcare providers find themselves with fewer effective tools at their disposal. This limitation can lead to longer illness durations, increased healthcare costs, and a greater likelihood of complications. As a result, patients may be exposed to less effective treatments or have to endure more aggressive therapies with serious side effects, placing their overall health in jeopardy. These scenarios underscore the critical need for ongoing research and development of new therapeutic strategies to combat resistant strains and ensure better outcomes for patients.

Takeaway

Prioritising diagnostics, adhering to proper dosing protocols, and rotating antimicrobials based on sensitivity profiles are crucial steps toward responsible veterinary stewardship.

References:

1. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2018
2. WHO. Global Action Plan on AMR, 2015
3. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/228/4/javma.228.4.553.xml?tab_body=fulltext