A group from The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has developed new evidence-based antimicrobial use guidelines for treating canine pyoderma.

The guidelines, which are the result of a collaboration between veterinary dermatologists, clinical microbiologists and other specialists, are designed to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use and help canine welfare. 

The team conducted an evidence review and built a consensus of recommendations, combining scientific evidence with real-world insights.

The new guidelines are supported by the ISCAID (International Society for Companion Animal Infections) and provide veterinary practitioners with guidance on the diagnosis and investigation of canine bacterial skin infections.

The guidelines offer recommendations for when antimicrobials should be considered, and which classes of antimicrobials are most appropriate to choose from.

As part of this guidance, recommended drug dosages have also been updated based on newly available information.

The RVC says this will ensure that available antimicrobial drugs can be used as responsibly as possible and remain effective for a long as possible. 

RVC has also produced a short synopsis of the main consensus statements and a ‘Seven Moments of Responsible Canine Pyoderma Treatment’ infographic.

Anette Loeffler, Professor in Veterinary Dermatology and Cutaneous Bacteriology at the RVC and chair of the ISCAID author group, said: “After several years of analysing evidence, updating information and evaluating experience, we are excited and relieved to finally see the guideline documents published and free to use around the world.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40338805 

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