RE: What antibiotics do you use for your wound cases?

Georgie Hollis — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:10:38 GMT

Thanks Jack, i really appreciate this. I understand the use of caveats for 'prescribing' as a Veterinary nurse it is a Veterinary decision which antibiotics to choose for which condition. Maybe something to carry over to Vetsurgeon and see what results we get. I'd be keen to get nurses involved in an evaluation of antibiotic use if it is something that practices would be willing to participate in anonymously. I am sure its an area of confusion for many.

RE: What antibiotics do you use for your wound cases?

Jack Player — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:27:33 GMT

*Disclaimer* All antibiotics are to be prescribed a registered veterinary surgeon as by the veterinary surgeons act.

However it is very important that nurses have good knowladge of antibiotics, mode of action,uses ect. I dont think there are any set 'preferred' antibiotics except the ones we are used to. Antibiotics should be chosen depending on a number of factors: What antibiotics are available (some practices will only stock certain brands, on the type/location of wound and ease of giving.

Antibiotics should be considered with antibiotic resistance on mind e.g. dont just reach for the strongest one work out the most appropriate. Amocycillian are one if the generic types of antibiotics.

Ease of giving should be considered as it's pointless prescribing a course of tablets to a feral cat that the owners wont be able to give, a long acting injection would be a better choice.

Generally a 5-7 day course is considered however again this is dependant on the type of wound, a contaminated wound may need a longer course than a clean surgical wound.

IV antibiotics are limited in practice I've seen lot of practices use zinacef (cefuroxime). This can be done 2-3 times a day IV.

Most drug companies now have COD on their antibiotics available e.g. dechra Academy, bohringer learning centre which will have more information on their specific antibiotics

BVA have a good antibiotic flow chart that you can use in practice that can be downloaded for members.

I hope I've answered as best I can considering the vet surgeons act. Just remember to think of the key points: antibiotics available, uses, route of administration (and owner/pet compliance) and reson for administration (how bad ect).