Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate antimicrobial use in dogs and cats in Finland. Information on veterinary prescriptions was gathered from University Pharmacies (n = 17) over a one-month period, April 2001. A total of 2719 prescriptions for veterinary use were delivered, of which the majority were for dogs (70%, n = 1898) and cats (14%, n = 384). The most prescribed therapy group was per-oral antimicrobial agents (53%, n = 1449), of which 16% (n = 237) were medicines approved for humans. The most commonly used substances for dogs and cats were betalactams, 66% and 78%, respectively. The proportion of fluoroquinolones was 3–5%. The average duration of the treatment periods was 10 days with the exception of treatment of cats with macrolide lincosamides, where the mean period was 20 days. Indication was mentioned only in 37% of the prescriptions.
Highlights
Reports on antimicrobial consumption and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine are provided from some countries (FINRES-Vet 2002-2003, MARAN 2002, SVARM 2002, DANMAP 2003, NORM/NORMVET 2003)
Earlier studies have shown that the majority of human medicines prescribed for veterinary purposes, especially antimicrobials, are used for companion animals (Bingefors 1985, Grave et al 1992)
This survey was carried out to assess what kind of antimicrobial agents are prescribed via University Pharmacies for treating infections in companion animals in Finland, and how large a proportion of the veterinary antimicrobial prescriptions were human medicinal products
Summary
Reports on antimicrobial consumption and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine are provided from some countries (FINRES-Vet 2002-2003, MARAN 2002, SVARM 2002, DANMAP 2003, NORM/NORMVET 2003). Consumption figures on antimicrobial agents in Finland are based on wholesalers' statistics and give a good overall estimate of total drug use in animals This information gives only a rough estimate on how drugs are used in different animal species since several drugs are authorised for a number of species. Because consumer safety is not an issue in the treatment of companion animals – as it is in food-producing animals – veterinarians can use medicines for companion animals more liberally This survey was carried out to assess what kind of antimicrobial agents are prescribed via University Pharmacies for treating infections in companion animals in Finland, and how large a proportion of the veterinary antimicrobial prescriptions were human medicinal products. We investigated the quality of information given on prescriptions, and gathered information from indications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
