Regional
Antimicrobial resistance
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Practitioners are finding it increasingly difficult to manage pet infections due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This leads to longer recovery times and, in severe cases, treatment failure. As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to rise, veterinarians call for more awareness and responsible use of antimicrobials in companion animals. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) staff attended the World Small Animal Veterinary Association 49th World Congress on 3-5 September in Suzhou, China P.R., and collected testimonials from participants who shared their thoughts on AMR.
(Sep 2024) Dr Siti Komariah, a veterinarian surgeon of an animal clinic in Jakarta.
Have you experienced AMR or antimicrobial resistant in everyday work?
Yes, I’ve definitely encountered cases where antibiotics no longer work, especially when asked to provide a second opinion. Sometimes the pet owners aren’t aware of what antibiotics have already been used, so I have to investigate. Initially, I often try different antibiotics because sensitivity tests can take up to two weeks. We can’t leave the animal untreated during that time. When the results finally come in, it can be shocking to see that none of the available antibiotics are effective, or that the necessary antibiotic isn’t available for oral use. This is a real challenge in my clinic.
That’s why proper antibiotic use is crucial, especially now that small animal practice is growing in Indonesia. In the past, only about 20% of veterinarians here wanted to work with small animals, but now that number has risen to 60-70%. With more practitioners entering the field, we must use antibiotics responsibly and avoid misuse.
My message to other veterinarians is simple: don’t misuse antibiotics. We need to be very careful in how we use them.
(Sep 2024) Dr Chathura Priyadarshan, veterinarian from Sri Lanka (on right) with colleague, at the event.
What is your experience with antimicrobial use and facing AMR?
In our situation, particularly in Sri Lanka, we deal with many diseases. While some are preventable with vaccines, others are not, which forces us to rely heavily on antibiotics.
Do I face antimicrobial resistance in my daily work? Absolutely. Sometimes, the standard treatments don’t work. To manage that, we usually start with basic antibiotics. If those aren’t effective, we move to stronger options. Unfortunately, that’s the process we often follow—escalating to more potent antibiotics as resistance develops.
For other veterinarians, my message is this: we have a responsibility to use antibiotics properly. Sometimes, we contribute to mismanagement due to a lack of knowledge, not just us as vets, but pet owners too. It’s essential that we practice responsible antibiotic use, and pharmaceutical companies also have a role to play in this.
(Sep 2024) Dr Chotinan Chotirosthiti (on left) and Dr Ratanon Thammahakin, co-founders & co-CEOs of Moya Pet Care & Pharmacy, Thailand.
What is your experience with antimicrobial use and facing AMR?
We’ve encountered cases of antimicrobial resistance in my clinic. It’s becoming a more common issue, and there are instances where standard treatments just don’t work as expected due to resistance. This is a growing concern in veterinary medicine, particularly when dealing with recurring infections or in cases where the history of antibiotic use is unclear.
We would like to encourage vets to be more mindful in their use of antibiotics. Before administering any medication, we need to ensure that the decision is based on proper diagnosis, sound reasoning, and necessity. It’s essential that we use antibiotics only when they are truly required and in the correct dosage and duration.
Moreover, educating pet owners is equally important. We need to take the time to explain the proper use of antibiotics, including the importance of completing the full course of treatment. Many issues with resistance arise because pet owners stop administering the medication once the symptoms improve, without finishing the entire prescribed dose.
If we all play our part—veterinarians and pet owners alike—we can make a significant impact on reducing antimicrobial resistance. Prevention should always be our priority.
(Sep 2024) Dr Weina Du, veterinarian from China P.R.
Do you often use antibiotics in your clinical work?
Yes, we do. For example, in cases of a first-time infection, we usually start with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, if the patient has previously been treated with antibiotics, we typically recommend conducting a bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test to determine the most appropriate antibiotic. If testing isn’t feasible right away, we still begin treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics for 3 to 7 days. If there is no improvement, we strongly encourage performing the culture and sensitivity test to better guide the treatment. The process is quite similar to what’s done for humans.
Have you encountered antimicrobial resistance in your practice?
Yes, we have, especially with urinary tract issues. We see a significant amount of resistance in urinary tract infections, particularly in cats. Many pet owners tend to misuse or overuse antibiotics, and by the time we test, we often find that the bacteria have developed resistance to several antibiotics.
How do you handle cases of antibiotic resistance?
In such cases, we manage the symptoms gradually. Sometimes, even though the bacteria show resistance to a particular antibiotic, administering it can still help relieve the symptoms. So, while the resistance exists, there may still be some therapeutic effect.
(Sep 2024) Dr Cindy Santwani from The Furr Project Animal Clinic and Vet Pharmacy (leftmost) in the Philippines, with colleagues at the event.
How are antibiotics important to your work?
Antibiotics are effective in helping animals recover quickly, but their use should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Some animals may respond well to certain antibiotics, while others may not. For example, if a particular antibiotic isn’t working, we must find the one that does. Fortunately, there are tests to determine the most effective treatment, which is a great help.
Have I encountered cases where antibiotics no longer work?
Absolutely. In such instances, we switch to alternative medications because there are many antibiotics available. But if two or three don’t work, we run an antibiotic sensitivity test to guide the next steps.
AMR is a reality that extends to pets. Veterinarians and pet owners must collaborate on implementing better antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practices to protect both animal and public health.
