A Survey of Perioperative Antimicrobial Practices in Dogs and Cats in Spain

This study highlights an overuse of antimicrobials in perioperative procedures in small animal surgery in Spain. The development of bacterial resistance to most of the commonly used antibiotics approved for veterinary use is a serious problem for both animals and humans. Appropriate use of perioperative antimicrobials can significantly reduce the risk of post- operative infections. However, inappropriate antimicrobial use can result in the creation of multidrug- resistant bacteria, increased costs, host flora disruption, side effects and increased risk of hospital- acquired infections. This survey evaluated the current perioperative use of antimicrobials in small animals by Spanish veterinarians. A web-based questionnaire using an online platform was designed to evaluate the current perioperative use of antimicrobials in small animal surgery. Responses were represented using descriptive statistics and a statistical analysis of the association between demographic data and perioperative antimicrobial use was performed. Pre-operative antimicrobials were administered in clean surgery by up to 68.3% of participants, 81.0% in clean-contaminated surgery and 71.3% in dirty surgery, while in the post-operative period, antimicrobials were administered by up to 86.3% of participants in clean surgery, 93.2% in clean-contaminated surgery and 87.5% in dirty surgery. Factors considered “very important” for antimicrobial selection were the degree of wound contamination, patient immunosuppression and use of prosthesis. The most frequently used antimicrobial was beta-lactamase-resistant (or potentiated) penicillin. Post-operative antimicrobial use was associated with participants without specific surgical postgraduate training. The survey focused on antimicrobials commonly used in veterinary medicine and did not consider other agents used in human medicine, such as carbapenems, which are not recommended for veterinary medicine. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing inappropriate antimicrobial use through evidence-based guidelines, increased research and enhanced educational efforts for responsible antimicrobial practices in small animal veterinary care. Evidence-based guidelines and further education regarding the correct use of antimicrobial prophylaxis are recommended.