Information section~

Antibiotics are medications that either kill or prevent the multiplication of bacteria. The beneficial effects range from the mildly helpful to the lifesaving. It is possible for infections not controlled by the body to spread to the rest of the body by means of the blood stream and this is life threatening. Antibiotics can prevent bacterial infections from becoming life threatening. The veterinarian must decide whether antibiotics are necessary, evaluate the cost versus effect and potential side effects before prescribing them.

Antibiotics are unable to fight viral or other nonbacterial infections such as fungi. They are however used in such cases to prevent bacterial infections made possible because of viral infections or other nonbacterial infections. This is termed a secondary infection.

A major problem, especially in Hong Kong is antibiotic resistance. This means that the bacteria continue to multiply and spread despite an antibiotic being given. Because of antibiotic resistance it is essential that the full course of an antibiotic be given as prescribed, even when the signs of sickness disappear. If the antibiotic course is stopped early, resistance can develop making the infection more difficult and expensive to cure.

Choosing the right antibiotic is an important decision made by the veterinarian. The reason so many antibiotics exist is that each is different for reaching specific tissues in the body and by killing certain types of bacteria. Antibiotics work through different mechanisms killing bacteria while normal cells are spared.

Antibiotics are chosen on the basis of the veterinarians experience and then changed if no improvement is seen. Ideally a laboratory test should be done where the bacteria is grown and identified and the type of antibiotic to kill the bacteria is found. This test is known as bacterial culture and sensitivity test. In Hong Kong for serious infections this is the best option because time will not be wasted trying antibiotics and letting the bacteria get out of hand if they are resistant.

Whereas, individual bacteria are so small to be invisible to the eye, large accumulations of bacteria and white blood cells can form fluid filled pockets of pus called abscesses. When abscesses form, antibiotics alone seldom fix the problem. The abscess often has to be surgically drained before antibiotics will have an effect.

Like any medication, antibiotics have the potential to cause adverse effects. The most common side effect is vomiting and diarrhoea. If this problem occurs after giving your dog or cat antibiotics, stop the antibiotic and consult your veterinarian. An alternative antibiotic can then be chosen.

Always get your medications from a licensed practitioner because there can be serious problems if they are overdosed.

Antibiotics are useful yet they must not be abused.