Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing concern which threatens to undo decades of medical progress. Resistant organisms are associated to more severe diseases which require longer hospitalization periods and increased healthcare costs.
Animal health care assumes a central role in this issue. In fact, animals can potentially act as reservoirs for resistant organisms and the close relation between humans and pets may be critical for easier transmission. To better comprehend the behaviors or pet owners and veterinarians towards a more responsible use antibiotics, the research here described was conducted.
This study took place in the United Kingdom and it was based in interviews to 21 pet owners and 16 veterinarians. Vets have reported to prescribe according to their perception of pet owners’ anxiety and expectations. They admitted feeling that clients saw prescription as a measurable and visible action for pets health while lack of antibiotic recommendation meant nothing was being done to help the pet. Professional experience also seems to play an important role in the selection of the appropriate course of action - younger vets are more likely to easily succumb to pressure from clients or more experienced colleagues.
Veterinarians considered that most pet owners had basic knowledge about antibiotic use, particularly the negative effects concerning future treatment outcomes, but almost no knowledge about the AMR phenomena and inter specific impacts.
Owners refuted the idea of unsatisfaction if their pets were not prescribed antibiotics. The majority revealed that they would follow veterinarians’ instructions as they see them as professionals with expertise. When asked about antimicrobial resistance, most of the respondents were not aware of this issue, perceived as distant. Only a minority confirmed knowing that interspecies transmission is possible.
The lack of awareness of AMR in pets is real and a global challenge. Besides the described limitations of this investigation, it has shown that enhanced regulation of antibiotic prescribing in animal health will be of value and that both vets and owners have a crucial role in this battle.
Smith, M. et al. (2018). Pet owner and vet interactions: exploring the drivers of AMR. Veterinary Research, 7:46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-018-0341-1