Prescribing antimicrobial agents for dogs and cats via University Pharmacies in Finland - Patterns and quality of information

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.