New study using Banfield data investigates how co-morbidities influence antimicrobial usage during dental procedures

As the veterinary profession is acutely aware, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to the health of people and animals. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a global concern with profound implications for health systems and national economies.

As part of our ongoing commitment to antimicrobial stewardship (AS), Banfield, Mars Veterinary Health, the University of Guelph, and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine collaborated on a new U.S. study published in PLOS ONE that examines antimicrobial use practices in canine and feline patients with co-morbidities undergoing dental procedures.

The new study is the broadest of its kind to date and leveraged data from pets seen at Banfield’s 1,000+ locations across the U.S., including more than 680,000 general anesthesia dental procedures for nearly 600,000 dogs and 90,000 cats. It builds on prior research Banfield collaborated on with Mars Veterinary Health, the University of Guelph, and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on the use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary dentistry. Human guidelines typically limit antimicrobial use to a small subset of patients with co-morbidities less commonly seen in companion animal practice and advocate for short treatment durations. This study highlights the necessity for further research and collaboration to create and refine evidence-based guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use in veterinary dentistry.

To read more, including key findings, visit: https://marsveterinary.com/how-co-morbidities-influence-antimicrobial-usage-in-dental-procedures/.