Fewer dogs treated with antibiotics

AniCura, one of Europe's leading providers of high-quality veterinary care for companion animals, presents a large international study of how antibiotics are used within veterinary care. The study, which is part of AniCura's quality program, involved over 3,200 dogs in seven countries and shows a downward trend in the use of antibiotics.

In October, AniCura measured the use of antibiotics for 3,231 dogs at veterinary clinics in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The study was performed for the second year in a row and in total, 13 per cent of the dogs in the study were prescribed antibiotics, which is slightly less than in 2016. The most common reason for prescribing antibiotics was to prevent infections during or after surgery. Compared to the study in 2016, more than half of the clinics have reduced their use of antibiotics.

- We are pleased to see that our efforts to improve hygiene and reduce the use of antibiotics are leading to measurable results across Europe, says Ulrika Grönlund, Group Medical Quality Manager at AniCura.

In AniCura’s study, veterinarians in Norway used the least antibiotics; only 5 per cent of the dogs in Norway received antibiotics. In Sweden and the Netherlands, 10 and 14 per cent respectively were prescribed antibiotics. Veterinary clinics in Denmark, Germany, Austria and Switzerland alike reduced their use of antibiotics during the year, even though more antibiotics are prescribed in these countries in relative terms.

- The trend is positive although there are still country differences in how and when veterinarians use antibiotics. There are no direct medical reasons behind these differences, it is more about habits and culture. In general, we can all become better at administering antibiotics only when necessary, says Ulrika Grönlund.

The study of antibiotics use in European veterinary care was carried out in October 2017 within AniCura's quality program (QualiCura), and is an essential part of ensuring wiser use of antibiotics in veterinary care.

For further information, please contact
Maria Tullberg, Group Communications Manager AniCura, +46 736 268 886

About AniCura  

AniCura is a family of well-known animal hospitals and clinics specialised in veterinary care for companion animals. Born out of the idea that sharing resources creates opportunities for better veterinary care, the company was established in 2011 as the first merger of companion animal hospitals in the Nordic region. Today, AniCura is a role model within specialised veterinary care and a valued partner for pet owners and referring veterinarians across Europe.

AniCura offers a wide range of high quality medical services covering preventive and basic health care as well as advanced diagnostics, internal medicine, intensive care, surgery and orthopaedics. AniCura also provides rehabilitation, physiotherapy and dietary advice and offers selected pet food and care products.

AniCura provides modern, high-quality veterinary care for pets at 200 European locations and creates peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety. Every year, AniCura’s 4,000 passionate veterinary professionals attend to more than two million companion animal patients. AniCura is a trusted training and referral body.

For information on how AniCura is working to shape the future of veterinary care, please visit our website www.anicuragroup.com 

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