An emergency doctor friend of mine recently informed me that they must follow some new rules at the EC. Now they are required to use antibiotics when justified. Not long ago, in the human medical field, it was considered a liability to use antibiotics if you were not absolutely sure they were necessary. Why? Indiscriminant use of antibiotics will create resistant strains of bacteria. The more bacteria is exposed to a particular antibiotic they more time it has to mutate and develop resistance. There has been an increase of infections in patients because the human doctors were following the old rule. While we were protecting the public against the development of resistant bacteria; people were dying of infections that were completely preventable. So..the rule has change. They are REQUIRED to use antibiotics when justified.
I am delighted that I chose the field of medicine that involves animals. The practice of medicine is challenging, intriguing and rewarding, but on the human side, not always practical. How can it be? There are too many lawsuits.
Veterinary medicine is full of practical approaches. Although, the capabilities exist to practice super sofisticated and advanced medicine, some of our pet owners just can't afford it. Consequently, we are able to propose a plan A, plan B and a plan C without hesitation. If you can't afford to have an ultrasound, MRI or CAT Scan. Or, if you think you would rather try treating conservatively first, before we run an ACTH Stimulation or Bile Acid test. Then we will! We will treat based on the symptoms, the propensities of the breed and the likelihood or odds of what the malady could be.
Please understand, however, that we, as veterinarians, owe it to our patients to offer their owners the best medicine options available. Also realize that providing a more practical approach may end up having unsatisfactory results. The point is, that it is OK to choose what level of medical care you want for your pet.
By the way, the good news on resistant bacteria? The new generation of antibiotics attack bacteria in so many different ways that resistance is becoming a thing of the past......practically speaking of course.