Why do vets swab pet infections before prescribing antibiotics?

Question

Why would a Vet swab an infected area to test which antibiotic might work best (£90) the results of which will take 4/5 days, instead of administering immediately penicillin, which might not work, but another could then be tried still at less cost than the swab and still sooner than the test results due back? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

Bacterial culture of a wound in best practice, using an inappropriate antibiotic can actually worsen an infection in certain cases by selecting for antibiotic resistant bugs and killing off normal, healthy bacteria. Where an infection is life threatening, broad spectrum of antibiotics may be prescribed in the meantime but this may potentially add to antibiotic resistance and is discouraged. Topical/surface treatment with antiseptic washes, vetericyn or Manuka honey is often applied until the most appropriate and effective treatment can be determined. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat worldwide and it is the responsibility of every health care provider to avoid indiscriminate use of important medications wherever possible. It is often cheaper to test and treat properly once than to try random, poorly effective options which do not achieve a cure

Why do vets swab pet infections before prescribing antibiotics?

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