Why do vets give antibiotics without tests? Is it safe for pets?

Question

I have a serious question & my intentions are not to offend anyone. The question of, “Why do gets just hand out antibiotics w/ just doing a physical exam? Why don’t they run some tests to see if bacteria is present?”. Sure this can’t be healthy for animals. I ask this because my female has been on antibiotics twice (for actual bacteria) & my male had them once for UTI. I’m scared to take more antibiotics from the vet& I take good care of my dogs, they can get sick just by sniffing the air, lol. Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Female | spayed | 8 months and 3 days old | 25 lbs

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are usually indicated if there is obvious signs of a skin infection, GI infection (if pet has loose stool and parasites are not the cause), upper airway infection, or a UTI. I am not sure of any vets that I know personally who would just give antibiotics if there isn't just cause. Bloodwork is not always needed to justify the use of antibiotics, unless we are suspicious of bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). Besides bloodwork, there are some specialized tests available, which are usually cultures, however they are often not cost effective for most clients to afford, ranging anywhere from $100-$300. In those cases, we treat based on symptoms and the history of the pet, as we narrow down the possibilities of an infection vs something else. Also not to mention that some of these specialized tests (i.e. cultures) have an incubation period of anywhere from 7-14 days before results are available. If we don't treat for what we highly suspect, the pet will end up just getting sicker while awaiting results, if the owner can afford the test to begin with. The same thing is done in human medicine. If the doctor highly suspects an infection based on the physical exam and vitals, then antibiotics will be prescribed. On another note, we have to make sure we do our part and ask all the right questions about the pets history and rule out other causes before issuing antibiotics, so that we used them judiciously and not increase the risk of creating superbugs in the environment. I hope that this helps answer your question. It is a valid one and I am glad that you brought up the subject. Take care now.

Why do vets give antibiotics without tests? Is it safe for pets?

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