More than 40% of vets in a recent study reported using metronidazole in dogs and cats in ways that fall outside current antimicrobial guidelines, often for non‑antimicrobial reasons, which raises concerns about resistance and inappropriate prescribing according to an article in the UK’s Vet Times. Targeted therapy using PCR to identify specific pathogens would allow much more precise, guideline‑compliant use of antimicrobials and reduce unnecessary exposure.
The article reports on a study of 138 predominantly UK small animal vets, describing 332 canine and feline cases treated with metronidazole, which is highlighted as the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial for gastrointestinal disease. In 42% of cases it was used solely for non‑antimicrobial purposes, despite guidance that this is rarely justified, and 74% of vets cited at least one non‑antimicrobial reason for use.
Nineteen percent chose metronidazole because it had “worked before”, illustrating reliance on anecdotal reasoning rather than evidence‑based indications. The authors warn this pattern deviates from antimicrobial use guidelines, risks promoting antimicrobial resistance and adverse gastrointestinal effects, and is particularly concerning because metronidazole is classed by WSAVA as an essential drug indicated only for microaerophilic and anaerobic infections.
The findings coincide with RUMA’s goal of a 30% reduction in antimicrobial use in dogs and cats by 2030 and support calls for better education, client expectation management, and promotion of non‑prescription therapies where appropriate. The article emphasises that using an essential antibiotic as a “multi‑purpose medication” is not compatible with stewardship objectives.
Where Zytca Animal Health can help
Targeted therapy using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) panels can identify or rule out specific infectious agents in gastrointestinal disease, such as particular bacteria, protozoa, or viruses, rather than assuming an infectious cause. This allows vets to limit metronidazole use to cases where an anaerobic or microaerophilic pathogen is actually implicated, aligning with WSAVA indications and antimicrobial guidelines.
Using PCR to characterise the aetiology helps distinguish infectious from dietary, inflammatory, dysbiosis‑related, or functional GI disease, in which antimicrobials often offer little benefit and may even disrupt the microbiome. In such non‑infectious cases, vets can pivot to evidence‑based alternatives, such as diet modification, probiotics, anti‑inflammatory agents, or symptomatic care, rather than defaulting to metronidazole driven by habit or owner pressure.
PCR‑guided decision‑making also supports antimicrobial stewardship goals like RUMA’s 30% reduction target by reducing empirical and repeat courses of metronidazole. Over time, this approach helps preserve the effectiveness of essential antibiotics, lowers selection pressure for resistance, and may decrease adverse drug effects on gastrointestinal health while maintaining or improving clinical outcomes.
We have produced a range of PCR tests for specific pathogens and panels for diarrhoea in both the cat and dog that can be performed in-clinic, prior to prescribing. This allows accurate, targeted therapy for your veterinary patients. For more information visit UlfaQ™ In-clinic Real-time PCR – ZYTCA | Advanced Veterinary PCR Diagnostics for Animal Health
Reference: Warning issued over ‘alarming’ antimicrobial use report
Written by Dr. Marvin Firth – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-firth-285b55148
