33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction
Antimicrobial use contributes to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria.  An understanding of current use of antibiotics by specialist equine surgeons and the reasons underlying their decision-making process is important to assist in guiding future protocols.

Materials and methods
Electronic survey sent to ACVS / ECVS diplomate equine surgeons on demographics, prescribing practices, 10 scenario-based regimes; and opinion.

Results
Survey completion was broadly representative of membership demographic (response rate 18%). Dose and frequency echoed those used throughout the literature. Peri-operative antimicrobials were least likely to be used in dental extraction (79%), elective arthroscopy (82%) and castration (86%). When administered, a single pre-operative dose was most likely in castration (51%), elective arthroscopy (51%) and laparoscopic ovariectomy (32%). Antimicrobials were most frequently continued post-operatively following surgical implantation (fracture fixation 89%, prosthetic laryngoplasty 92%), neonatal abdominal surgery (92%) or synovial sepsis (99%); and were usually a continuation rather than a substitution. In castration, Benzyl or aminopenicillins alone were used most; whilst the addition of aminoglycosides was selected by the majority in all other surgeries. Highest-priority critically-important antimicrobials were used in a scenario by 46% of respondents (81% in neonatal surgery). Course length varied, exceeding 2 weeks in some elective, clean, minimally invasive surgeries. A protocol is present in 46% of clinics, yet 78% of respondents agree that expert-led guidelines would be beneficial. Concern about the future availability of antimicrobials was held by 87% respondents.

Conclusions
Although HPCIAs are generally avoided, antimicrobials are likely over-used, both in terms of necessity and duration.