Perioperative administration of antimicrobials associated with elective surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 83 cases (2003-2005).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate perioperative antimicrobial use associated with elective surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
83 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed and antimicrobial use practices were evaluated for dogs with no other problems that would affect antimicrobial use decisions.


RESULTS
Antimicrobials were administered before or during surgery to 75 of 83 (90%) dogs. Timing of administration with respect to first incision, intraoperative administration, and duration of administration were variable. Antimicrobial administration began after surgery in 3 (3.6%) dogs. Fifty-five of 65 (85%) dogs treated before surgery received the first dose within 60 minutes of the first incision. Time from first antimicrobial administration to closure of the incision ranged from 15 to 285 minutes (mean +/- SD, 141 +/- 53 minutes). If a guideline of repeated administration every 2 hours after first administration until closure of the surgical site was used, 22 of 43 (51%) dogs received the required intraoperative dose, whereas 6 of 32 (19%) dogs that did not require intraoperative treatment were treated. Twenty-four (29%) dogs received antimicrobials after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Certain discrepancies between antimicrobial use practices in this study and standard guidelines used in human medicine were evident.
Weese
J Scott
JS
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
Halling
Krista B
KB
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D013997:Time Factors; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents