We commonly receive questions from owners regarding antibiotic administration in our surgical patients. To help answer some of these questions, we have created these questions to help you understand the perioperative antibiotic protocol at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center.
Antibiotics are often administered to human and animal patients undergoing surgery. However, not all patients having surgery require—nor will benefit from—prophylactic (preventive) use of antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be administered when they are needed. This is because they are medications that have potential side effects AND because over use of antibiotics can quickly help more dangerous bacteria to develop and grow.