Antimicrobial Drug Use in Reptiles
Ramiro Isaza
Search for more papers by this authorElliott R. Jacobson
Search for more papers by this authorRamiro Isaza
Search for more papers by this authorElliott R. Jacobson
Search for more papers by this authorSteeve Giguère DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Professor, Large Animal Internal Medicine
Marguerite Hodgson Chair in Equine Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
Search for more papers by this authorJohn F. Prescott MA, VetMB, PhD
Professor
Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph
Search for more papers by this authorPatricia M. Dowling DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVCP
Professor, Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Selecting the appropriate antimicrobial agent for reptiles is based on similar principles and considerations common to antimicrobial selection in domestic species. This chapter focuses on the process of antimicrobial selection in reptiles while highlighting the unique differences and challenges associated with selecting antimicrobial agents for these species. Due to the lack of pharmacokinetic studies, the chapter also focuses on bacterial and mycotic pathogens. The size and temperament of a reptile can influence antimicrobial drug selection and the route of administration. The chapter provides initial suggestions for differential diagnosis that should always be followed with attempts to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Finally, the clinician needs to review the available pharmacokinetic studies in reptiles and carefully consider the most appropriate antimicrobial drug selection given the available evidence.
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