Responsible antibiotic use

Correct answer: B. No antibiotic is needed: most cases resolve on their own

Acute uncomplicated diarrhoea in dogs often resolves within days and antibiotics do not speed this up, while they disturb the gut microbiome and promote resistance. Antibiotics are considered for signs of sepsis, fever, marked weakness or immunosuppression; otherwise treatment is supportive (fluids, diet).

Correct answer: A. No treatment is needed (subclinical bacteriuria)

ISCAID's 2019 guidelines advise that subclinical bacteriuria (bacteria in urine without clinical signs) usually needs no antibiotics, even in many higher-risk groups; exceptions are rare and assessed individually. Treating it brings no benefit and selects for resistant bacteria.

Correct answer: B. 3–5 days

For sporadic bacterial cystitis ISCAID recommends 3–5 days rather than the traditional 10–14. The short course works as well and drives less resistance. First choices include amoxicillin or trimethoprim-sulfonamide, depending on local resistance; analgesia alone pending culture may also be considered in some cases.

Correct answer: C. In recurrent or non-responding infections, and before using a reserve antibiotic

When an infection recurs, fails to respond, or a reserve antibiotic such as a fluoroquinolone is being considered, empirical choices often miss. Culture and susceptibility show what will work and often allow a narrower, safer drug. Ideally take the sample before treatment starts.

Correct answer: D. Are critically important for human medicine and should be used only when testing or the clinical situation justifies it

WHO classes these groups as highest-priority critically important antimicrobials for human medicine. Their wide use in animals helps resistance spread in animals and people. Keep them in reserve: for when culture shows first-line drugs won't work, or for severe cases.

Correct answer: A. Is usually not needed: the cause is mostly viral

Acute feline upper respiratory infection is mostly caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus, on which antibiotics have no effect. ISCAID advises considering antibiotics when mucopurulent discharge comes with fever, lethargy or anorexia, with doxycycline often first choice; otherwise supportive care (fluids, food, cleaning the nose) is enough.

Correct answer: C. Is often effective and can sometimes replace systemic antibiotics altogether

ISCAID's pyoderma guidelines support topical antiseptic therapy as the sole treatment for superficial pyoderma where feasible, and as an adjunct to systemic therapy. It reduces antibiotic use and resistance risk, including with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). Treating the underlying cause, such as allergy, matters too.

Correct answer: B. Hand hygiene before and after every patient

Hands are the main route for bacteria, including MRSP and MRSA, between patients. Alcohol rub or handwashing before and after each patient, changing gloves between patients, disinfecting surfaces and equipment (stethoscopes, tables) and isolating infected patients are the basis of infection control.

Correct answer: D. Don't use them without an examination and a prescription, and return leftovers to a pharmacy or clinic

Similar signs are not always the same disease, leftovers are rarely a full course and may be the wrong drug, and they mask signs and spoil culture results. Prescribe only after an examination. Safe disposal of leftover antibiotics also limits resistance in the environment.

Correct answer: C. As a rule no: it is considered only for patients with specific risks

The bacteraemia during dental work is brief and a healthy immune system clears it, so prophylactic antibiotics are generally not recommended for routine dental procedures. They are considered for patients with serious systemic disease or immunosuppression, or where infection is already established. Mechanical cleaning and treating diseased teeth are what control oral infection.