Investigation of tick paralysis management in dogs and antimicrobial prescription patterns among Australian primary care veterinarians

Abstract

This thesis provides the first comprehensive analysis of how Australian primary care veterinarians manage canine tick paralysis and associated aspiration pneumonia, with a particular focus on antimicrobial use and stewardship. It is apparent that while most clinicians follow established guidelines for tick antitoxin serum administration, antimicrobial prescribing practices remain highly variable and antimicrobials are frequently empirically selected. Despite only a minority of cases showing clinical signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia, antimicrobials were administered to more than one-fifth of patients, frequently without diagnostic confirmation or adherence to recommended first-line antimicrobial options. The widespread use of amoxicillin-clavulanate and occasional reliance on critically important human antimicrobials such as fluoroquinolones highlight areas of concern for stewardship and potential drivers of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine.

These findings underscore a need for enhanced diagnostic support, clearer prescribing frameworks, and improved access to antimicrobial stewardship resources in primary care settings. Strengthening stewardship through point-of-care diagnostics, clinician education, and technology-assisted decision tools could reduce unnecessary antimicrobial exposure while maintaining high standards of patient care. By focusing on clinical management of tick paralysis and aspiration pneumonia with broader antimicrobial resistance concerns, this research not only identifies gaps in current veterinary practice but also lays the groundwork for future interventions aimed at safeguarding both animal and public health.