| Popis: |
The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescribing trend of gentamicin in dogs by veterinarians in Nigeria. A retrospective and cross-sectional survey was done in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. About 150 questionnaires were administered to practicing licensed veterinarians within the study areas addressing issues such as prescribing pattern, indications, dosage regimen, therapeutic monitoring, efficacy and adverse effects of gentamicin in dogs. Data obtained was checked for its completeness and analyzed using Microsoft office Excel 2007. Gentamicin had the highest prescription rate (32%), closely followed by streptomycin (31%) and neomycin (22%). A greater percentage (59 %) of the respondents affirmed that they don’t often prescribe gentamicin. However, it is mostly prescribed for dogs with signs of gastroenteritis at a common dose of 4-5 mg/kg intramuscularly, where by 94 % of the respondents attested to its effectiveness. But 52 % of the respondents were not sure of the gentamicin dose they administer in dogs. Very few monitored their patients after treatment hence a small number of adverse effects, predominantly nephrotoxicity were observed by the respondents. Prescription pattern of gentamicin in dogs and patient monitoring is generally poor suggesting inadequate knowledge and application of pharmacology consequently the need for proper education in this subject. |
