Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A023
Published online: 22 April 2026
Fluoroquinolone use in small mammals: a retrospective clinical analysis (2015–2024)
Sylwia Lewandowska and Jerzy Ziętek
Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 30 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: sylwia.lewandowska@up.edu.pl
Small mammals are increasingly kept as companion animals, which has led to a growing number of veterinary consultations. Bacterial infections are among the most common clinical problems in these species and frequently require antimicrobial therapy. However, the use of fluoroquinolones, classified as critically important antimicrobials in human medicine, raises concerns regarding the development of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, their rational use in exotic animal practice is of particular importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in fluoroquinolone use in small mammals treated at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2015 and 2024.
A retrospective analysis was performed using medical records from the Small Mammal Outpatient Clinic of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland. The study included 25,665 patients treated between 1 October 2015 and 1 October 2024. The analysis focused on clinical visits during which antibacterial chemotherapeutic agents were administered, with particular attention given to the use of fluoroquinolones, including enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin and pradofloxacin. Additionally, the frequency of diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions was assessed as potential factors influencing antimicrobial use. A significant decrease in fluoroquinolone use was observed over the study period, from 34.04% of cases in the 2015/2016 academic year to 8.47% in 2023/2024. This decline was accompanied by an increased use of diagnostic procedures, a higher number of surgical and dental interventions, and an overall reduction in empirical antibiotic therapy.
The observed reduction in fluoroquinolone use may reflect improved diagnostic capabilities and a shift towards more targeted treatment approaches. These findings are consistent with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) principles and current recommendations to limit the use of critically important antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including the limited availability of registered drugs for small mammals and the relatively low frequency of microbiological testing. In conclusion, fluoroquinolone use in small mammals has significantly decreased over time, likely as a result of improved diagnostics and more rational clinical decision-making. Further efforts are required to promote responsible antimicrobial use and to enhance diagnostic support in exotic animal medicine.
Keywords: antimicrobial therapy; fluoroquinolones; small mammals
How to cite
Lewandowska S., Ziętek J., 2026. Fluoroquinolone use in small mammals: a retrospective clinical analysis (2015–2024). In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A023