TRENDS OF BACTERIAL-INFECTIONS IN DOGS - CHARACTERIZATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS-INTERMEDIUS ISOLATES (1990-1992)

A retrospective study of Staphylococcus intermedius, based on ,868 can ine specimen submissions to the clinical microbiology laboratory at th e University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine was undertaken during the period October 1990 to September 1992. S. intermedius was identified in 12.9% of the specimens. There were no significant gender differences in isolation rates, however isolation rates were signific antly higher (P < 0.05) in specimens from dogs in the 1 to 2.9 and 3 t o 4.9 age groups than those from younger or older dogs. The Cocker Spa niel and Golden Retriever had significantly higher isolation rates (29 .4 and 23.8%) than the other nine breeds analyzed. The highest (53.9%) frequency of isolation occurred in specimens from the skin. Antibioti c sensitivity was highest to norfloxacin (96.2%), gentamicin (94.5%), potentiated amoxicillin (94.4%), amikacin (93.0%), and carbenicillin ( 90.3%). Antibiotic resistance was highest for penicillin (76.5%), ampi cillin (68.6%), and tetracycline (55.5%). Resistance to commonly used antibiotics appears to have increased dramatically over the last decad e.