Antimicrobial drugs for respiratory tract infections.

The respiratory tract of small animals is exposed to a large number of potential pathogens. If endogenous defense mechanisms are not able to remove the invading microorganism, infection may result. The veterinarian must then determine if antimicrobial therapy is appropriate and, if so, which drug to use, at which dose, and for how long. This article discusses the therapeutic problems that arise when deciding on antimicrobial therapy in small animal respiratory disease.