Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern in small animal veterinary practices. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in companion animals can contribute to the spread of AMR between animals and humans. This study aimed to assess small animal veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in North Macedonia. A web-based questionnaire was developed, including questions addressing demographics, owner influence on antibiotic prescription and prescribing practices. The response rate of the small animal veterinarians was 47.50% (57/120), with most of them (84.20%) having 1-15 years of work experience. Pearson’s chi-square test of independence was used for contingency tables that met the chi-square assumption, and Fisher’s exact test was conducted for contingency tables that did not. Most veterinarians responded that they had perceived pressure and direct demands from pet owners to prescribe antimicrobials (35.09% frequently, 45.61% occasionally). In the survey, 50.77% of the veterinarians reported frequently administering antibiotics without conducting bacteriological or antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They typically resorted to these tests in cases with recurrent infections, such as skin infections (19.63%), or when empirical therapy is ineffective (14.72%). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that veterinarians play a crucial role in tackling the AMR in North Macedonia. The lack of stewardship programs or guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use in companion animals is a critical issue that requires urgent attention, emphasizing the vital role of veterinarians in combating AMR.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus spp. is a growing problem in small animal practice, driven by the emergence of methicillin-resistant (MR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This study analyzed 170 clinical Staphylococcus isolates from dogs in North Macedonia, using MALDI-TOF MS identification, disc diffusion susceptibility testing, and molecular detection of resistance genes ( mec A, mec C, and bla Z). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was identified as the most prevalent species (90%), followed by S. aureus (7.6%), S. hemolyticus (1.2%), S. schleiferi (0.6%), and S. intermedius (0.6%). Methicillin resistance was detected in 28.8% of the isolates by detecting mec A. Importantly, there was a significant discrepancy between phenotypic oxacillin resistance and mec A-positive isolates in S. pseudintermedius . Among the 49 mec A-negative but oxacillin-resistant isolates tested for bla Z, 65.3% were bla Z-positive, underscoring the critical role of beta-lactamase-mediated resistance. Overall, MDR was detected in 70.5% of isolates. High resistance was observed to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin G (73%) and clindamycin (61.8%), as well as critically important antibiotics (CIAs), such as fluoroquinolones, with resistance rates of 32.3% for enrofloxacin and 31.2% for marbofloxacin. Pradofloxacin showed the lowest resistance rate (22.3%). This study highlights the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. in dogs. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs is critical to maintain the efficacy of key antimicrobials and ensure optimal treatment outcomes for companion animals in North Macedonia.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health concern in companion animals, yet systematic surveillance in North Macedonia is lacking. This study investigated the prevalence of resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from 112 fecal samples from dogs in six shelters in North Macedonia and evaluated the associated risk factors, providing the first baseline dataset for this population. High resistance was observed for sulfamethoxazole (68.75%), ampicillin (52.68%), and ciprofloxacin (41.07%). Multidrug resistance was present in 50% of the isolates, with 17 (15.17%) confirmed as ESBL producers. Additionally, 18 isolates (16.1%) were identified as AmpC producers, 16 of which carried the blaCMY-2 gene. Notably, 72.2% of ESBL/AmpC isolates were resistant to ertapenem despite the absence of carbapenemase genes, a finding that warrants further investigation. Risk factors such as shared housing, longer shelter stays, and frequent empirical antimicrobial use were identified as probable contributors to the carriage of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli. None of the shelters had antimicrobial stewardship protocols or routine diagnostic testing, revealing critical gaps in infection control and antimicrobial practices. These findings underscore the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance in North Macedonia’s companion animal populations within the One Health framework.