Antimicrobial drugs (AMDs) are frequently used and misused in the treatment of reptiles and amphibians. Although the general reliance on advanced broad-spectrum antimicrobials implies a low level of skill and expertise on the part of the clinician, the continued use of large-volume antibiotic baths for treating amphibians presents obvious concerns regarding disposal and environmental contamination. Unfortunately, there are very few studies that have fulfilled Koch's postulates and confirmed the pathogenicity of isolated bacteria through transmission studies. Those studies that are available have often recommended advanced antimicrobials over more basic drugs. For example, Devriesea agamarum is a bacterium that is known to cause dermatitis in lizards; however, despite demonstrable sensitivity to clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, potentiated sulfonamides, and tylosin, ceftiofur (a third generation cephalosporin) was still the primary recommendation (Hellebuyck et al., 2009). There continues to be a bias in the herpetological pharmacokinetic research with a persistent focus on...
