Veterinarian Perception of the Intentional Misuse of Veterinary Medications in Humans: A Preliminary Survey of Idaho‐Licensed Practitioners

Abstract

The intentional administration of veterinary medications to humans is a form of medication misuse that has not been systematically studied. Veterinarians are the health practitioner group most likely to have knowledge about this problem and to be approached by the public for advice. For this preliminary study, questionnaires were mailed to 1,077 veterinarians registered with the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine regarding their knowledge and perceptions of this type of misuse; 392 (36.4%) completed surveys were returned. The most frequently reported veterinary medications misused in humans were analgesic, anti-inflammatory medications, anti-arthritis medications, or both; systemic antibiotics, topical anti-infectives; and topical corticosteroids. People involved with rodeo, horse racing, and health care; rural area residents; and those lacking health insurance were perceived to be the groups most likely to misuse veterinary drugs. Veterinarians rated the following as likely reasons for misuse: having an independent self-sufficient attitude, convenient availability of veterinary medications, lower cost, and belief that veterinary medications are stronger than comparable human medications. Human misuse of veterinary drugs may be more common than many health practitioners realize. Limitations of this study include the response rate, sampling of veterinarians licensed in only one rural state, and reliance on veterinarians' recall of relevant instances of misuse and their perceptions of groups most likely to misuse these drugs and why. These limitations make it difficult to determine if the problem is being under- or over-represented relative to the general population. However, regardless of the magnitude of the problem in the rural population, the general population, or both, the potential for harm is great. Patients with risk factors for this form of misuse should be questioned by their physician in a nonthreatening manner to detect use of veterinary medications and to provide an opportunity to inform them of the risks.

The abuse liability of the NMDA receptor antagonist‐benzodiazepine (tiletamine‐zolazepam) combination: evidence from clinical case reports and preclinical studies

“…[22] Although regulatory mechanisms exist, veterinarians and veterinary workers can easily access psychoactive drugs that are potentially addictive. [18,22,23] More alarming is the fact that three out of the seven cases reviewed involves members of the general public. [17,20,21] This finding indicates that an average person (i.e., not a member of the veterinary or medical field) can also access and use the TZ combination.…”

“…Of the seven patients described in Table 1, two are veterinarians, [2,18] one is a worker in a veterinarian's office, [19] and another one is a zoo employee. [22] Those who are working in the veterinary field are especially at risk due to the convenient availability of veterinary medications. [22] Those who are working in the veterinary field are especially at risk due to the convenient availability of veterinary medications.…”

“…[8] Human misuse of veterinary medicinal products is more prevalent than what was previously assumed. [22] Although regulatory mechanisms exist, veterinarians and veterinary workers can easily access psychoactive drugs that are potentially addictive. [22] Although regulatory mechanisms exist, veterinarians and veterinary workers can easily access psychoactive drugs that are potentially addictive.…”

“…[22] Those who are working in the veterinary field are especially at risk due to the convenient availability of veterinary medications. [18,22,23] More alarming is the fact that three out of the seven cases reviewed involves members of the general public. [18,22,23] More alarming is the fact that three out of the seven cases reviewed involves members of the general public.…”

Human Illness Associated with Use of Veterinary Vaccines

“…A survey of veterinarians registered with the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine was conducted in 1999 to assess their knowledge and perception of the intentional administration of veterinary medications to humans; 392 (36.4%) responded [32]. In that survey, systemic antibiotics were among the most frequently reported veterinary medications misused in humans.…”