A recent editorial in the American Journal of Public Health has been getting a lot of attention in the news, as it points to a disturbing new trend among drug users.
Researchers at the University of Colorado conducted a survey of veterinarians and discovered a growing concern among vets that their clients are intentionally hurting their pets to obtain prescription painkillers.
Substance abuse experts note that people who suffer from opioid addiction will go to great lengths to obtain drugs, and the use of veterinarians is a little-known part of the problem.
According to the survey of nearly 200 veterinarians, 13% reported that they suspected a client had intentionally hurt a pet to obtain drugs.
45% of the vets said that they knew of either clients or staff members who abused opioids. 12% knew that a staff member was either diverting or using veterinary painkillers.
Concerned veterinary professionals can enroll in an online course about prescription drug abuse and veterinary practice, created by the Colorado School of Public Health. Click HERE for more information.
In my world, that is a hanging offense.
Agreed!
Horrible! Thank you for alerting us to this problem.
Something not on many people’s radars…
That’s just nuts! I cannot even begin to fathom what goes through the minds of far too many people these days.
It really is incredible, isn’t it?
Wow! I didn’t have a clue that this was taking place. I hope the veterinarians who suspect abuse have an anonymous way to report it. It’s so sad.
It is.
That’s terrible. Well done to those vets who spotted it and you for raising awareness xx
Yes, it’s an important issue to be aware of.
Well, for years medical professionals have been required by law to report any suspicions of child abuse. Looks like reporting animal abuse by veterinarians time has come (if not long overdue).
Absolutely! Well said!
How horrible.
It really is…hope all vets know about this issue.