EAGLE - We have a big opioid abuse problem in the United States. According to the DEA, 64,000 people died just last year from drug overdoses. This epidemic and the crackdown on these prescription drugs is also impacting veterinarians.
The reason surrounds the crackdown on opioid production. The government decreased it in 2016 by around 20 to 70 percent, depending on the drug. The thing is some of those drugs are also used for pets, such as morphine, hydrocodone and fentanyl, for pain control.
Dr. Matthew Woodington, out of Eagle, says it's getting harder for veterinarians to get their hands on these medications for their patients.
"We're having to turn to other things, other medications, that are either not as safe or substantially more expensive," said Dr. Woodington. "As the supply goes down, the cost always goes up."
Another problem they face is opioid addicts or dealers using their own animals to get the drugs. Dr. Woodington says it happens, and it's hard to monitor, because there isn't a medical database for pets like there is for humans.
"So it is something people try to abuse and we keep a very close eye on that and how many refills we authorize for their dogs because it is a concern, and we don't want people to abuse the meds they're supposed to be giving to their dogs," said Woodington.
Dr. Woodington says he knows there's no easy solution and this is likely just a new reality veterinarians have to face. Plus, pet owners, unfortunately, will be spending more money for some medications.