A nationwide shortage of injectable opioids, like morphine, that are often used in surgery is forcing some veterinarians to seek other options to ease pain and discomfort for their furry patients.
The shortage happened when a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency decision to reduce opioid production in response to the opioid crisis coincided with a manufacturing issue at Pfizer, one of the nation’s largest drug manufacturers.
Veterinarians are feeling the brunt of that shortage as manufacturers prioritize providing the drugs to hospitals for use by people. The shortage may last until 2019, while other drug makers ramp up production.
Diane Matt, CEO of Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, said the group is aware of the shortage and people are worried that the drugs won’t be available to help animals before and after surgery.
So far, the association’s sister organization that runs Pet Aid Animal Hospital and serves income-qualified clients has been able to meet its patients needs, Matt said. Other Boulder County veterinarians have reported little or no issues stemming from the shortage, but others say they have been forced to find alternative ways to help manage pain for their patients.
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