Acquisition and use of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States.

Abstract

Little is known about the acquisition and use of equine analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States (US). To determine factors associated with possession of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the US or with analgesic drug acquisition from sources noncompliant with a valid veterinarian-client-patient (VCPR) relationship. Cross-sectional survey. An internet-based questionnaire included items related to experiences with horses and equine analgesic drugs. Factors associated with possession of ≥5 types of analgesic drugs and with the acquisition of drugs from VCPR noncompliant sources were analysed using logistic regression. Responses from 389 US horse owners indicated that 96% have access to at least one type of equine analgesic medication and most are confident in their drug administration skills. Horse owners with ≥5 types of analgesic drugs were more likely to have managed >20 horses in their life (odds ratio [OR]=3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.7-5.6), have medical insurance for some horses (OR=4.2, CI=2.3-7.7), and have veterinary or human medical training (OR=2.2, CI=1.2-4.1) and were less likely to have a primary care veterinarian requiring >30minutes travel time (OR=0.5, CI=0.3-0.9). Horse owners who obtained drugs through VCPR noncompliant sources were likely to be male (OR=5.6, CI=1.6-19.4), ≤40years of age (OR=2.0, CI=1.2-3.2), and reside in the South or West regions of the US (OR=2.4, CI=1.4-4.0). Possible distribution, self-selection, response, and recall biases as a result of convenience sampling methodology. Discussion between veterinarians and horse owners regarding available analgesic drugs and owners' competence in administering those drugs may improve veterinary care recommendations and owner compliance.