Abstract
Globally pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in veterinary medicine; however, little is known about the level of interest for pharmacists playing a larger role in animal treatment in New Zealand. A key stakeholder in any progression of pharmacists becoming more involved in the practice of veterinary pharmacy is the veterinary profession. The aim of this study was to investigate views of veterinarians and veterinary students on the role of pharmacists supporting veterinarians with advice on animal medicines. Open interviews were conducted with veterinarians in Dunedin, New Zealand. Veterinary students at Massey University completed an online survey. Most veterinarians do not have regular communication with pharmacists regarding animal care, but believe it may be beneficial. In order to support veterinarians, pharmacists would need further education in veterinary medicine. Veterinary students believe there is opportunity for collaboration between professions provided that pharmacists have a better working knowledge of animal treatment. Most of the veterinary students surveyed perceive a gap in their knowledge concerning animal medicines, specifically pharmacology and compounding. While there is support for pharmacists contributing to veterinary medicine, particularly in the area of pharmaceutics, this is currently limited in New Zealand due to a lack of specialized education opportunities.
Highlights
The health and medical treatment of animals and humans are closely linked
Diseases can be transferred from animals to humans via zoonotic infections and it has been estimated that 61% of human diseases are caused by zoonotic pathogens [2]
The examples given were a veterinarian contacting a community pharmacist about the availability of insulin glargine for their animal patient because the insulin available to the vet did not have a long duration of action; veterinarians contacted hospital pharmacists about sourcing chemotherapy medication for their patient
Summary
The health and medical treatment of animals and humans are closely linked. Animal patients comprise a diverse range of species and can be broadly classified into the following groups; companion animals, livestock, captive animals and wildlife. Each of these groups of patients share some commonalities in health conditions as the human population and some unique to their respective life histories. An example of a condition that is unique to the life history of the animal is the case of the endemic. The fatal infectious disease is spread during biting that occurs during social interaction in this species and low genetic diversity in wild populations has led to a population decline of >80% [1]. Diseases can be transferred from animals to humans via zoonotic infections and it has been estimated that 61% of human diseases are caused by zoonotic pathogens [2]
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