Unmasking the Opioid Crisis: A Veterinarian’s Vital Role Unveiled! Episode 2

Thank you to Covetrus for sponsoring!

The opioid crisis has been making headlines for years, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the United States. While much of the attention has rightfully focused on human health care providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients, a significant piece of the puzzle has remained largely overlooked—veterinarians.

In December 2014, an alarming veterinary case emerged in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, shedding light on an unconventional form of opioid abuse. Heather Pereira, in her desperate quest to feed her addiction, resorted to intentionally harming her pet dog to obtain prescription medications. This shocking incident not only raised concerns about the depths to which addiction can drive individuals but also highlighted a largely unnoticed facet of the opioid epidemic.

Heather Pereira's journey into the world of "vet shopping" began innocuously. Her dog had a legitimate need for medication, having responded well to it in the past. A compassionate veterinarian provided the necessary prescription. However, within three days, Pereira returned, claiming that her child had accidentally disposed of the pills. Concerned for the animal's well-being, the vet obliged and prescribed the medication once more.

The third visit, on December 4, 2014, set off alarm bells. The dog's previous wounds had not yet fully healed, and yet another injury was evident. Pereira's request for Tramadol, a potent pain medication for dogs, persisted. Dr. Chad Bailey, the attending veterinarian, grew suspicious. The cut appeared unusually clean and precise, a stark contrast to typical injuries resulting from accidents or animal fights.

Prompted by his growing unease, Dr. Bailey made a critical decision. He called the police, suspecting that Pereira might be intentionally harming her dog to obtain prescription medication. Pereira was subsequently taken into custody and later admitted to inflicting the injuries on her dog with a razor blade to secure Tramadol. Shockingly, she had also employed the same tactic at a different veterinary clinic.

While cases of "vet shopping" may appear relatively uncommon, they expose a distressing facet of the nation's opioid crisis. They underscore the lengths to which individuals will go to acquire drugs for personal use or resale on the street. As opioid-related deaths in the United States continued to rise, authorities grappled with addressing this newly discovered avenue of drug procurement.

Join us on this podcast journey as we unravel the opioid crisis, learn from history, and explore the pathways to recovery.

 Special thanks to the University of Buffalo,  the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, Veterinary TeleSpecialty by VOCN, and the Chapman Law Group.  This program is brought to you by Covetrus. 

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