Hi Friend,

A recent story about drug shortages affecting veterinary clinics is a cause for concern right now.

Of concern are common anesthetics, drugs needed for chronic health conditions ( such as epilepsy), and pain medication  (opiods).

This action stems from a warning notice sent by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicating that Sandoz Canada manufacturing practices must be improved.

This has resulted in a very limited availability of some human drugs used in veterinary practice, in particular some anesthetic and analgesic products, as Sandoz Canada has scaled down production in order to focus efforts on complying with the FDA directive.

Sandoz has indicated that no human drugs will be delivered to veterinary wholesalers before the end of 2012 as the priority is to supply human hospitals first.


Sandoz announced it was scaling back production of certain drugs — mostly painkillers, antibiotics and anaesthetics — to upgrade its Quebec facility after quality-control assessments by the FDA warned the factory fell short of its standards.

Then, to exacerbate supply concerns, a fire in the ceiling above the boiler room of Sandoz's Boucherville plant halted all production.

The following is a list of the key veterinary drugs that are currently in short supply:

Glycopyrrolate
Diazepam
Midazolam
Phenobarbitone (phenobarbital)
Meperidine
Morphine
Fentanyl
Hydromorphone


Some of these drugs can be substiuted with others, while some can be compounded- a Special Compounding Pharmacy can make some of these injectable drugs.

Of concern to me would be injectable diazepam- this is THE most important first line drug to stop seizures, and there really isn't a better option.

In practice I also used the injectable opiod hydromorphone- it is used as part of anesthesia, and was my most used injectable pain reliever.

It works well for cats and dogs, is safe without the non steroidal anti-inflammatory effects, and is very effective.

I encourage you to contact your local veterinarian, and ask them what they have available as alternate options.


P.S. The BIG question then is WHY is this happening.

In large part it highlights the PROBLEMS with Big Pharma.

In Canada the system is dominated by one supplier.

This ONE supplier produces MOST of Canada's injectable generic drugs.


Even more reason to take matters into your own hands.

Here is a great way to start:

Grab my NEW video on 'How to Start Healing Your Dog or Cat Naturally At Home'

Here: http://www.theonlinevet.com

Heal Your Pets At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones

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DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.

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