[The use of veterinary drugs during pregnancy of the dog]. / Gebruik van diergeneesmiddelen tijdens de dracht bij de hond.

To point out which antibiotics and NSAIDs are safe to use during pregnancy of the dog and which are not, a simple system for classification has been developed for veterinarians. To find out more information about what drugs and during what stage of pregnancy veterinarians prescribe, a random survey was carried out among veterinarians who work primarily with companion animals. To develop this system for classification, literature concerning the teratogenicity of veterinary drugs was evaluated. The results of the survey indicate that the possibility of a pregnancy is rarely taken into account when prescribing medications and that many drugs that have not been proven safe, are prescribed. From the evaluation of literature follows that benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin with or without clavulanic acid, cefadroxil, cefalexin and lincomycin are the safest and therefore the agents of choice during pregnancy. It would be better if NSAIDs were not to be used during the last stage of pregnancy, because they might cause delay of the delivery. Drugs that might be teratogenic should be avoided unless there is no alternative and the possible benefits for the bitch outweigh the risks for the foetus.

[Intoxication with propylene glycol in two horses]. / Een intoxicatie met propyleenglycol bij twee paarden.

Two horses were accidentally administered propylene glycol instead of mineral oil. After discovery of the mistake intensive medical therapy with intravenous fluids, etc. was started, and both animals recovered fully from their clinical symptoms. Veterinarians use propylene glycol as well as paraffin routinely for the treatment of their patients. Mistakes are likely to be made because both medicines and sometimes their packing have a similar appearance. Several incidents have been reported in other countries. A large amount of propylene glycol given to a horse, but also to other animals, can be dangerous and immediate adequate intervention is necessary. The major cause of the problems in case of a propylene glycol intoxication is the high concentration of D-lactate that arises. Clinically, this primarily results in a depression of the central nervous system and in metabolic acidosis. Furthermore colic, diarrhoea and respiratory problems may occur.

[Risks of using cytostatic drugs in veterinary medical practice]. / Risico's van gebruik van cytostatica in de dierenartsenpraktijk.

Little is known about the chronic health problems caused by working with cytotoxic drugs. These drugs, including mitotane (Lysodren), chlorambucil (Leukeran), and azathioprine (Imuran), are usually teratogenic but can also be mutagenic and carcinogenic. The principle governing working with cytotoxics is to keep exposure as low as possible (the ALARA principle, as low as reasonably achievable). The Dutch Arbo-wet (Factories Act) requires that employer and employee restrict exposure to a minimum. This necessitates relatively expensive facilities, trained personnel, and good procedures. The owners and other people close to the patient are also potentially at risk and should be told of this and informed about drug administration and the disposal of faeces, vomit, urine, saliva, and blood. The prescription and/or administration of cytotoxic drugs, including those that are used as immunosuppressive agents in veterinary medicine, should be restricted to specialist veterinarians who have adequate knowledge and appropriate facilities to work with these agents. A work group to establish standards for working with cytotoxic drugs in veterinary practice is advocated.

[Pharmaceutical quality of amoxicillin-containing tablets for veterinary use]. / Farmaceutische kwaliteit van amoxicilline bevattende tabletten voor diergeneeskundig gebruik.

Before a veterinary drug is licensed for the Dutch market it has to comply to basic pharmaceutical standards. From the results of this study, carried out in the Spring of 1995, it appeared that many amoxicillin-containing tablets marketed in Holland do not fulfil these requirements. Only one third of the preparations complied with all criteria set by us. The preparations investigated originated from eight licence holders. The preparations from two licence holders satisfied our criteria. When choosing a veterinary drug, veterinarians should be aware of the considerable differences in pharmaceutical quality.