Novel cases: malingering by animal proxy

Malingering to obtain medications of abuse is well documented in the general medical setting. However, we have found no cases previously reported of such malingering in a veterinary setting. We report five cases submitted by veterinarians in which clients (pet owners) are strongly suspected or confirmed to have been engaging in malingering to obtain controlled medications for their personal use. Cases bear a striking resemblance to malingering in the general medical setting for drugs to abuse. We propose that veterinarians, like their medical counterparts, are potential targets of malingering by their clients for drugs of abuse. Because of their familiarity with this condition, psychiatrists may have a role in training veterinarians to recognize malingering on the part of their human clients. In addition, psychiatrists may benefit from familiarizing themselves with novel forms of malingering, such as are presented in this case series.