Adverse reactions to drugs in a veterinary hospital

In a one-year period (July 1, 1975, through June 30, 1976), 130 cases of suspected adverse drug reactions were reviewed in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, Ca. Sixty-six of these cases had sufficient evidence to link the reaction to the medication administered. Most of the reactions were attributed to anti-infective agents (antibiotics and parasiticides) and to anesthetics and related drugs. In 28 (42.4%) of the cases, uncomplicated recovery occurred without supportive medication. Four animals (6.1%) died as a direct result of adverse drug reactions. It was concluded that a higher degree of adverse drug reaction awareness is needed in the veterinary profession to enable the accumulation of meaningful data.