Veterinary Pharmaceuticals

This chapter reviews the potentially hazardous, describe the nature of the potential harm and treatment, and, most importantly, promote safe use and prevent harm. It describes the several classes of pharmaceuticals and specific pharmaceuticals that may cause harm to humans who are unintentionally exposed through occupational, environmental, or intentional exposures. The population at risk to these exposures includes livestock producers, farm workers, veterinarians and veterinary assistants, and those who seek illicit use for themselves or others. Antibiotics are used extensively in livestock and poultry production to treat sick animals, prevent infections in herds and flocks, and enhance the rate of growth and efficient utilization of feed. Hormones uses in growth promotion include estrogens, progesterones, androgens/testosterones, and growth hormones. The chapter discusses two principle hormones used in veterinary obstetrics are oxytocin and prostaglandins. Finally, healthcare practitioners, veterinarians, and producers should all be aware of the growing risk of antibiotic-resistant infectious organisms.