Out on a walk on a sunny day in Haugesund, walking companions Kompis and Milo go with mother Anne Torill Lindtner. On this autumn day, both dogs are light in their step, fresh and fast. But earlier this spring something was wrong. My friend had injured himself and needed medical treatment. – They mean everything. They are travel companions and worth just as much as anything else, Matmor says. Anne Torill Lindtner on a walk on a sunny day with her regular walking friends, Milo (left) and Kompis Photo: Håkon Mannsåker / news But Kompis should still praise herself for the timing of the injury. Because now it is not certain that he had received the help he needed. Animal clinics throughout the country have also experienced the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic. Now they are struggling to get hold of certain medicines that are imported to Norway. Sometimes gets human medicine At a small animal clinic in Haugesund, veterinarian Kjerstin Kolvik Iversen stands with a light brown dog that doesn’t seem particularly afraid of being examined. With wagging tail, he is oblivious to the lack of medicine that he and his animal friends now face. The lack of veterinary medicine can pose problems for our furry friends Photo: Håkon Mannsåker / news – The biggest challenge to date is the lack of antibiotics and painkillers for animals. If we do not get pain-relieving treatment for patients who need it, it will affect animal welfare, says the vet. The problem has meant that Kolvik Iversen and other vets have had to do something they would rather avoid in order to help their patients. – If the medicines we are going to use are not available, in some cases you have to prescribe medicine with the same active ingredient as is intended for humans, says Kolvik Iversen. – Is it problematic? – It is always desirable to use the preparation that is intended for use on the animal species being treated. Veterinarian Kjerstin Kolvik Iversen. Photo: Håkon Mannsåker / news For the time being, the clinics are managing to deal with the shortage situation that has arisen, but the consequences could be great over time. – In some patients, it is a question of vital medicines that have been prescribed to extend the lifespan of the animal. For some patients, the situation can be catastrophic, she says. Better medical supply abroad The Norwegian Veterinary Association confirms to news that there is a shortage of veterinary medicine, and points out that the problem has been a challenge in Norway for a long time. – Abroad, the supply of animal medicines is much larger than what we have, says Ellef Blakstad, head of department and veterinarian at the Norwegian Veterinary Association. He believes Norwegian veterinarians have two choices when they run out of certain medicines. – They can either apply to bring in medicines from other European countries, or find medicines aimed at humans as a replacement, says Blakstad. Anne Torill Lindtner is relieved that Kompis received the treatment he needed earlier this year. She hopes the problem the animals are facing will be resolved soon. – It is just as important that the dog gets medicine as that I get medicine. If he is in pain, he must get help, says Lindtner. The dog Kompis was lucky to get the necessary medical help earlier this year. Now it is not certain that he had received medicine. Photo: Håkon Mannsåker / news
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Lack of animal medicine – some animals get human medicine – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
