Abstract

In the field of controlled-release veterinary drug delivery, the utilization of new routes of administration or the development of new delivery systems are of considerable interest. Indeed, because of the large number of production animals and the problems associated with the administration of drugs to these animals, the potential for utilizing novel routes of administration or for developing controlled release products are enormous. However, such a potential will only be fully realized if safe, practical and effective delivery systems are rationally designed and tailored to the end users needs through collaborative efforts between animal, veterinary and pharmaceutical scientists. The intent of this presentation is to summarize the state of the art of controlled release systems in the veterinary field. It also intends to provide an overview of recent developments in this area and to look toward the future to examine the directions in which veterinary pharmaceutics is heading. Examples of currently available and future veterinary controlled release drug delivery systems will be given and explained throughout the presentation including ruminal boluses, intravaginal devices, externally applied drug delivery systems, injectable and implantable systems.

MJ, Rathbone

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 60, Hamilton, 291-294, 2000