NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Everyday, police officers in Arkansas find meth on someone and they’re arrested.
It’s an addicting drug that consumes millions of lives. But there’s a trend keeping doctors in the Natural State on high alert, and it’s not a human concern.
Veterinarians are watching out for dogs high on one of the most addicting drugs.
Doctors at Animal Emergency and Specialty Clinic in North Little Rock help their canine patients immediately, because time is crucial.
“Minutes in most cases,” says Dr. Lee Morris, Veterinarian.
“Minutes?,” asks Fox16 Reporter Mitch McCoy. “Yeah,” the vet tells him.
“Because it’s an emergency?,” Mitch inquires. “Yes,” Dr. Morris confirms.
It’s not uncommon for Dr. Morris to treat dogs high on methamphetamines.
“Usually, they’re hyperactive. They’re restless. They’re going all over. Some are aggressive. They vocalize it,” says Dr. Morris in describing some of the dogs he’s treated.
A veterinarian since 1984, he says depending on how intoxicated the dogs are, death is possible.
Most animals will get into medicine like ADHD pills on accident. Others will get ahold of the drug because its owner is leaving it around.
“They’re high. As far as what goes through their mind, who knows. At best, they are confused. They have no clue what’s going on. They don’t know what they got ahold of,” explains Dr. Morris.
“Meth does a lot to the cardiovascular and neurological systems,” adds Dr. Richard Scroggins, Internal Medicine specialist.
Dr. Scroggins says this is how a dog’s brain is supposed to work, but…
“Whenever you have those little neurotransmitters between two neurons, whenever methamphetamine comes along, it makes sure those neurotransmitters stay much more active than what they’ve done before,” he continues.
Like him, Dr. Morris says the minute he walks into the exam room, he knows treating a dog on meth can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
But there’s one big problem when it comes to treating the dog, and that’s the owners.
“It’s frustrating because you know when something comes in and we know he’s gotten into something,” says the veterinarian.
Dr. Morris says owners don’t fess up to using the drug, making it difficult to determine if the dog is on it.
“Labs are notorious for picking up anything. A lot of them are the little house dogs, the little Chihuahuas, Yorkies and English Bulldogs,” he says.
Even after treating dogs like this, Dr. Morris knows he’ll continue to treat dogs that get ahold of meth. But chances are they won’t be the same dog because the animal has already been scared out of its mind.
“Generally, it’s a one time thing. They’re not gonna go out of their way looking for it again,” he says.
Dr. Morris says if a dog comes in on meth, they will not contact police, even if they suspect the owner of being on it. He says their top and only priority is treating and saving the dog.