'RECREATIONAL' DRUG KETAMINE UNSAFE

Re: "Date-rape drugs baffle colleges across state," Dec. 4.

Recently, our community and nation have been shocked by the use of a new
"recreational" drug, nicknamed the "date-rape drug." Reports regarding this
compound, ketamine, which is more dangerous and unpredictable than "angel
dust," have become all too common items on the evening news. The spotlight
of the national media and the attention of all levels of law enforcement
add to the "heat" that this drug generates.

The procurement and use of illegal drugs in our society is indeed a sad
chapter of the American story. With the dangerous drug ketamine,
veterinarians have become the targets for its theft. For many years,
ketamine has been widely used by veterinarians. However, veterinarians are
doctors well-schooled and trained in the safe, proper and legal use of this
controlled and dangerous substance.

The Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society, which is our local professional
organization, would like everyone to know how disruptive and troubling the
recent break-ins and subsequent media coverage have been to us. We believe
that our businesses and hospitals are in some ways becoming targeted for
criminals with all the increased media attention. We, as the medical
specialists in this field, would truly appreciate having a small degree of
input in the interest of balanced reporting on this alarming problem.

For example, the drug used in veterinary medicine can be extremely
dangerous and that its dose variance is wide. By that I mean that any
amount used by someone illegally would be very harmful to them or their
victim. Seizures, violent hallucinations and permanent neurological defects
such as blindness can readily occur especially if this drug is used in a
non-controlled situation. During my 20 years of practice, I have seen a
half-dozen cases that have been unavoidably injured from the use of
ketamine in the clinical situation while directly under the veterinarian's
care. I cannot emphasize strongly enough how unstable ketamine usage can be.

In conclusion, we ask that the other side of the story be told. This is not
a safe drug and without question not worth the risk of jail time or
permanent personal injury.

PAUL A. OBERBROCKLING, DVM Denver