REMOTE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

It is important to realize that many of the advances in the broad field of zoological medicine are directly related to the development, refinement, and use of remote drug delivery systems (RDDS). The RDDS of today have an interesting history. The early prototypes with their successes and failures provided insight to the function of current RDDS and the inherent pitfalls and dangers of their use. Although the early crude systems were plagued with problems such as accuracy, limited range, and incomplete injection, they did allow veterinarians to anesthetize and treat free-ranging species. These early limited successes stimulated further development and refinement of the projectile darts and their delivery systems. The continual challenge is to refine RDDS to increase the efficiency of their function (longer range, increased accuracy, more dependable, less trauma, etc.). The RDDS user must develop proficiency and competence through understanding the basic principles and functions of the projectile dart and its delivery system. Practice is needed to insure the safety of the patient and surrounding personnel.