Vets (bit of a rant!)

[Countrygirl]

Basically we have a Springer Spaniel bitch who broke her elbow about 5 years ago. She was operated on by a wonderful orthepedic vet. After a couple of disasters she now has just half a plate left in (the screws kept breaking - before anyone says anything, poor girl was on box rest for almost 5 months).
She is not on medication all the time but every so often she needs a little bit of Metacam which works wonders and settles everything down enough. Now we are going on holiday in a couple of days time, so I call my vets, my vet is on holiday for 2 weeks. Explain the situation and no I cannot have any metacam for her as she has not been seen during the last 6 months - sorry but this is a bit barmy, it's no as if the situation with her leg is ever going to change is it!!! They have all her records from our old vets so know her situation. Why do I have to take her in pay £20 for the privilage of being told shes OK heres a bottle of the medicine she needs at even more expense!!
Apologies rant over, it just anoys me that I can go and buy anti inflamatories and strong painkillers at the chemists but cannot do the same for her when you know what is right for your own dog.

 

[jack9]

thats a bit :/ we normally just ring up and get given some...

how long have you been with your vets for?

 

[BBH]

I totally agree. My dog has been seen for 4 years with his skin complaint and every visit we have the same prescription. I rang last month to get some more shampoo and yes you've guessed, because he hadn't been seen for over 6 weeks I had to book an appointment costing and extra £39.

In some respects I can see their point but not in my dogs case when they've seen him for years.

 

[Countrygirl]

Too long me thinks!! Honestly - about 18 months.
Oh to have my old vets move nearer, 200 miles is just to far to go.
What makes it even worse is that we have a license for the other animals and can use certain drugs, and hold basic medicine here and Metacam is only a standard medication.

 

[Booboos]

This seems to be a new requirement for all vets. Two of mine are on medication (Jakey on metacam) and I have been told that they have to be seen every 6 months if I want repeat prescriptions! A bit of a con if you ask me! Jakey has had elbow dysplasia for 10 of his 11 years and needs Metacam about once a year!

 

[Countrygirl]

LHS - thats even worse, you only want a shampoo!!!!

Sorry but this seems to be a ridiculous situation - we care about our animals and want to provide them with everything they need. I think I can speak for an enormous majority of people on here who understand a lot more than most about things like this, its not like we are going to abuse the medication - or shampoo!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MurphysMinder]

I think it is a new ruling, my old pony has cushings and I can only get repeat prescriptions if she has been seen in the last 6 months. Having said that, they are fairly easygoing about it, in that a visit for her jabs is enough for them to have considered seeing her, and I do usually have her checked again half yearly to check the dosage is still right. Buffy is on repeat prescriptions too but as she has cartrophen injections every 3 months it is not an issue. Re your dog country girl, 2 late for this occasion but when she has her boosters perhaps get a bottle then, and then another just within the 6 months so you won't have this problem again as you will always have some in hand.

 

[reindeerlover]

It's a law unfortunately, metacam is a prescription only medicine and can only be given if the pet has been seen within the last 6 months. If your Vet just hands it over he is breaking the law and could lose his licence- extreme yes but possible. Why not ask if you can see a veterinary nurse for a check up at a cheaper price?