Mutual clients

Scenario

This morning, Sandra called Park Veterinary Practice as three of her heifers were aborting.

Zach, a veterinary surgeon, attends and examines the heifers and whilst he is doing so, Sandra asks if it could be anything to do with the injections the ‘other vet’ gave them three days ago.

Zach asks some further questions and Sandra explains that Bridge Vets are carrying out a synchronised breeding programme for the farm.

Both Bridge Vets and Park Veterinary Practice are within 20 miles of the farm.

On checking the farm’s notes, Zach sees that there is no information about recent fertility services or mention of another vet or practice carrying out fertility work.

Zach therefore contacts Bridge Vets to find out more.

Things to think about...

In this case, both practices have taken responsibility for the animals and so have them under their care. Under the new guidance, both must therefore be able to physically examine the animals or visit the premises on a 24/7 basis.

Other than this, the new guidance will have very little impact on this scenario.

However, there is existing RCVS guidance on mutual clients that states:

5.9  Where different veterinary surgeons are treating the same animal, or group of animals, each should keep the other informed of any relevant clinical information, so as to avoid any danger that might arise from conflicting advice, or adverse reactions arising from unsuitable combinations of medicines.

5.10  Even where two veterinary surgeons are treating different groups of animals owned by the same client, each should keep the other informed of any problem that might affect their work.

In light of this, when a veterinary surgeon becomes aware that another veterinary surgeon is involved with an animal they are treating, lines of communication between those two individuals/practices should be opened and each kept informed of the any relevant clinical information as per the above guidance.

If Zach contacts Bridge Vets and they refuse to comply with the above guidance, Zach should contact the RCVS about the conduct of the vets involved.