Prescribing anti-parasitics (small animals)

Scenario

Tomas and his cat, Tilly, have been clients of the local veterinary practice for several years.

Every year, he takes Tilly for her annual heath check and vaccinations and, as part of this appointment, is prescribed a year's worth of preventative flea and worming products which is then supplied to Tomas on a quarterly basis.

For the subsequent supplies, he arranges to pick these up from the practice every three months.

Things to think about...

Under the new guidance, a physical examination should be carried out prior to prescribing antiparasitics unless there are exceptional circumstances.

However, it is acceptable to supply against an existing prescription at intervals without a further physical examination providing instructions for dispensing have been included. In so doing, Tomas’ practice is compliant with the rules.

Note that for supply in the absence of a veterinary surgeon, the supply should be pre-authorised by the prescribing veterinary surgeon and only dispensed by a competent and trained person in practice, in line with the practice's standard operating procedure.

Last updated: 9 February 2024