Can I get a prescription online or over the phone?

olgaedney

We have a dog who is very nervous at the vet. He's a big boy and it means that he has to be sedated, even just to be examined. He also gets ear infections very regularly and it's beginning to cost a lot and upset him very regularly having to sedate him.

Question is... for something straightforward and recurring like this, is it possible to get a prescription online or from a vet over the phone? The vet prescribes Osurnia every time, which can be bought online but you need a prescription. It just seems a waste of time, money and much safer to him to avoid the constant sedations for something like this.

Many thanks for any help.

Savvy_Sue

There's only one place to get an answer to this question, and it's your vet surgery ...

They know you, they know your dog, they know the drugs etc.

Would a home visit be a better solution? I have a friend with cats who a) don't travel well and b) don't respond well at the vets, and she's registered with a surgery who will do home visits for her. Yes, it's more expensive, but far less stressful!

sheramber

Your vet may need to examine your pet to establish the the problem is the same as before.

If he accepts it is the same ongoing condition then he may be happy to allow a repeat prescription.

My dog has just been prescribed Loxicom for ongoing stiffness in his hips. I can order repeat prescriptions but the vet needs to see him every six months. This a requirement by RCVS as the animal must be under veterinary care before a prescription can be issued.

Discuss with your vet if there is any way to make visits easier.
e.g
Seeing a particular vet
examining him in the car
Keeping him outside until he is seen and entering by a quiet door, away from the waiting room.
having an appointment outside normal surgery hours so it is quieter with less people around

Merlin's_Beard

The problem with ear drops specifically is that

a) most of them have antibiotics (especially Osurnia, which is a long acting antibiotic), and repeatedly dishing antibiotics out to animals you rarely examine gets the practice a massive slap on the wrist at inspection time, as well as building resistance in your dog's ear.

and b) if the eardrum bursts - which isn't always noticeable from outside - and the medications get into the ear, they have the potential to damage the major nerves running by the middle ear. And that's when you can sue them and haul them up to the College for malpractice, because they haven't checked the drug was safe to give before dispensing it!

So most of the time, the decision to give potentially nerve-damaging antibiotics on an ongoing basis is done on a case-by-case basis.

-taff

You could try stinky stuff....


https://www.stinky-stuff.co.uk/


I know quite a few people who swear by the ear drops

lilolilly2

Best thing is to discuss the options with your vet. They will try to help all they can

iamtati

I don't think it's a good idea. The vet needs to examine and see the animal before giving any prescriptions.

sheramber

iamtati wrote: »

I don't think it's a good idea. The vet needs to examine and see the animal before giving any prescriptions.

Looks like you are resurrecting old threads tog et your post count up.

Have you nothing better to do?