Why do I have to bring my pet in to have a prescription filled?

• I just want a heartworm preventative refill!
• I just want more antibiotics. It is the same problem as before!
• I just need more of the ear medicine, it is the same as before.
• I just want more pain medication for my dog.

The short answer is that the FDA and the Florida Veterinary Practice Act both require a doctor patient relationship for any prescriptions. The relationship is defined as having seen the pet for a physical exam for the problem within 1 (one) year.

If we have not seen your pet in a year, we would be breaking the law to fill the prescription. Think to yourself: If you know that Dr X would fill your Rx without seeing your pet, what else might Dr X be breaking the law about?

• Ear medication refill - It can seem like every time there is an ear problem that it is the same thing and that you get the same medication. When we look at your dogs ears, we check them for different types of bacteria and to make sure all parts of the ear are intact. If you use some of the ear medications with a ruptured ear drum - you WILL cause DEAFNESS in your dog. Dog ear problems are related to allergies, and each time we see your pet we are able to better figure out the allergy problem.
• Its the same as before! I just want antibiotics. There is never an infection that is exactly the same as another. We must be sure we are using the correct antibiotic. The most expensive antibiotic is the one that does not work!
• Pain medication - long term use of pain medication is good for your older dog to make his life better, but there is no medication without risks. Most pain medications can be toxic to the liver and to the stomach. We will need to see your pet at least once a year to check the liver values. If your pet is old enough to need pain medications- he NEEDS to see the vet at least twice yearly - which is equal to every 5 years for someone over the age of 70!