The RCVS, which is the regulatory body of all veterinary surgeons and practices in the UK has reviewed and updated its Code of Professional Conduct regarding animals ‘under care’ which has resulted in changes to the way prescription-only veterinary medications can be prescribed, and also regulations surrounding animals under the care of more than one practice. The key changes, which apply from 1st September 2023 are:
- Antibiotics can only be prescribed after a clinical examination of the horse has been carried out by a vet – we are therefore not able to prescribe antibiotics without first performing a physical examination. This applies to all antibiotics, whether injectable, oral or topical, so includes creams and ointments.
- Where an animal is under the care of more than one vet practice, it is the obligation of those practices to keep each other informed of any information about the animal that may affect its treatment. Therefore, if you use other vet practices in addition to ourselves, we ask that you let us know and complete a Mutual Client Agreement form which gives us permission to share clinical records with those other practices. These forms can be provided on request.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us or speak to one of our vets’.
