Does a veterinarian have the right to insist that they examine my animal before they issue a prescription or re-fill a previously issued prescription ?
Yes. A veterinarian has the obligation to practise to the standard expected of a competent veterinarian. Veterinarians deal with a vast number of medical conditions, drugs and species and breeds of animals. It is a matter of medical judgment – which in every case is for the veterinarian – as to whether they should examine the animal before issuing or renewing a prescription. The vet’s decision will turn on many factors in each particular case, including the breed or species of animal and whether there are any possible contra-indications for that breed, species or individual; the general health and other medical issues of the animal; what other pharmaceuticals that the animal might be taking that could interact harmfully with the new drug; whether the animal should be checked first for any negative effects of the drug from long term usage to the liver or other organs or bodily systems; etc. The vet in this as in every regard is required to meet the standard of care that is expected of a
