One of the more frustrating things for a pet owner to hear
is, 'you need to have an exam before we can refill those meds.'
We get it... Often
it's the same problem as last time, or it's just a regular preventative medicine
you need. But, here are three reasons your veterinarian insists on exam every
time!
1. The problem may have changed. Veterinarians are trained
medical professionals that can determine if alternate treatment is needed.
That fungal ear infection might be bacterial this time. Using the meds you had previously used for your pet's yeast ear infection could make the problem much, much worse. Or the
ear drum might be perforated, making some prescription ear meds dangerous to
use. There is no way to tell what is truly going on with your companion without an exam.
2. The pet's health may have changed. Sure your cat is itchy
again and needs those steroids, but during an exam a veterinarian might
diagnose a heart murmur or other problem that would make steroids
contraindicated.
3. Legally, a valid patient-doctor relationship is needed
prior to dispensing medications. Even though you get heartworm preventative
every year and Fido is feeling fine, she still needs an exam in order to
validate that relationship. Most veterinarians aren't willing to compromise
their license by ignoring this.
