On September 1, 2023, our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), changed the Professional Code of Conduct that applies to all Veterinary Surgeons. The specific part of the new ‘under care’ guidance concerning the prescription of anti-parasitic POM-Vs will be implemented on 12 January 2024. The key changes that affect you as clients and animal owners are as follows:
A vet is legally required to undertake a physical examination of an animal before prescribing any type of controlled drug, antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral.
These changes apply to all types of medication, whether injectable, oral or topical, including creams and ointments. Antibiotics cannot be given based on photographs; an in-person physical examination is legally required.
The RCVS has implemented these changes to safeguard both animal and human health against the risks posed by excessive antibiotic usage and the development of resistance. Please respect our Team members when they explain the need for your animal to be seen. We are legally required to adhere to the new guidelines, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. Further information can be found at: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/…/advic…/under-care-new-guidance. Our normal policy of seeing your animal every 6/12 months (or sooner if the vet deems it appropriate) still applies for long-term prescription medications that are not antimicrobial.
