The CBC News investigation discovered that pet owners could save as much as 63 per cent on pharmaceuticals when purchased off-site. But the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) insists buying medication through veterinary clinics has a number of advantages:
- Veterinarians have the drug available on-site at a dosage and form appropriate for the patient.
- Veterinary health care teams are knowledgeable about veterinary drugs and the patient’s medical history. They can answer questions about the administration of medications and any potential adverse reactions.
- Veterinary drugs are carefully developed by manufacturers for a specific species and for a specific medical condition, and clinical trials are conducted on that species to test the efficacy of the drugs.
- Veterinarians will report adverse reactions to drug manufacturers. This ensures drug safety and improved quality and efficacy of veterinary drugs.
- It’s convenient for pet owners. Pets are examined, diagnostics (such as X-rays) are performed if necessary and prescriptions are filled on premises without delaying the onset of treatment.
Kristin McEvoy, manager of Communications at CVMA adds that veterinary practices are independent small businesses that set their prices based on the cost of delivering the product.
"Economies of scale come with volume," she said. "Therefore, it may be difficult for a veterinarian to compete with the pricing offered through retail pharmaceutical outlets.
Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, DVM, expressed concern when drugs not tested for safety in animals are purchased and administered.
"If problems occur, we have the full support of the companies, who have worked hard and spent many millions of dollars to test the products on animals," he said. "Human pharmacists are trained in the dispensing of drugs and advice in humans, not animals. Their expertise does not apply to animals who have much different metabolism than humans.
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