Whether it is medication for controlling an underactive thyroid gland, heart condition or to aid in managing osteoarthritis, prescription medications play a bigger role in veterinary medicine now than they ever have. 

In some cases, regular blood testing, especially initially, is essential to establish baseline values from which your vet can adjust the medication dose accordingly. 

Once an appropriate dose is calculated, blood tests help monitor the condition to ensure an adequate response is being achieved.  For some patients, ongoing dose adjustments need to be made in response to blood testing, as some conditions are particularly unstable.

Additionally, there should be revisit consultations to ensure your pet is progressing as expected.  It is part of our duty of care as vets, to ensure that regular testing and monitoring is completed on patients taking prescribed medication long-term. 

Please don’t expect your vet to simply give repeats for prescription medication without the patient being regularly seen.

When requiring repeat medication, please give your preferred veterinary clinic as much notice as possible prior to anticipated collection so the vet managing your pet’s illness has time to review the case. 

This timeframe also allows for updated blood work to be obtained or for a review consultation and medication ordered in if required.    

As many of our furry friends are on long-term prescription medication, it is important to have an understanding and work with your vet in managing your pet’s condition to achieve the best outcome possible.