Medication Dispensing 

We aim to work with our clients to keep livestock and pets healthy, productive and well looked after. To this end it is important to understand there is legislation in place which regulates how and when we are able to dispense prescription medications. This legislation functions to protect export markets as well as to ensure excellent welfare standards. 

The law requires that in order to dispense prescription medications, the veterinarian needs to have sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) which are to be treated. Importantly, the veterinarian must have recently performed a clinical examination of the animal(s). 

For livestock, this examination has to have been within a 12 month period. For small animal patients on recurrent or ongoing medications, we require rechecks every 6 months to ensure the medication is working appropriately and no other clinical problems have arisen. 

Prescription medications include, but are not restricted to, the following veterinary medications:

  • Any antibiotic or ointment containing antibiotics

  • Reproductive/fertility medications 

  • Non steroidal pain relief/anti-inflammatory medications 

  • Steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

  • Sedation 

To satisfy these requirements, a veterinarian from MVH needs to visit your livestock at least every 12 months. In some cases we may be able to see your animal(s) at the clinic, we have yards and a back carpark which is accessible to larger vehicles/horse floats. We are happy to plan future visits for when we are next in your area if the matter is not urgent. 

If we do not follow this legislation we are putting our licence in jeopardy. 

A clause to these dispensing guidelines is, that if a government veterinarian has examined the stock requiring medications, then they may request directly to us that we dispense medications under their authority. 

The full document pertaining to this legislation can be viewed at:
https://www.ava.com.au/siteassets/resources/prescribing-guidelines/guidelines-for-prescribing-authorising-and-dispensing-veterinary-medicines-october-2023.pdf

If you have any questions about this process please call the clinic and Dr. Eliza will be happy to discuss.

Regards,

Dr. Eliza McInnerney