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Here's a little information for fellow pet lovers out there. Did you know that there are established standards for veterinarian-client-patient relationships (VCPR)? A VCPR exists when your pet's veterinarian knows your four-legged friend well enough to be able to diagnose and treat whatever medical condition your animal may develop. This requires that your pet be examined in person, and that you maintain a regular schedule of wellness checkups for your pet. It is important that the vet gets to see your pet in a healthy state as well as the alternative. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "If a VCPR is established but your veterinarian does not regularly see your pet afterward, the VCPR is no longer valid and it would be illegal and unethical for your veterinarian to dispense or prescribe medications or recommend treatment without recently examining your pet. A valid VCPR cannot be established online, via email, or over the phone." This distinction and standard must be adhered to for the safety of our pets, and should not be taken lightly. The American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics also requires a VCPR for a veterinarian to prescribe medication or otherwise treat an animal. Of course, this VCPR is a two-way relationship and your part involves: - Asking questions in order to clarify your understanding - Carefully following the vet's instructions - Bringing your pet back to the vet for follow up examinations and routine care On the veterinarian's side, he/she must: - Make sound and informed judgments regarding your pet's care - Accept responsibility for providing your pet with the proper medical care and treatment - Advise and counsel you regarding the risks and benefits of various treatment options Maintain a complete written record of your pet's health and medical history. If you should choose to terminate a VCPR, simply notify the veterinarian. If, however, your veterinarian chooses to end the VCPR, they should notify you. In the event that your pet has an ongoing condition, the vet should provide medical care until you have selected and transferred your pet to another veterinarian. These precautions are essential to maintaining the good physical health of your pet. There is no substitute for a hands-on, physical examination by a licensed vet in good standing, before a diagnosis is made and medications are prescribed. Animals, like humans, must be examined, monitored and given ongoing treatment as needed. Believe me when I tell you this cannot be done in a phone conversation, web-based chat, or email. Your pet is too important to take short cuts with their health. Author’s Biography: John Horton is President and Founder of LegitScript, and a former aide in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). After five years working for the “Drug Czar,” John Horton founded LegitScript with the intent of helping people be sure that they are buying safe and genuine prescription medication on the Internet. LegitScript, is an internet enforcement service group, that has been successfully investigating sites to determine whether or not such sites are in compliance with the law and accepted standards of medical and pharmacy practice ethics.
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Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship, VCPR, pets wellness,
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