Compounding of Veterinary Drugs for Equine Practitioners.

The abstract suggests that equine practitioners should adhere to certain guidelines when using compounded medications, including the necessity for the decision to be driven by a veterinarian based on valid relations with the client and patient, compliance with a specific law (Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994), and limiting usage to very specific scenarios.

Objective of the Research

The objective of the research is to provide equine practitioners with guidelines on the use of compounded medications. These guidelines ensure the decision to use such medications is well-informed, law-abiding, and most importantly, practically necessary for the horse’s wellbeing.

Primary Recommendations

• The decision to use a compounded medication should be «Veterinary Driven». This means a professional veterinarian, based on a valid relationship with the client and the patient, should make the decision. This process aims to ensure that the treatment chosen is in the best interest of the horse and the decision is based on a good understanding of the horse’s specific condition and needs.
• Equine practitioners must comply with the «Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994». This implies that any veterinary drug should be used strictly as indicated by the law, upholding the welfare and safety of the animals as well as ensuring the medical ethics of the practitioners.

Limited Use of Compounded Medications

• The use of compounded medications should be limited to situations where there is no other practical method or route of drug delivery available.
• The compounded medications should be those drugs that have proven safety, efficacy, and stability. This is to ensure that the horse receives a treatment that is safe and effective, without any undue risk to its health.
• The guidelines further specify that such drugs should be used for disease conditions where a quantifiable response to the therapy or drug concentration can be closely monitored. This ensures that the effects of the medication can be tracked, allowing for adjustments if necessary and greater control over the animal’s treatment and progress.