Common Problems Encountered in Equine Dispensing

Prescribing using the Cascade
A recent question posed to me by a vet was ‘How am I supposed to know which drugs are licensed and which aren’t?’. This question in itself is quite worrying – there are so many drugs used in animals nowadays, some without any thought of the legalities associated with them, that it is becoming concerning that some vets are not aware that a drug is not licensed, either in its entirety, or by a particular route, for a particular indication or at a particular dose. The legislation can be confusing, and the questions you should be asking yourselves are:

1. Do you actually understand how to use the Cascade?

2. If you prescribe a drug using the Cascade, e.g. gabapentin, do you inform the client that you are using an unlicensed drug? Do you actively seek ‘informed consent’? What is informed consent?

3. Once you have informed your client, do you record that you have done this? Where is it recorded? Do you have a form? Is it a blanket form that covers every drug? Is it a form of a type that is suitable?

4. What about food-producing horses or those horses without a Passport? Is the use of the Cascade in these circumstances different?

5. What are the Annexes and Essential List?

6. I’m aware of these issues, but my assistants/partners are not – what can I do to make them aware?

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