From Mr L. Evans, MRPharmS
SIR,—Having just read about the concern of veterinary surgeons over the price of veterinary medicines (PJ, October 2, p513), I thought you might like to hear of my recent experience.
I asked a local veterinary surgeon for a prescription for 60mg phenobarbitone for my dog with long-standing epilepsy. She said that she did not issue prescription forms and normally only supplied one month's supply of medicine but on this occasion would supply 100 tablets. Of course, there would be a dispensing fee, but I would understand would I not?
The price for 100 phenobarbitone 60mg was £10. The cost price at the 1,000 rate at that time was about 65p.
If the veterinarians are really concerned about the price of drugs, as an initial step they could pass their dispensing over to us, substantially reducing the price to the customer.
Needless to say, our dog is otherwise catered for and we use another veterinary surgeon.
Laurie Evans
Southampton