31 July 2010

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Reader Rant : Let me treat my horses

Tuesday 15 December 2009

I have a big problem with regulations that don't allow owners to administer minor drugs to their horses.

I own 21 horses and dislike the fact that my vet cannot, or will not, sell me a box of bute or bottles of penicillin.

If one of my horses has a minor cut I want to be able to give him a shot of penicillin, not pay the vet to come out.

Also, I have a Thoroughbred that suffers from bad feet and is always getting abscesses.

While treating the abscess I would like to give her bute for a couple of days, and not have to pay the vet every month to tell me what I already know.

I lived abroad for many years and was able to go to the local chemist and buy a box of bute or as many bottles of penicillin as I needed.

I would also like to be able to give vaccinations. I understand there are regulations regarding passports, but couldn't I take my horse's passport to the vet and ask them to stick on the labels from the vaccine bottles and stamp the passport and state on it 'not administered by a vet'?

If there is such concern that horseowners are incapable of administrating medication to our own animals, why don't vets, in conjunction with equine colleges, run courses?

If owners complete and pass the course, they could then buy certain medication without needing to call out the vet each time.

Do you agree with Lorraine's views? Click here to vote.