[sreyner]

I have a westie who keeps getting ear infections and costs me nearly £100 a time for 2 lots of tablets from my local vets . I was told that I could just get the prescription from the vets and take it to my local chemists where its a lot cheaper is this true??

[shazamataz]

It depends on the prescription.

If it is an over the counter medication at the Chemists then yes, they will give you the human equivalent which is usually a lot cheaper.

If it is a human prescription drug however, they may not give it to you. It depends on the laws in your country but I know that here in Aus if it is a human drug only available by prescription then you personally need to have the prescription, not your dog.

[JudyKayTee]

A Pharmacist in the US can and will fill a prescription written for a dog or cat or, presumably, another type of pet. There are special Pharmacy courses which convert the human dosage to the animal equivalent. (I know, my husband taught one.) Not every Pharmacist is qualified, however, and many Vets refuse to write a prescription. The argument given to me was if the Vet sells the medication, he/she knows it is correct; if a third party fills it, he/she is not 100% sure it is correct.

Of course, the Vet makes money on every prescription and I'm not sure that doesn't have something to do with this.