Medication for cat - buying online

[beanzontoast]

The vet says our aging cat may benefit from anti inflammatory drops to keep his joints mobile.

I think it's possible to buy them online cheaper than at the vets - a prescription would be needed for the drops the vet has in mind. Presumably the vet will still give me this prescription if I request one so that I can buy the medication elsewhere?

Any forummers with experience of this problem / treatment with their cat?

Anyone gone down the online route for obtaining the medication and how did your vet react to the request for a prescription?

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

On line meds?? Be very careful (even for the cat). Only use reputable sources.

 

[beanzontoast]

Indeed - you're right about the need to do the homework and be 100% sure of the retailer. Haven't any experience of a cat with this condition - especially if it becomes a long term thing - and I am hoping others who have might share their advice too.

 

[Becs]

Don't do it, you never know what you're getting and if it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (which it probably is; "metacam" for example) and the concentration of drug in the online drops is wrong your cat could either have nasty side effects (kidney failure and GI bleeds) or it may not work. The discount is tempting but the cost of fixing the side effects (if fixable at all) will be much more. Also we vets are allowed to charge a prescription charge for the prescription letter you would receive which is at the discretion of the practice.

If your cat has only just been diagnosed you might be able to get the drugs, examinations etc covered in your insurance . . . .

 

[beanzontoast]

Don't do it, you never know what you're getting and if it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (which it probably is; "metacam" for example) and the concentration of drug in the online drops is wrong your cat could either have nasty side effects (kidney failure and GI bleeds) or it may not work. The discount is tempting but the cost of fixing the side effects (if fixable at all) will be much more. Also we vets are allowed to charge a prescription charge for the prescription letter you would receive which is at the discretion of the practice.

If your cat has only just been diagnosed you might be able to get the drugs, examinations etc covered in your insurance . . . .

Thanks Becs. All considered, I think we'll stick with the vets then. They've seen the cat its whole life every year for its checkups and jabs - might as well carry on if I can't be certain of the online alternative.

 

[Paulus]

Mrs P is a veterinary nurse of many years experience, and she says that you can get the prescription from the vet, you may have to pay for it, and then you can buy the medication from the local chemist. On line meds are dodgy as there are many fakes and duff stuff on sale.

 

[wafflycat]

I buy drontal online. Darn sight cheaper than buying it from a vet when you have a multi-cat household.

I've used

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/
http://www.wormers.co.uk/

That's about as far as I'll go with buying online. Reason: I value my vet's opinion and care of my animals and I want that to continue.