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Improving patient compliance

Pet owner compliance statistics

Compounded medications may help improve owner compliance as studies have shown that if a veterinarian discusses possible multiple routes of administration, owner compliance increases from 59% to 76%. In addition, a current survey reveals that only 43% of veterinarians show owners how to administer the medications. 60% of pet owners would pay more for a medication that is palatable or easier to administer. 72% of pet owners want information about the medications they are prescribed and how to administer them in writing. As some medications are not available, not palatable or difficult to dose, compounded medications may help to fill this ever widening void.

A veterinary ophthalmologist's nightmare

From the perspective of the veterinary ophthalmologist, non-compliance may have devastating consequences for the patient. For example, the animal with the infected corneal ulcer may experience progressive infection, corneal perforation and loss of vision if aggressive therapy is not administered by the owner. A dog with glaucoma may lose vision and experience significant pain, a dry eye dog may have progressive scarring, ulceration and vision loss or the uveitis case may progress to cause cataract formation and glaucoma if non-compliance occurs.

Next week I'll go into some commonly treated conditions and how I treat them when the commercially-availble medications become unavailable.

What veterinarians can do during backorder situations

I've put together a presentation on what is currently going on in the pharmaceutical industry and how it impacts veterinary practitioners like us. Download the eBook from the Resources for Veterinarians section of WedgewoodPetRx. Additionally, you can watch the on-demand presentation on PetsVetSpace.com for CE credit. I'll be guest blogging here for a few weeks to share with you this important information.

Michael Brown, DVM, MS
Michael Brown, DVM, MS
Veterinary Ophthalmologist
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About Michael Brown, DVM:
In addition to his professional studies and residency training in ophthalmology, Dr. Brown received a Master of Science degree for his biochemical study of animal tears. Dr. Brown became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1996.

Dr. Brown’s special interests include diseases of the cornea, corneal surgery, intraocular surgery and diseases of the retina.

He has written scientific papers, is a noted lecturer throughout the country and is an ophthalmology consultant for pharmaceutical companies.

Dr. Brown is the owner of Veterinary Ophthalmology Services, Inc., a veterinary practice that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases in animals. Veterinary Ophthalmology Services, Inc. offers services at the Animal Eye Center in Little Falls, NJ, Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ and at Animerge in Raritan, NJ.

Disclaimers:
The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Wedgewood Pharmacy.

Medications compounded by Wedgewood Pharmacy are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Many compounded preparations are commonly prescribed, and supported by literature, to treat particular disease states, but you should always consult your veterinarian before taking or administering any compounded medication. Wedgewood Pharmacy does not make claims for the efficacy of its compounded preparations.