Is this normal for repeat prescriptions?

[Champagneforeveryone]

I've just been turned down again for a repeat prescription at my vets, the second time this has happened in the last 6 weeks.

Firstly for Loxicom, for DDog2. She was seen by the vet and prescribed Loxicom for back pain, this worked well and no follow up was required. A repeat prescription was denied without a further consultation, for general stiffness in her back after vigorous exercise. She is 10 and a half and this was all discussed with the vet when she was seen.

Today I've been denied Easiotic for DDog1. He has suffered recurrent issues with one ear which clears up quickly with the drops. He's been seen several times and the diagnosis is always the same.

For reference, both animals are in good health and are regularly seen by the vet when required. They have both been seen and prescribed these drugs within the last 6 months.

In the past I've had a much better working relationship with the vets - I've been a customer for 25 years and things were always much more laid back. The practice has now grown and is far more commercial than it used to be. Previously I would have been prescribed items like this without the need for a further consultation, but I'm not sure if that is / was the norm, or whether I was getting preferential treatment as a good customer. If the rules have changed then I'm willing to accept this, but I'm not sure if I'm being ripped off?

Our cat is on prescription Metacam and I just need to ring and order whenever we're running low. They do have to see him every six months for bloods just to check his kidneys but otherwise there's no issue.

Have you asked the vet why you can't get a repeat prescription over the phone as and when necessary? Maybe it's not on their notes that they can have it "as and when"?

I can't answer re the Loxicom - like a PP says, maybe the vet you saw hadn't marked on the record that the repeat was authorised, so the next vet couldn't prescribe without assessing the dog themself? Ask for more information.

re the Easotic, antibiotic regulations have been tightened up by the Royal College of Vet Surgeons to prevent overuse, which encourages resistance. We are not allowed to prescribe anything containing antibiotic without a consultation. These regs changed last January.

Thank you grrrrrrrrrrrr, that makes me feel slightly happier. The nurse did say it was "because it was an antibiotic"

Regarding the Loxicom, I discussed her issues with the vet we saw initially. When I requested more it was sent to a vet to assess which was when it was denied. I'll just have to chalk it up to experience I think and ensure I request a repeat next time I see a vet