VCPR

As you may have noticed, some medications you used to be able to purchase OTC from local feed stores such as Murdochs or Cenex are no longer available without a vet’s prescription which requires a current VCPR (veterinarian/client/patient relationship). The Montana State Board of Veterinary Medicine (the department responsible for issuing and revoking veterinary licenses) states a current VCPR exists when (as stated in Administrative Rules of Montana, Sub Chapter 3, Definition 24.225.301):

1. The licensed veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the patient(s) and the need for medical therapy, and has instructed the client on a course of appropriate therapy.
2. The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient(s) to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of their medical condition.
3. The client has agreed to follow the veterinarian's recommendations.
4. The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation, or has arranged for emergency or urgent care coverage, or has designated continuing care and treatment to another licensed veterinarian who has access to the patient's medical records and/or can provide reasonable and appropriate medical care.
5. The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment.
6. The veterinarian has performed a timely physical examination of the patient(s) and/or is personally acquainted with their keeping and care by virtue of medically appropriate and timely visits to the operation where they are kept.
7. Patient records are maintained.

Dr. Detwiler does still work on large animals, and he loves being able to help during calving seasons, for instance. However, in order to provide/prescribe medication, there must be a current VCPR in place; i.e. if we have never seen your animal(s)/herd, we cannot prescribe medication for them, because that is the law.

If you need to establish a VCPR, we are happy to come out to your place for a herd health check. Many clients will get annual pregnancy checking of cows, Brucellosis vaccinating or bull semen testing for example. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.