For anyone who knows about pet medicine....?

Question

Can I trust the 1800petmeds type of places to get medication? Also, do they offer prescriptions anyway? I have a five year old dog (maltese/shiatsu) that I have had since he was six weeks. He gets a urinary tract infection about once every six months. I want to just get him medicine. Every time it happens, my vet wants to run all the tests on him that we have already run (it costs 1000.00 each time). I just want to get him the medication he needs and get him on it without all this extra expense every six months. His blood work, urine samples, xrays and any and all tests come back completely normal. He is eating fine, drinking fine. I just know he has another infection because he strains to pee and when he does, it is just drops of blood. Three days on an antibiotic and he is fine (even though I finish it out). Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

No, you cannot.

I want to know what tests cost you $1,000 each time?? That is insane!!!! A urine analysis is usually around $35.00, a culture and sensitively add on is no more than $50.00. What else does your vet test for???? I find it hard to believe that your vet runs blood work and takes x-rays EACH TIME an UTI flares up. HOWEVER, it is important to run an urine analysis each time in the beginning because different crystals mean different specific antibiotics. If your pup is growing the same type of crystal then your vet can make the prescription (Clavamox, Cephalexin, Simpliceff, Baytril, etc.) an "open" prescription. Meaning whenever your dog is starting to get a UTI you can call the vet office and arrange to pick up meds.

Answer 2

Pet meds needs a perscription signed by your doctor.

Call your vet and tell them you want the meds. There should be no problem in just re-filling the previous perscription. We did it all the time in the clinic where I worked.
If they won't give it to you, ask for the perscription. If they won't do either, find a different vet.

In fact, I think you need a different vet anyway. Something just doesn't seem right. I agree with Vet Tech, it shouldn't be costing that much. Especially if it happens every 6 months. T

To prevent UTI in the future, change his diet. A more natural diet may help. Look into Canidae, Wellness, Innova, California Natural, and Artemis. All are great, all have websites.

Supplements may also help. www.arknaturals.com for more information.

good luck

Answer 3

You need another vet! That is absolutely ridiculous charging you $1000 every time he has a urinary infection! A simple urinalysis can tell him what is wrong. Initially, bloodwork and xrays were a good idea, and may have to be repeated at some time, but not with every infection! You can get the meds at Petmed, but you'll still have to see the vet for a prescription.

Answer 4

Antibiotics for dogs are not sold OTC, but they are sold for livestock. You might research that option or find a vet who would explain the best way to use that option. Many vets in rural areas discuss this with clients. Many vets will also do scripts for chronic conditions without all the fanfare too. Just an antibiotic round. Your vet is fleecing you.

I don't know anything about pedmeds, but foster and jeffers are both good. Your dog might be helped by Saw Palmetto too. This is a male, yes? You are describing some typical symptoms of a prostate problem.

Answer 5

Yes, Pet Meds and the like can be trusted; however, in order for them to fill your meds, after they receive your request for an antibiotic, they will contact your vet's office to see if you're allowed for Pet Meds to script out any medications to you. So, there is a good chance that if your pet has not seen your vet recently they will not give Pet Meds permission to sell you the medication. Just keep in mind when you go to your vet's office after you tell them what your pet's symptoms are - they can not do any diagnostics without your permission. Just tell them you can not afford all of the testing and let them know she frequently gets UTI'S. You need to think about why she is getting them a lot. Most likely you need to change her diet to California Natural and make sure she is not having to hold her pee for longer than 6-8 hrs at a time. This can promote uti's. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Answer 6

Those costs do seem excessive for the same dog and the same vet. Has the vet suggested anything in regards to prevention? If not he is not doing his job properly - he should be about preventing disease not over-treating it once it is there.

I would really recommend changing your dogs' diet. Do some research into feeding your dog based on a prey model diet (raw meat, edible bones and offal) the results may surprise you. Many informed and well educated vets are now recommending this type of diet for dogs as a matter of course. This link is a great starting point.

Answer 7

No. Although the commercials claim it is the medicine you get from a vet, it isn't. It may be from the same manufacturer, but it is not of the same quality. It is often produced outside the US, bypassing USDA regulation and inspection. If you want to use a mail order company, use vetcentrics.

Answer 8

Have you ever thought about using alternative methods for treatment? Also, he may be having recurring infections because of some underlying reason. Most of time it could be their diet. Read this article at Only Natural Pets. It has some great information and gives you alternative methods for treatment and prevention:
http://onlynaturalpet.com/KnowledgeBase/knowledgebasedetail.aspx?articleid=75&Keywords=

Kim at: http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com/natural-pet.html

Answer 9

With 1-800-Petmeds you have to have the prescription from your vet in order for them to fill it and deliver it to you. However, they are very reliable.

Answer 10

they say you save money but you still have to take teh dog to the vets and get a perscrition, the vets in my area will not give me the perscription I have to get it from them.