Animal Health Products & Practices
Working With Your Local Veterinarian
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines an appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship (VCPR) as:
- The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
- There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the
animal. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal, and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal are kept. - The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow–up in case of adverse reactions or failure of regimen of therapy.
Vaccines/Biologics
Always read labels and dosage instructions prior to processing to make certain you are administering the proper dose of each product. Over time, products may change their dosage rate or approved route of administration, so always check each time. Some products are now administered in low–dose (2cc) volume to reduce injection site reactions.
What is on a label?
- Trade name of the drug
- Active ingredients
- Quantity of contents
- Lot number
- Intended use of product
- Dosage requirements
- Proper storage & handling
- Route of administration
- Withdrawal period
- Precautions for animals & humans
Selecting the Right Product
- Determine target pathogens or pest.
- Work with your veterinarian to select the best vaccine or products for you operation.
Vaccine/Medicine Handling & Storage
- Prevent exposure of vaccine to heat, UV light, or freezing temperatures.
- Always read directions before starting.
- Check expiration dates before use.
- Observe and obey the manufacturer’s recommended storage & dosage instructions for each product.
- Use quality syringes & needles.
- Inspect and maintain all working components of automatic syringe.
- Draw from the vaccine vial with sterile needles.
- Change needles often between animals to reduce tissue irritation and possible infection.
- Administer in recommended site — neck region only.
- Booster all vaccines when label requires it.
- Animal health products should be stored away from feed ingredient or mixing areas unless they are regularly used feed additives.
NEVER
- Leave vaccines in direct sunlight, UV light or freezing conditions.
- Leave vaccines unrefrigerated.
- Place a used needle in a bottle of vaccine.
- Place vaccine in hip, round or loin of animal.
- Assume anything — always check the directions for use.
Extra Labeling/Off Label Use
Exactly what is extra–labeling or off–label drug use? Extra–label drug use is using animal health products in a manner not specified on the label unless it is under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
821 N. 27th St., PMB 159,
Billings, MT 59101,
406-896-9068(o), 406-671-0851(m)
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu