Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd September 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

The impact of online pharmacies
pills
"Online pharmacies could pose a serious threat to the profitability of veterinary practices."
Survey aims to find out if practices in the UK are already affected

Are veterinary practices in the UK already feeling the impact of online pharmacies? This is the question Edinburgh researchers hope to answer with a new online survey.

Online pharmacies are an increasingly popular alternative source for buying pet medication. Some insurance companies even require clients to buy medicines online rather than from their veterinary practice.

Furthermore, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's (VMD) accredited online retailer scheme may be helping to improve client confidence in drugs bought online.

A survey has been launched by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute to find out if this increasing threat is already being felt by practices in the UK.

The survey was announced in the letters section of the latest Veterinary Record (Vol 175, No 11).

Hannah Henderson wrote: "Online pharmacies could pose a serious threat to the profitability of veterinary practices."

The short survey aims to find out how aware practices are of this threat and whether they have already noticed a change in client behaviour.

To complete the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MQ97VJF

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.