Education and training in veterinary pharmaceutical sciences

Abstract

The pharmacist's responsibility to provide high-quality pharmaceutical care for both human and animal patients is the same. When dispensing medicinal products, pharmacists have a legal obligation to ensure that the medication prescribed, the dose, route of administration and frequency are suitable according to its intended use. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist clients in solving medication issues and to collaborate with veterinary surgeons to provide the best care for their mutual patients. Traditionally, curricula for pharmacy students, are centered around humans and their disease states. This challenges the pharmacist's knowledge on aspects of veterinary pharmacy such as disease states affecting companion animals, pharmacotherapy options, posology and administration, adverse effects, drug information resources and client counselling.