1269 Main St, Glastonbury, CT 06033

860.659.0848

Beckett & Associates Veterinary Services, LLC

Glastonbury Connecticut Veterinarians

Beckett & Associates is a mixed practice for companion animals & farm animals

Breaking Animal News

Precautions to Take When Outdoors with Your Pets from the AVMA

Jul 24, 2010

Tips for Safe Outdoor Summer Fun with Your Pets from the AVMA

Jul 24, 2010

FDA Warning about Online Pet Pharmacies

Jul 07, 2010

FDA Warning about Online Pet Pharmacies

Veterinary Business Advisors, Inc. (908) 782-4426Ask Your Veterinarian – Before you purchase online, talk with your veterinarian. Your vet supports and wants what is best for both you and your petWatch for Red Flags – When buying from online pharmacies, be wary if…

The veterinary industry has been infiltrated with online consumer mercantilism with the birth of online pet pharmacies. They are effective competitors with eye catching advertisements that will grab your client’s attention and promise to have the lowest prices and best products. How are your clients supposed to make an informed decision about what is best for their pet? How will they know they are getting the best value for their dollar? Are there health risks associated with such products? Some of these sites are fronts for businesses breaking Federal, State, and sometimes, International laws and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally made a statement with the launch of two brochures you can use to educate your clients. Per the FDA, illegal online pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. They may not contain the actual drug, the correct amount of drug, or have the proper directions for use. These medicines may contain contaminants or have been stored in conditions that were too hot, cold, or humid. Through its brochures, the FDA educates consumers on the dangers of online pet pharmacies. It suggests that consumers consult with their veterinarians first to see if they would match the “discount” price offered by the competitor. The benefit from obtaining medications from practitioners is in knowing and trusting the source of the product. Additionally, one of FDA’s brochures states that consumers should be A.W.A.R.E……

- the site does not require prescription

- if there is no licenses pharmacist available to answer questions

- if the site does not list physical business address, phone number or contact information

- Site is not based in the United States

- Site is not licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy where the business is based

- Site does not protect your personal information

- their prices are dramatically lower than your veterinarians or other websites

- the site ships you medicine that you didn’t order, or doesn’t look like what your pet normally takes

Always Check for Site Accreditation – in 2009, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy created an accreditation program called Vet-VIPPS to help you identify pharmacy sites legally selling prescription medicationReport Problems and Suspicious Online Pharmacies – if your pet has a problem with a medication you purchased online, contact the manufacture and the FDAEducate Yourself About Online Pharmacies – Do your homework. Being an informed consumer is an empowered consumerwww.nabp.net and click on Accreditation Programs..

The FDA’s second brochure, “Buyer Beware”, focuses on the importance of a veterinarianclient-patient relationship as it relates to the importance of monitoring patients under the care of prescription medications

Consumers are commonly turning to online pharmacies to purchase two types of medications. Heartworm preventives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common. Neither one of these types of drugs should be used without proper veterinary care and monitoring. NSAIDS are prescribed to relieve pain in dogs, and prior to being prescribed, their possible side effects should be discussed with the owner. Heartworm medication is occasionally subject to reports of product ineffectiveness due to poor client compliance, so regular yearly testing is imperative to ensure the dogs are not infected with heartworm.

Vet-VIPPS, the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites, is a voluntary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The NABP gives their seal of approval to internet pharmacy sites that comply with federal and state licensing and inspection requirements. The NABP’s strict criterion that a pharmacy must follow in order to stay accredited includes, protecting patient confidentiality, quality assurance and validity of prescription orders. To find out if a specific online pharmacy is Vet-VIPPS accredited, visit the NABP site,

The FDA’s two informative brochures on the risks of online pet pharmacies can be found at:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/UC

M203063.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048164.htm

A Letter to Our Clients from Dr. Beckett

Jun 09, 2010

Dear Friends,

I would like to let all of our clients know that I have been selected as the Republican candidate for the 4^th district of the Connecticut State Senate. The convention was May 13^th, followed by the state convention on May 21^st and 22^nd. I have always tried to be active in both the local and animal communities. I try hard to maintain a separation between the veterinary practice and politics as the practice serves everyone from the farthest left to the farthest right. The animals all love their families and do not know, nor care, about politics. That is a human construct. Beckett and Associates Veterinary Services will continue to care for all of the animals non-denominationally.

Some clients have asked if I am retiring. I am NOT. The state legislature is a significant part time endeavor during our slow winter season. I will still practice veterinary medicine. When the legislature is in session, my personal schedule will need to change; however our veterinary practice will maintain the same coverage hours. I will still see patients like I always have.

The campaign has started a website: www.beckettforsenate.com. If you would like any additional information, please feel free to look at the website. If you have any specific questions for me, please telephone or email me at the office.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stewart “Chip” Beckett, III

FDA releases online pet pharmacy brochure

Apr 20, 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has released a brochure on online pet pharmacies.

The brochure is geared toward pet owners, and urges them to first ask their veterinarian before purchasing pet medications online. The FDA uses the acronym AWARE to remind pet owners how to approach online drug stores. The letters stand for:

A: Ask your veterinarian. Clients are encouraged to discuss online pharmacies with their veterinarian before making any purchases.

W: Watch for red flags. These include sites that do not require a prescription to purchase medications; sites with no physical address listed, and pharmacies that are not based in the United States.

A: Always check for accreditation. The FDA recommends sites that are accredited by Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites), which was created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

R: Report problems and suspicious online pharmacies. Pet owners can report problems with the drug to the manufacturer or to the FDA directly.

E: Educate yourself about online pharmacies.

The brochure is available for download at the FDA CVM website.

Now Offering: Senior Wellness Packages for your older pets!

Jan 22, 2010

We are currently offering our senior wellness program to look for disease processes that show no outward signs yet, and can be treated by minor things like dietary changes to enhance longevity and vitality. The program includes a discounted package of nutritional analysis, blood chemistry & CBC screening, blood pressure check, chest radiographs & urinalysis. These are all tools that help us to detect serious medical conditions early!

Now offering Computerized Radiology!

Jan 22, 2010

Beckett & Associates recently converted to computerized radiology (commonly referred to as CR) on January 1st of this year. The clinic now has an Agfa reader that reads x-ray plates like conventional films as well as a Scan-x system that can go in the field for ambulatory work and also do dental radiographs of tooth problems. Our new system is fast, easy & convenient for all of your radiographic needs!

H1N1 Flu Virus and Pets

Jan 04, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus and Pets from the AVMA

Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware

Dec 29, 2009

FDA Consumer Health Handout about purchasing your pets drugs online