AVMA guidelines on compounding

Relative to a compounded product, the following are responsibilities of the veterinarian. I. They must be able to prepare the product and have knowledge of all ingredients. II. They must be responsible for the safety of the product to the target animal, and that there are no violative residues. III. The product must have efficacy for the intended indications. IV. The veterinarian must establish need for the product to improve the health and/or welfare of the animals. This, therefore, involves: jurisprudence; responsibility to the animals and their owners; and responsibility to society. A common sense approach to this discussion would simply be that if one is not totally comfortable and satisfied medically and pharmacologically with any treatment, including compounded medications, do not use it. This also follows and is based on proper diagnosis, need for treatment, objectives of the treatment, and setting up the regimen. This is as Hippocrates admonished us, "above all, do no harm."