Identification

• Veterinary compounding training is targeted to veterinarians and pharmacists that specialize in veterinary medical therapy. It provides instruction on how to safely mix active and inactive ingredients to create a specific medication and dose for a variety of animals. It also provides education on the various laws surrounding the practice. For example, it is illegal to compound certain drugs if a Food & Drug Administration- approved form of that medication already exists.
  
  

Types

• Training is deliverable either via online, face-to-face instruction or a combination of the two. For example, the Professional Compounding Centers of America offers a compounding course that begins with an online home study component that introduces students to veterinary drug information resources, anatomy and physiology of animals, and legal and ethical requirements of compounding for animals. Then, once that portion is complete, a two-day laboratory experience focuses on hands-on examples of compounding for different animal species.
  
  

Significance

• In the past, certain commercial medications prescribed for veterinary use were only available in specific doses that might be appropriate for a dog but far too potent for a hamster. According to the Model Pharmacy website, training pharmacists to compound medications allows them create client-specific doses and flavors to meet the needs of animals of varying size and palate.
  
  

Considerations

• Advanced skills in mathematics, physics, science and overall veterinary knowledge may be required before enrolling in compounding training. Even introductory courses in veterinary pharmacy compounding will usually require students to perform calculations to prepare new drugs and to demonstrate a solid knowledge of various animal species and corresponding diseases. Some institutions, like the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, will dispense continuing education credits upon completion of a training program.
  
  

History

• The American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics hosts an annual symposium designed to promote education and research in comparative pharmacology, clinical veterinary pharmacology and other aspects of pharmacology of interest to the veterinary profession, according to the association's website.