Veterinary pharmacy within the United Kingdom: review of current practice and education.

Background: Pharmacists have acknowledged roles as medicines experts facilitating human healthcare. Such expertise is also applicable in pharmaceutical treatments for non-human animals. Aims: The aims were to review the perceptions and extent to which pharmacists in the United Kingdom (UK) participate with veterinary pharmacy, and to consider their educational background in this area. Methods: Using an iterative approach, extensive searches of relevant databases and key pharmacy publications were conducted with all relevant material published between 2002 – 2012 gathered. Results: Limited information on the subject has been published, highlighting the lack of widespread consideration. It was established that UK registered pharmacists have minimal participation in veterinary medicine. The major reason for limited participation is an insufficient knowledge of the subject. Conclusion: Delivery of the revised GPhC indicative syllabus in Schools of Pharmacy should provide pharmacy graduates of the future with enhanced knowledge of veterinary pharmacy thereby facilitating greater participation with this area