Donating Rx dog meds

[jackalini]

So I am asking for wisdom and knowledge of COTH to let me know what I can do here.

Had to euth my dear, wonderful little dog of 10 years a few weeks ago. Cannot speak a word about it still without unleashing a wall of tears.

He was on lasix/salix/furosemide and vetmedin/pimobendan for his heart. I have a full, unopened bottle of the pimobendan and a partially full bottle of the lasix (at least 80-90 small pills). I would really like to see these not-inexpensive meds go to a good, positive use, but if pet Rx is anything like human Rx, I am questioning the legality of donating them. I have been unable to get any of the local shelters to call me back on this yet (3 in the area are currently inundated with animals).

Anyone know if it is ok?

[Claddagh]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Have you asked your vet about donating the meds? Maybe he/she would be willing to keep them and give them to a client who maybe could use a little help financially (maybe a senior citizen, or a single parent, IDK). Just a thought. You’re very kind to be thinking of donating the meds to some other dog in need.

May your happy memories of your boy carry you through your grief.

[jackalini]

Thanks for the info, I might just contact my vet. It’s not a trememdously large practice, so I don’t know how often a needy senior dog would come through. That said, it is certainly worth a shot!

And thank you for the kind words - it’s been a really tough couple of weeks. He really was an angel that I was lucky enough to have on loan.

[Canaqua]

I’m very sorry for your loss and it’s generous of you to think of others.

Your vet may be able to take the meds back and dispense them to pet owners on a tight budget. A rescue or shelter might take them too. This shelter in Dallas is soliciting meds:

http://www.elpo.org/donations.html

[jackalini]

Thanks for the info.

[Guin]

I know in Massachusetts if you turn back medicine that’s been opened (even if it’s pills), the vet has to destroy it. Very wasteful, but that’s what the law says.

I would post it in the Giveaways here. There are so many COTHers with dogs, someone must need them. I got rid of 2/3rds of a bottle of Deramaxx here when Shadow started getting sensitive to it.

[SquishTheBunny]

So sorry about your loss

I think its a great thing you are thinking of donating. Can you call your local animal shelter and see if they may be able to use it?

I wonder if also calling your vet and asking if you can donate it to another animal on those meds (through the clinic)?

I would be careful giving them away without going through a clinic, furosemide can easily be overdosed causing fatal results.

[lilitiger2]

I am so sorry for your loss. Never, ever easy and we just never get enough time with them!!

My vet in Vermont took back everything I had when I put my kitty down this winter (they had a donation box or something) but I certainly would check shelters as well. Ours here in Montana would WELCOME it. what a thoughtful thing to think of.

Take good care of yourself!!
Again, Im really sorry.

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=Canaqua;6444972]
I’m very sorry for your loss and it’s generous of you to think of others.

Your vet may be able to take the meds back and dispense them to pet owners on a tight budget. A rescue or shelter might take them too. This shelter in Dallas is soliciting meds:

http://www.elpo.org/donations.html[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately, legally once it has left the building I cannot take it back (even as a donation) and redispense. This is a DEA regulation. I think the shelter is probably on pretty shaky grounds with their request for donations of medications.

[Horsegal984]

Technically most vets cannot legally take back and redispense medications that have been opened. However, many of them do have a secret stash of “good Sam” donated or expired meds for cases that cannot afford medications or for the pup someone just found on the side of the road ad want to treat etc.

I would call or stop by your vet, or if there is a speciality practice in the area they may see more heart cases that can use those meds.

[jackalini]

Thank you everyone - I suspected that a vet might not be able to take them due to legal/regulatory issues. I will check with my little guy’s vet and another friend who is a vet just in case. If not, I will pursue other avenues with them. One bottle of vetmedin is still totally sealed / unused. I could probably return it, but that does no one any good. The furosemide is about half empty, but still has a ton of doses in there (esp if you are dosing a toy like mine was).

And thank you all for the kind thoughts. I am blessed to know about COTH, where other animal lovers live. Took me 2 weeks to even tell all of my friends because it just hit me so hard. I already donated all of his special prescription food, and I knew I had to donate the meds if it was possible because they helped his last several months better and I just know there’s a deserving senior pup(s) out there.

[SkipHiLad4me]

Try some of your local or regional all-breed/breed rescues. I know that in the BT rescue we usually have “sanctuary dogs” who are in permanent foster care due to age or serious health issues. It can be very expensive to buy some of the medications they need and sometimes they end up living far longer than anyone expected! So some donations of medications would be helpful. :yes:

[LauraKY]

I donated my dogs meds back to the vet. He then passed them on to someone who was going through a difficult time.

[jackalini]

I think I have found a place to donate the meds. I appreciate everyone’s help and suggestions!!!