The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that there are competition problems within the veterinary services market and proposed a series of remedial actions. 

However, many of the causes of above-inflation increases in the cost of veterinary care go well beyond the remit of the CMA and it therefore has limited scope to propose or enforce changes that will likely have any significant impact on costs.

The CMA concluded that the main barriers to healthy competition are: owners not being given enough information, barriers to owners being able to make appropriate choices and an out-of-date regulatory environment. 

To correct these issues, the CMA has proposed that veterinary practices should be compelled to: 

  • provide price lists for specific services
  • provide itemised bills
  • provide written estimates for treatments over £500
  • tell owners they can get their medicines elsewhere
  • cap the prescription fee
  • provide info for the RCVS 'Find a Vet' page
  • make it clear if the practice is part of a group
  • have a complaints process that meets certain criteria
  • confirm every year to the RCVS that it is doing these things

Given that treatment inflation, rather than a lack of competition, is likely the biggest contributory factor to rising veterinary costs, it seems unlikely that providing price lists, itemised bills or written estimates will do much more than increase the administrative burden on veterinary practices.

What's more, it is very hard to see how price lists and estimates can ever be truly representative in such a complex area as medicine.

So these proposed measures are no more than rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. 

To switch metaphors, the problem is less that pet owners don't know what they're buying and more that the veterinary profession is trying to sell caviar to people who only want or can afford a Big Mac and large fries.

Real change can only be driven by the veterinary profession - not just veterinary surgeons, but the regulator, universities, manufacturers and others, after reflecting on the real, rather than assumed needs of its clients and patients, together with the ethical issues in play.

A good starting point for that reflection is the new book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, available now: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.