Prescribing Cascade and Specials

What is the cascade?

The cascade allows veterinary surgeons to prescribe medications that are not authorised medications, including those commonly referred to as 'specials', in certain circumstances and in the interest of animal welfare that would otherwise be compromised. It is a set of legislation that veterinary surgeons are legally obliged to follow. Its purpose is to ensure that vets use drugs that are licensed for the species of animal and the indication for which they are prescribed whenever possible, whilst providing the flexibility to allow use of other drugs when no licensed products are available. This is to ensure safety for both the animal and the owner or person administering the drug, whilst at the same time allowing sick animals to be treated in the most appropriate way when they become ill.

Licensed drugs undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they are safe and effective in treating specific diseases in specific species. Unfortunately, there are relatively few drugs specifically licensed for horses, which means that we need to use other drugs authorised in other species or for humans.

Please see the attached leaflet from the BEVA regarding the cascade or 'off licensed ' drugs.

For further information you can also go the government website

The cascade: prescribing unauthorised medicines - GOV.UK

Use of the cascade in food-producing animals

Under EU law, horses are classified as food animals so any medications given must be permissible to enter the human food chain or a suitable withdrawal period before slaughter for human consumption must be observed. This applies certain restrictions on the drugs available to use. However, if a horse has been signed out of the human food chain in its passport then it can be treated as a companion animal and these restrictions no longer apply. A horse can be permanently excluded from the human food chain by signing Section IX of the passport (Section II of some newer passports). 

We have several leaflets available for you to view regarding cascade drugs that your Veterinary Surgeon may have prescribed for your horse, pony or donkey.

Should you have any queries about the cascade or specials please do not hesitate to contact reception.