Doctors Messer, Peterson and Morgan provide perspective on the influence of animal health company rebates or incentives on product choices in this article. It reviews ethics and professional guidelines from AAEP and the AVMA plus the need for clinical diagnoses and VCPR.
Source: Equine Veterinary Education, AE, February 2016, page III. (direct link unavailable)
Certainly there are not ethical issues associated with clinics taking advantage of discounted pricing arises; the question arises when these programs potentially influence treatment choices that may ultimately impact the standard of care horses receive.
INSIGHTS: Understanding the veterinary perspective will help sales representatives when working on marketing programs with veterinary hospitals. Other factors that influence individual hospital decisions include clinic growth trends, personal changes, clinic client retention and up-to-date studies and label indications.