Problem
Allopurinol is a regular daily medication given to dogs who suffer from Leishmania., it is also taken by Humans for conditions such as Gout. The condition is commonly found in dogs from abroad and those in the UK are usually rescue dogs given a second chance to survive and be happy. Unfortunately dogs with Leishmania can only survive free from the effects of this terrible disease if they take a daily dose of Allopurinol. In recent weeks the cost of this medication has increased by almost 600%, believed to be as a result of the impact of Brexit? The sad part is that dog rescuers are not able to insure rescue dogs against Leishmania as it is an existing condition and are left with no choice but to pay the extortionate costs for essential drugs. This price increase will also impact on those dogs looking for homes who have the condition. A 600% increase is not acceptable and we urge the manufacturers and suppliers to reduce the cost and save the lives of those animals reliant on the drug.

Solution
Consider the appropriate costing for animal essential drugs and incorporate inflation linked price increases only. 

Personal story
I found Chance dying in a ditch in Cyprus in 2016. As I was visiting the island I had to find him a rescue. An amazing lady named Claire took him in and over 5 months and through sheer determine nation got him to good health treating him for multiple illnesses. Althoughhe had Leishmania this was treated and he was in remission so could be offered for adoption. Debbie and Roy, great friends of mine  in the UK, adopted Chance and he was flown from Cyprus to rural Derbyshire. He was on daily medication, Allopurinol to keep his Leishmania at bay. Adopting him knowing the cost of his medication was part of his adoption terms which was totally accepted. Chance had a relapse mid 2018 and thousands of pounds later he is now well again but still reliant on his daily medication. However on requesting their prescription it was revealed that the cost had increased by 600%. Totally unexpected and putting pressure on Chances’ rescue mum and dad. There is no obvious reason for a drug to increase so much. If this remains then the lives of the thousands and thousands of dogs like Chance may be impacted negatively. When pharmaceutical companies change their prices it has an impact not necessarily felt by humans with a £8.50 prescription fee.  Without these drugs the lives and livelihoods of Leishmania dogs is at risk.