What are the five levels of the Therapeutic Decision Cascade according to the CVMA?

The five levels of the Therapeutic Decision Cascade as outlined by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) specifically detail a structured approach for veterinarians when prescribing medications and therapeutic products. The correct answer focuses on the hierarchical framework where veterinarians must first consider the most appropriate and approved veterinary products before moving on to alternatives if those options are not available or appropriate.

This cascade emphasizes the importance of starting with the safest and most regulated options—prescribing products that are specifically approved for veterinary use—before considering more complex scenarios, such as extra-label use or the necessity of utilizing human products, compounded products, or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Each step in this sequence is intended to ensure that veterinarian decisions prioritize animal safety, efficacy, and adherence to regulatory practices.

The other answer choices address various aspects of veterinary practice but do not align with the specific framework of the Therapeutic Decision Cascade. For example, while options related to diagnosis and treatment are crucial in veterinary care, they do not capture the stepwise process of therapeutic decision-making as defined by the CVMA. Similarly, options discussing monitoring, follow-up, or prevention might touch on important aspects of veterinary practice, but they do not directly represent the five specific levels involved in the Therapeutic Decision Cascade.