I think that's right. I seem to remember that as well... I think. It was a long long long time ago by any means, and that is the way it should be. Healing/vetting while hidden would be super over powered.No I dont think so, I think I remember that I could vet my pets while staying hidden.
The change now is highly annoying ...
I'll never forget one day when I a noob and I ran away after applying bandage then hid, but the sound of the bandage finishing gave away my location. ROFL...Yup, I have it ingrained, to hit the Aid button, then the hide macro.