VetSurgeon.org

Veterinary Controversies: It Seemed To Work. That’s The Problem

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:00:24 GMT

This chapter of Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas touches on a deeply personal experience — one I share because it vividly illustrates why those of us responsible for the care of others — vets, vet nurses, pet owners and parents — should NEVER believe a treatment works just because it seems to.

It also explains why pet owners and patients should trust their vet or doctor.

They may not always be right, but they sure as hell know more than you do!

And to vets: don’t be afraid to champion science. You may not change someone’s beliefs overnight. Say it anyway. Explain the evidence anyway. Point people toward what has actually been shown to work.

Because belief feels convincing.

But good quality evidence tells us what is actually true.

If you care about evidence-based care, share this film.

The book is available here: https://amzn.to/4rBFPcg

Glandvet

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:59:30 GMT

Here's a new product from NVS designed to offer targeted GI support for anal gland health and associated problems such as itching and discomfort in cats and dogs.

And who knows, it might even spawn a new job title!

Further info: https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/product/glandvet/

How the law doesn't protect pets against over-treatment

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:29:24 GMT

In this film, I talked to Peter Fordyce MRCVS about what the law says about our responsibilities towards animals, and some of the human factors which can cause owners and vets to overtreat our animals, sometimes at the cost of their welfare, in spite of the law.

Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas is available to buy here: https://amzn.to/3X2I76z

AI MASSES

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:48:35 GMT

Veterinary AI that can spot lymph node and subcutaneous masses with the accuracy of a board-certified pathologist? That’s not the future — it’s already here. Zoetis has unveiled a new AI Masses feature for its Vetscan Imagyst system, promising faster diagnosis, smoother workflows and the potential to cut costs in practice.

More information at: https://www.zoetisdiagnostics.com/us/point-of-care/vetscan-imagyst/imagyst-ai-masses

Animal Sentience

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:37:22 GMT

In this hopefully thought-provoking film, I talk about animal sentience with John Webster MRCVS, the father of the Five Freedoms which have shaped animal welfare around the world.

It raises the question of how far we should go with the treatment of animals when they don't have the capacity to rationalised pain or fear, or the benefits of treatment.

What do you think? Comment below.

Introduction

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:39:05 GMT

Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas is a new book which explores the surprisingly controversial nature of veterinary care in the UK. This is a series of films in which we'll follow the book and discuss the ethics of veterinary care, chapter by chapter.

The films are aimed both at veterinary professionals and pet owners, and if you think it would be beneficial for more people to consider the issues we raise, please do two things. Firstly, like or comment under the film on YouTube, which will help give the algorithm a gentle nudge. Secondly, share these films. You can share them with colleagues, or clients in practice emails, newsletters or websites.

Movipet

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:29:47 GMT

This is Movipet, a product designed to shift hairballs and loosen stools.

Available from https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/product/movipet

Vets are just in it for the money

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:46:37 GMT

Vets, eh. Greedy buggers aren't they. Just in it for the money.

We made this film to counter that myth.

If you're a vet or a nurse or a practice manager and you'd like to support my efforts to put the record straight, do make sure to advertise your vacancies on: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/veterinary-jobs or https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/veterinary-nurse-jobs

If you're a vet or a nurse or a practice manager and you think the message in this film is worth sharing on your own social media channels, please do so. You can share the film from any of the following platforms:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/AhIwYhWc4Ew
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16nWEpEjmX
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetsurgeon.vetnurse/video/7540622883156954390

Additional footage: https://depositphotos.com

Excellence

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:38:37 GMT

This film looks at how clinical excellence has increased the cost of veterinary care.

Additional footage: https://depositphotos.com

PhotonUVC

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:07:09 GMT

This is the PhotonUVC device, which the makers say will treat most eye infections in 5 seconds in practice, without the need for antimicrobials, thereby eliminating the difficulty of selecting the right anti-microbial and eliminating problems with client compliance.

More information and links to studies available here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/b/veterinary-news/posts/photon-therapeutics-taking-orders-for-new-uvc-treatment-for-corneal-infections

https://photon-therapeutics.com/

Pragmatic Veterinary Testing (Episode 3)

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:28:59 GMT

In this third episode on pragmatic veterinary care, Charlotte Beard RVN explains the Blue Cross approach to pragmatic testing for disease or disease progression.

How society's changing relationship with risk is pushing up the cost of veterinary care

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:26:14 GMT

In this series of films, VetSurgeon.org looks at the reasons behind above-inflation increases in the cost of veterinary care.

This film explains how pet owners' and vets' changing relationship with risk causes the cost of veterinary care to increase.