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
I agree with Rachel, a thought-provoking piece, and of course also a topical one during the current discussions of the costs of veterinary treatment. However, has one "player" been left out of this discussion? I think RVNs (especially more experienced RVNs) should also have a big role, perhaps acting as a "patient advocate" and they should be able to feel free to voice reservations about the ethics of treatment. They may be freer from the pressures that the vet might feel (from owner and/or practice owner) and be able to view things differently???
Dear oh dear. Just went to edit a typo in my comment you replied to Paul, and it deleted it. So just reposting what I think I said, for the record. First, thank you, and second, yes, that seems a logical idea for nurses to assume the role of advocate as they are more impartial. But I wonder. It could put them in conflict with both the vet and the owner and a) would they want to put themselves in that position and b) would the vet/nurse relationship survive the subordinate nurse telling the vet what to do! I think that's more or less what i said, anyway!