Veterinary Controversies & Ethical Dilemmas

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

Animal Sentience

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

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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

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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.