Veterinary ethics

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Veterinary ethics is a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of veterinary medicine. As a scholarly discipline, veterinary ethics encompasses its practical application in clinical settings as well as work on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology. Veterinary ethics combines veterinary professional ethics and the subject of animal ethics. The subject of veterinary ethics can be interpreted as an extension of critical thinking skills necessary to make the decisions in veterinary care in order to support the profession's responsibilities to animal kind and mankind. [1] Five main topics construct the physical usage of Veterinary Ethics. The first is history which describes how these ethics came to be, and how they have changed in the modernization of the veterinary industry. The second is the relation veterinary ethics has with human medical ethics, which together share many values. Third, the principles of these ethics which are updated regularly by the AVMA. Fourth are the key topics of veterinary ethics, which describe what these ethics cover. Last, how these ethics are incorporated into everyday practice and also how they affect those employed in the industry.

Contents

History

Animal welfare as a subject has been studied in great depth. [2] [3] It largely looks at the ways in which an animal may suffer in particular circumstances, or how their lives may be enriched. Animal ethics is another well-documented subject, and philosophers since Aristotle, [4] have commented on its importance. Often referred to as “the animal problem,’ the questions that seem to be asked in this field are at their foundation trying to determine what the morally relevant difference is between animals and humans, and if there is no difference how do we justify treating animals a certain way, and if there is a difference then what is it about this difference that allows us to treat animals in a certain way. [5]

Veterinary ethics is a modern subject that does not have a defined start point. As it combines the study of animal welfare and animal ethics as its root and uses information from this as data for its deliberations it could be said to have a long history, however as an academic discipline it is only recently that works have been published on the topic. [6]

The two academics who have written on veterinary ethics for the longest time are Bernard Rollin (Colorado State University) [7] and Jerrold Tannenbaum (University of California, Davis). [8] [9] More recently, emergency veterinarian Jessica Fragola wrote in 2022 about the ethics of animal triage, with pressures on veterinarians having been exacerbated by staffing shortages that resulted from the Covid pandemic, coupled with growth in spending on veterinary care and on pet insurance. [10] They can be seen as the founders of the subject in veterinary ethics. Currently, most veterinary schools teach veterinary ethics, and it is often combined in teaching with animal welfare or with law. [11]

Relation with medical ethics

The subject is very similar to that of human medical ethics, in that the study of the relationship between the doctor and the patient relates closely to that of the veterinary surgeon and animal owner. However, the subject differs greatly in the consideration of the uses of animals - while a doctor's duty may be to preserve life at nearly all cost, the veterinary surgeon needs to adapt their attitude to health and longevity of life to the purpose of the animal (e.g., farm animals). [12]

Much of what is understood in the field of professionalism and professional responsibilities in confidentiality, preserving autonomy, beneficence, truth-telling, whistleblowing, informed consent, and communication is largely lifted from the research done in the medical profession. The difference between human patients and animal patients does not interfere with the professional discussion between doctors and human patients and vets with their clients. [13]

Another major difference between veterinary ethics and human medical ethics is the interplay with law. Human medical ethics has driven changes in the law and, to a lesser degree, vice versa. Largely involving cases of human rights a wide-ranging variety of high-profile legal challenges in many countries have involved the use of ethics to encourage changes in law (for example, assisted suicide, abortion, duty of care, rights to refuse treatment). Veterinary ethics does not have such a strong interplay. It is rare to have an animal-based legal challenge reach high into the legal system. Cases involving challenges to professionalism and duty of care are largely dealt with via the veterinary governing bodies. [14]

The veterinary profession remains largely self-regulating across the world (e.g., by the RCVS in the United Kingdom and AVMA in the United States). This has caused some controversy as to why the veterinary profession remains one of the few remaining self-regulating professions. [15] Bernard Rollin wrote on the difficulty in keeping public confidence while remaining self-regulating; trust and impartiality are critical, but most important is the need for a profession to be self-sacrificial by putting the client's needs above that of the profession or professional. [16]

“Every profession—be it medicine, law, or agriculture—is given freedom by the social ethic to pursue its aims. In return, society basically says to professions it does not understand well enough to regulate, “You regulate yourselves the way we would regulate you if we understood what you do, which we don’t. But we will know if you don’t self-regulate properly and then we will [hammer you with draconian rules and] regulate you, despite our lack of understanding.” [17]

Principles

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) regularly reviews and updates its principles of ethics. The AVMA Judicial Council ensures the principles are current. Much like the human medical code, veterinarians are expected to "adhere to a progressive code of ethical conduct". Overall there are eight main principles, covering areas such as competence, animal welfare, the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, standards of professionalism, honesty, compliance with the law, continuing education, acting within boundaries of competence, and the betterment of public health. [18]

Incorporation into everyday practice

One of the most important reasons Veterinary ethics are taught to veterinarians is to expose these individuals to the willingness and responsibility they will need to be understanding of achieving with the cases they are exposed to. Veterinary ethics prepares veterinarians and veterinary staff for adequate and professional conversations with clients, and other professionals. Signatures for treatment plans and invoices are also the result of these ethics, as legal cases have gotten involved. Another important subject that these ethics prepare veterinary staff for is discussing with the actual clients about their recommended treatment for the client's pet. This is very important training that veterinarians will go through while in school. Determining the best treatment plans and outcomes, while also communicating these to the clients to keep them understanding is the only way to practice veterinary medicine. [19]

Although these ethics provide a safe environment for the animals being treated, the work environment for veterinarians and staff is not always desired. The COVID-19 pandemic (as mentioned above) has brought a significant number of new patients to hospitals all over the world, while schools are producing staff at a rate that cannot keep up with the animal population growth. The large growth in an industry that is not staffed sufficiently has led many hospitals to overwork staff leading to burnout. Statistics prove that from the beginning of the pandemic in January 2020 to the time when businesses began opening again, financial growth reached up to 11%. Significant growth requires additional work, keeping up with patient flow, cleaning, and managing. With limited individuals meeting employment requirements, it has been hard for the industry to keep up with. [20]

Key topics

Key topics within veterinary ethics include:

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Profession</span> Vocation founded upon specialized educational training

A profession is a field of work that has been successfully professionalized. It can be defined as a disciplined group of individuals, professionals, who adhere to ethical standards and who hold themselves out as, and are accepted by the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised body of learning derived from research, education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to apply this knowledge and exercise these skills in the interest of others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary medicine</span> Deals with the diseases of non-human animals

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, management, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, disorder, and injury in non-human animals. The scope of veterinary medicine is wide, covering all animal species, both domesticated and wild, with a wide range of conditions that can affect different species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinarian</span> Health professional who treats non-human animals

A veterinarian (vet) is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. They manage a wide range of health conditions and injuries in non-human animals. Along with this, veterinarians also play a role in animal reproduction, health management, conservation, husbandry and breeding and preventive medicine like nutrition, vaccination and parasitic control as well as biosecurity and zoonotic disease surveillance and prevention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Professional ethics</span> Principles and rules which guide professional activity

Professional ethics encompass the personal and corporate standards of behavior expected of professionals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Veterinary Medical Association</span> Organization

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 105,000 veterinarians in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onychectomy</span> Surgical removal of an animals claws

Onychectomy, popularly known as declawing, is an operation to remove an animal's claws surgically by means of the amputation of all or part of the distal phalanges, or end bones, of the animal's toes. Because the claw develops from germinal tissue within the third phalanx, amputation of the bone is necessary to fully remove the claw. The terms onychectomy and declawing imply mere claw removal, but a more appropriate description would be phalangectomy, excision of toe bone.

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who specializes in a clinical field of veterinary medicine.

The Veterinarian's Oath was adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association's House of Delegates July 1969, and amended by the AVMA Executive Board, November 1999 and December 2010.

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee</span>

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are centrally important in applying laws about animal research in the United States. Similar systems operate in other countries, but generally under different titles; for example, in Canada a typical title would be the University Animal Care Committee (UACC), while in the United Kingdom it would be the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary education</span> Field of study

Veterinary education is the tertiary education of veterinarians. To become a veterinarian, one must first complete a degree in veterinary medicine Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

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The Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) is a national association of student chapters of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at schools and colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. SAVMA acts as a single national voice for veterinary students in accordance with the policies and goals of the AVMA, coordinates AVMA student chapter activities, facilitates the exchange of information, and represents the interests of student veterinarians within AVMA, the veterinary profession and in the political and legislative arenas nationally.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dysthanasia (animal)</span> Prolonging the life of a dying animal

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom</span> British legal framework for the practice of animal medicine

Veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom is the performance of veterinary medicine by licensed professionals. It is strictly regulated by the statute law, notably the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Veterinary medicine is led by veterinary physicians, termed "veterinary surgeons", normally referred to as "vets".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American College of Veterinary Surgeons</span> Professional association

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is the specialty board that defines the standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine, promotes advancements in veterinary surgery, and provides the latest in veterinary surgical educational programs. The ACVS is responsible for overseeing the training, examination, and certification of board-certified veterinary surgeons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary medicine in the United States</span> Medical treatment of animals in the United States

Veterinary medicine in the United States is the performance of veterinary medicine in the United States, normally performed by licensed medical professionals, and subject to provisions of statute law which vary by state. Veterinary medicine is normally led by veterinary physicians, termed veterinarians or vets, but also by paraveterinary workers, such as veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. This can be augmented by other paraprofessionals with specific specialties, such as animal physiotherapy or dentistry, and species-relevant roles such as farriers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexandre Liautard</span> French veterinarian

Alexandre François Augustin Liautard was a French veterinarian. After graduating from the École nationale vétérinaire de Toulouse in 1856, he emigrated to the United States in 1859 to exercise his profession of veterinary practitioner in New York until 1900, when he retired and returned to France. The name of Alexandre Liautard is associated with the beginning of private veterinary education in America. Liautard was the founder and dean of the New York American Veterinary College. He participated in organizing the American Veterinary profession and founded the United States Veterinary Medical Association, now the American Veterinary Medical Association, of which he was for many years a driving force. His name is still cited in the American veterinary press as a dominant figure in the history of the profession for having defined its professional standards and missions, and been a uniting force, and as founder of the American Veterinary Review, now the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).

References

  1. ↑ Magalhães-Sant'Ana, Manuel; Lassen, Jesper; Millar, Kate M.; Sandøe, Peter; Olsson, I. Anna S. (2014). "Examining Why Ethics Is Taught to Veterinary Students: A Qualitative Study of Veterinary Educators' Perspectives". Journal of Veterinary Medical Education. 41 (4). University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress): 350–357. doi:10.3138/jvme.1113-149r. ISSN   0748-321X. PMID   24816827.
  2. ↑ Animal Welfare. Routledge. 4 February 2014. ISBN   9781135967383.
  3. ↑ Animal Welfare: Competing Conceptions and Their Ethical Implications. Springer. 27 July 2008. ISBN   9781402086199.
  4. ↑ "Animals and Ethics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy". www.iep.utm.edu. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  5. ↑ Man is the Cruelest Animal: Essays on the Human-Animal Link. Common Ground Research Networks. 28 April 2021. ISBN   9780949313461.
  6. ↑ Veterinary Ethics: Navigating Tough Cases. 5m Books. 24 May 2017. ISBN   9781912178513.
  7. ↑ Jeff Dodge (2019-04-24). "Animal ethicist Bernie Rollin's milestone: 50 years at CSU". College of Liberal Arts. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  8. ↑ "Jerrold Tannenbaum | School of Veterinary Medicine". www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  9. ↑ Veterinary Ethics: Animal Welfare, Client Relations, Competition, and Collegiality. Mosby. 1995. ISBN   9780815188407.
  10. ↑ Jessica Fragola (February 7, 2022). "Pets need vets: Be kind to both". Newsday.
  11. ↑ "Animal Welfare". AAVMC. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  12. ↑ An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases. John Wiley & Sons. 13 May 2013. ISBN   9781118704516.
  13. ↑ Veterinary News. New York State Veterinary Medical Society. 1965.
  14. ↑ Front Office Management for the Veterinary Team - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. 14 March 2014. ISBN   9780323290425.
  15. ↑ Rollin, Bernard E. (2013). An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. ISBN   9781118704516.
  16. ↑ An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases. John Wiley & Sons. 13 May 2013. ISBN   9781118704516.
  17. ↑ Rollin, B. E. "Annual Keynote Meeting Address: Animal agriculture and emerging social ethics for animals" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 15, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA". www.avma.org. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  19. ↑ Hernandez, Elein; Fawcett, Anne; Brouwer, Emily; Rau, Jeff; Turner, Patricia V. (2018-01-22). "Speaking Up: Veterinary Ethical Responsibilities and Animal Welfare Issues in Everyday Practice". Animals. 8 (1): 15. doi: 10.3390/ani8010015 . ISSN   2076-2615. PMC   5789310 . PMID   29361786.
  20. ↑ "Getting to the root of overworked and burned-out veterinary practices | American Veterinary Medical Association". www.avma.org. 2021-11-17. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
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