In Practice 23: 394-401 (2001)
© 2001 British Veterinary Association

Principles of ethical decision-making in veterinary practice

¹ The University of Bristol
² Research Associate at Bristol

VETERINARY surgeons are frequently faced with ethical dilemmas. Consideration of animal welfare and ethical issues is an essential component of good clinical practice in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article discusses the key steps involved in the ethical decision-making process. While using the ethical frameworks described may not change the actual decisions made by clinicians, an understanding of ethical issues is important for client communication, improving job satisfaction and maintaining a positive public profile - for both the individual vet and the profession at large

Note:

The authors would like to thank Peter Thornton for comments on the manuscript and Dr A. R. S. Barr, Dr J. Roe and D. Parsons for providing the photographs

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