Ethical dilemmas encountered by small animal veterinarians: characterisation, responses, consequences and beliefs regarding euthanasia

Abstract

Small animal veterinarians' opinions were investigated regarding the frequency and nature of ethical dilemmas encountered, beliefs regarding euthanasia and balancing client and animal interests, prevalence and value of ethics training and proposals to mitigate the stressful effects of ethical dilemmas. The majority (52 per cent) of 484 respondents in the USA indicated via an online survey experiencing an ethical dilemma regarding the interests of clients and those of their patients at least weekly. Scenarios involving client financial concerns were commonly reported causes of ethical conflicts. While only 20 per cent of respondents indicated that other practitioners prioritise patient interests, 50 per cent of respondents characterised their own behaviour as prioritising patients. Most respondents (52 per cent) reported that ethical dilemmas are the leading cause, or are one of many equal causes, of work-related stress. Less experienced practitioners, general practitioners and associate veterinarians were more likely to encounter situations they defined as ethical dilemmas, and female respondents were more likely to find ethical dilemmas stressful. Most small animal veterinarians experience ethical dilemmas regularly, which contribute to moral stress. Results suggested that most small animal practitioners believe that greater awareness of moral stress and providing training in ethical theories and tools for coping with ethical dilemmas can ameliorate moral stress.

Incidence of presenting complaints and diagnoses in insured Australian dogs

“…In addition, cost, disease type, ethical considerations, logistic-or owner-imposed constraints may favour empirical treatment. Our findings are consistent with a survey study by Kipperman et al ,27 who found that 60.5% of questioned US veterinarians resort to empirical treatment at least a few times a week, multiple times per day or once per day due to client financial limitations. Our findings are also consistent with research from Robinson et al , 9 who observed 3,196 primary care consultations with dogs, cats and rabbits.…”

The Responsibility of Veterinarians to Address Companion Animal Obesity

“…One of the fundamental questions facing veterinarians is whether their primary allegiance is to the animal or to the pet owner. In a recent study, only 20% of small-animal veterinarians indicated that other practitioners prioritize the patients’ interests, and only 50% of practitioners characterized their own behavior as prioritizing their patients [ 49 ]. One barrier discouraging the animal advocacy position is economic; the veterinarian is dependent on the pet owner who pays for the veterinary services [ 50 ].…”

DVM students report higher psychological distress than the Australian public, medical students, junior medical officers and practicing veterinarians

“…A US study found that female students also experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, lower levels of life satisfaction, and lower levels of general health compared to male students . Gender difference in stress levels is likely to be multifactorial and higher stress levels associated with female gender could be due to other confounding factors such as being more empathetic which can lead to greater emotional burden . A study of German veterinarians also reported that women were significantly more concerned with a good working atmosphere and family friendly arrangements (indicators of job satisfaction) compared to men .…”

“…Other difficult clinical decisions such as convenience euthanasia of a healthy animal and financial limitations of the client can cause great moral distress . Veterinarians reported that their training did not adequately prepare them to manage ethically challenging situations . As ethically challenging situations may lead to moral stress or moral distress, preparing veterinarians to navigate ethically challenging situations might be helpful.…”