title: Economic decisions in food animal practice: to treat or not to treat?
abstract: The food animal practitioner is faced repeatedly with the dilemma of whether to intervene with treatment or to recommend sale of an animal for salvage value. An algorithm is presented that allows a clinician to choose between intervention or sale for salvage value in cases where the economics of the decision are not obvious. The algorithm allows an objective evaluation of the economic factors that are pertinent to such a decision. These factors are the cost of intervention, the salvage value of the animal, and the prognosis for a favorable outcome following intervention. A graphic approach has also been derived which allows rapid interpretation of the algorithm in field situations.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D008462:Meat-Packing Industry / Q000191:economics*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000191:economics*