title: Ethical dilemmas in veterinary medicine.
abstract: Veterinarians frequently encounter situations that are morally charged and potentially difficult to manage. Situation involving euthanasia, end-of-life care, economics, and inadequate provision of care create practical and moral dilemmas. Ethical tension may be attributable to differences in beliefs regarding the moral value of animals, client and veterinary responsibilities, and deciding what is best for an animal. Veterinarians can employ communication skills used in medical situations to explore the reasons underpinning ethical dilemmas and to search for solutions with clients, staff, and colleagues.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. camorgan@interchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McDonald
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D003142:Communication; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011361:Professional Competence; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000941:ethics*