Ethical principles for novel therapies in veterinary practice.
OBJECTIVE
To present insights to aid decision-making about novel veterinary treatments from regulations concerning animal experimentation and human clinical medical trials.


METHODS
EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and EU Regulation 536/2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use were analysed, evaluated and "translated" into relevant principles for veterinary surgeons.


RESULTS
A number of principles are relevant, relating to treatment expectations, thresholds and objectives; client consent; minimising harms; personnel; review committees; assessment and publication.


CONCLUSIONS
These principles should assist veterinary surgeons to make good ethical decisions about novel treatments.
RSPCA, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RS.
J W
JW
Yeates
D032761:Animal Experimentation / Q000941:ethics; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000941:ethics; D000818:Animals; D026688:Bioethical Issues; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000662:veterinary; D016265:Conflict of Interest; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D007886:Legislation, Veterinary; D011643:Publishing; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000941:ethics*