Just because we can does it mean we should? How to talk about your ethical standpoint with your vet

Veterinary ethics can be complex and incredibly personal. Would you do chemotherapy for your pet? Would you do surgery in your older pet? Or would you do a complex fracture repair on your pet? Have your pet in an intensive care unit? Of course, in reality it is not possible to answer any of these questions definitively. It would depend on you, your pet and the specifics of the situation at the very least. Not to mention the chances of a positive outcome and potential and likelihood of side effects. 

Stop! Time to think

There are times where owners can feel on a conveyor belt of examination, diagnostics and treatment options. Sometimes it can be worth stopping and thinking. Just because I can, does it mean I should? But when you’ve thought this question, how do you broach discussing it with your vet? 

Communicate effectively

The key as in many situations is clear, effective communication. It can be helpful to invest in having an existing relationship of trust with your vet to aid these complex, nuanced discussions. 

Take time

Time can also be a massive ally. Perhaps you need to ask for an extended consultation to give yourself time to raise your concerns. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the questions

It can be effective at the first consultation to raise your concern as a question at first and use the first consultation as an information gathering exercise. Be direct. ‘I’m worried about whether the next phase is the right step for my pet.’ Then ask the things that are concerning you. 

Remember that sometimes these questions don’t have answers

Sometimes we don’t have good studies of likely outcomes, sometimes there are outcomes that we cannot predict and sometimes unexpected things occur but raising your concerns can be the only possible start to a conversation that gets you in a more informed place to ask a decision. 

Ask about other options

Remember if you don’t like the options you have then ask if there are any other ones. Your vet is there to help you and it may require creative thinking to come up with one suitable for your situation so keep asking. Sometimes we have to remember to include euthanasia in these options. Sad and distressing as it may be as an owner to consider sometimes this is an effective way of avoiding a pet suffering. But remember, your vet is there to help you decide, not to tell you what to do.

The importance of not being judgemental

Non-judgement in these situations is key on both sides from the vet and from the owner. In complex ethical decisions there are often multiple reasonable, considered, outcomes. It can be helpful when explaining your position to focus on your individual stance and your desire for a route forward for your pet rather than attacking another set of options that have been suggested. It’s much easier to say “oh that’s not right” than it is to decide what is the right thing to do! Sometimes time can be lost debating the validity of one approach when you know this isn’t the right approach for you and your pet. 

We can’t know what our pets want

Of course one thing that adds complexity to these questions is the fact we can’t ask our pets directly for their consent. If ever you feel unsure about raising your concerns to a Vet it can be helpful to remember your role is to advocate for your pet. By raising your concerns you are safeguarding their welfare and ensuring that you have the best approach moving forward that you possibly can in your own unique situation. 

Further reading