Unorthodox medicines and methods - a reply

Authors: Gething M
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 5, pp 77, May 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Ethics, Treatment/therapy, Alternate remedies/homeopathy, Veterinary profession
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Dr Piper has hit the nail on the head when he says that all practitioners use unorthodox procedures from time to time, and are therefore now obliged to ensure that the client is aware of this and also understands what is being done. This is an extension of Section VII A of the current Guide to Professional Conduct (Responsibilities with Animal Remedies). I do not believe it would be considered unreasonable by the majority of the profession. The addition does not, as Dr Piper appears to surmise, imply a lack of trust in the “integrity of its members to make a professional judgement”. Indeed, the opening sentence reads “Every veterinarian has the right to exercise his or her professional judgment in the choice of a method of diagnosis and/or treatment, subject to certain conditions”. These conditions, relating to the owner`s understanding and consent, and the animal`s welfare, are then explained. A “limited and biased sample of the profession” is, I believe, an inaccurate way to describe those asked for comment on the draft addition. All special interest branches were invited to make submissions, which most did. In addition certain individuals known to have a special interest in the area were approached, including the officers of the New Zealand Holistic Veterinary Group and a number of its members. The final draft was prepared after careful consideration…

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