Killing with kindness?

AS a veterinary student in the late 1970s I don’t think I encountered veterinary overtreatment. To the contrary, I was constantly encouraged to think about the correct way to treat one’s fellow vets and clients.

Among other things, I learnt that when dealing with cases where euthanasia was an obvious (although often unspoken) choice, one was to be entirely honest in discussing all possible options with the client; to be sympathetic but not offer false hope; always to give the option of a second opinion or referral when the animal’s condition and time allowed; and, most importantly, to do nothing that would promote or prolong an animal’s suffering.

This last admonition is in full accord with part of the oath which is taken by veterinary graduates on admission to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), that is, “above all my constant endeavour will be