An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases

Gerald J. Pijanowski

This is a brief introduction to the theory and practice of veterinary medical ethics. The purpose is to ""provide conceptual maps of the nature and role of ethics in general and of veterinary ethics in particular."" This is a much needed book in veterinary medicine. It is written for anyone with a need to make ethical veterinary medical decisions, from beginning students to seasoned practitioners. The editor is a philosopher who has been involved with veterinary medical ethics for over 20 years and is recognized as an authority in this field. There are two sections to this book. The first is an introduction to ethics and the complexity of the moral issues that veterinary medicine presents. The editor explores society's changing views on animals and the implications for the veterinary profession. The second is a collection of case studies originally published by the editor in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. These 82 cases cover a broad range of real practice situations. This is a welcome addition to the relatively few books in print in the field of veterinary medical ethics. It is written in a wonderfully readable style.

Reviewer: Gerald J. Pijanowski, DVM, MS, PhD (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: This is a brief introduction to the theory and practice of veterinary medical ethics.
Purpose: The purpose is to "provide conceptual maps of the nature and role of ethics in general and of veterinary ethics in particular." This is a much needed book in veterinary medicine.
Audience: It is written for anyone with a need to make ethical veterinary medical decisions, from beginning students to seasoned practitioners. The editor is a philosopher who has been involved with veterinary medical ethics for over 20 years and is recognized as an authority in this field.
Features: There are two sections to this book. The first is an introduction to ethics and the complexity of the moral issues that veterinary medicine presents. The editor explores society's changing views on animals and the implications for the veterinary profession. The second is a collection of case studies originally published by the editor in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. These 82 cases cover a broad range of real practice situations.
Assessment: This is a welcome addition to the relatively few books in print in the field of veterinary medical ethics. It is written in a wonderfully readable style.

Booknews

Rollin, an acknowledged pioneer in veterinary ethics, begins his accessible introduction to ethics with an overview that covers social, personal, and professional ethics and emphasizes the welfare of companion, farm, and research animals. The 82 case studies are presented in question/commentary format and cover a wide range of common and unusual ethical dilemmas, including: farmer using illegal growth promoter; female veterinarian receiving unwelcome attention; injured, unowned animal; homeopathic treatment; anorexic client not feeding her dog; supplementing income with prescription drugs; and suspected poisoning. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

4 Stars! from Doody