Going too far? Overtreatment in veterinary medicine on the agenda at BVA Live

With advances in veterinary technology and an increase in owner expectations around 'gold standard' treatment for their pets, veterinary professionals are invited to discuss when treatment becomes excessive and unnecessary and how they can make sure that the best treatment for a medical condition is actually the best option for clients and the animals under our care.

When is enough, enough? How do we define overtreatment? will see BVA Senior Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux join Caroline Allen, Director at Pet Lighthouse, to discuss when vets should draw the line on treating an animal. The session will be run in association with BVA’ charity, the Animal Welfare Foundation. 

The session comes as BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey statistics reveal that 61% of small animal vets have encountered owners requesting overtreatment for their pets, as a result of many factors including humanisation of companion animals.

It’s just one of the thought-provoking debates running in the BVA Interactive Zone during BVA Live next month, where delegates joins guest speakers to discuss ethical dilemmas, contentious issues and the topics that currently matter the most to the veterinary profession. 

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 

“Advances in technology mean that we can do so many amazing things in veterinary medicine now, but the CMA investigation has spotlighted the increasing tension between the desire of owners for these types of interventions versus the realities of the cost and potential animal welfare harms. While for some owners and animals, advanced treatments can result in positive outcomes, there can also be significant risks for both. Join us at BVA Live to discuss how we can ensure treatment is proportionate and necessary for the animals under our care and how we can judge when enough is enough.”  

When is enough, enough? How do we define overtreatment?  takes place from 1.30pm to 2.15pm on 12 June in the BVA Interactive Zone at BVA Live, Birmingham. 

See the full BVA Live programme. 

BVA Members are entitled to fully funded BVA Live tickets. Tickets can be booked here.