Is euthanasia the most common ethical dilemma vets face in their practice?
Dr. Rubin: Yes. Too often people get pets without realizing that it may be a minimum of a 15-year responsibility. Before you get a pet, think of the responsibility. Dr. Schoen: It is the most common ethical dilemma, but cosmetic surgery–ear trimming and declawing–are also common ethical dilemmas. Euthanasia is a real dilemma for me. I once asked Buddhist Llama Amchuck Rinpoche about euthanasia, and he said it all depends on the intent. If it’s to relieve suffering, it’s not unreasonable. However, there are those who say that the animal’s karma is to go to the end.
