What is the expected standard of care for veterinarians?

The expected standard of care for veterinarians is to provide care that meets the professional norms of veterinary practice. This principle ensures that veterinarians uphold the highest standards of medical care, which includes staying informed about the latest developments in veterinary medicine, following established protocols, and applying best practices in their treatment of animals. This standard reflects a commitment to professional ethics and responsibility to both animal patients and their owners.

In contrast to this standard, options such as recommending treatments for profit or prioritizing convenience for the client could compromise the patient's welfare and run counter to the ethical obligations of veterinarians. Additionally, choosing to follow personal beliefs over established professional guidelines could lead to inconsistent care that may not be in the best interest of the animals being treated. The professional norms exist to safeguard the health and wellbeing of animals and to ensure that veterinarians perform their duties with integrity and expertise.