Ethicists' commentary on decision-making in response to vaccination reactions and veterinarians taking leave
Ethical question of the month, July 2025
You are a solo practitioner and have a show horse patient that experienced a severe and ongoing reaction to a routine vaccination. The vaccine manufacturer provided some partial compensation for the event, but the costs of care are ongoing and are not covered. The client is very frustrated and has made mention of legal action. You would continue to care for the horse but, unfortunately, this event coincides with your overdue departure on maternity leave. The other veterinary services in the area are declining new client requests and are not willing to take on a potential problem case. The owner is unable and/or unwilling to afford a referral to a distant referral hospital. You can’t help but feel responsible and are worried about the outcome for this horse.
What do you do?
Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe, & Dan Weary comment on this dilemma and you can read it here: Ethicists’ commentary on decision-making in response to vaccination reactions and veterinarians taking leave