Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest and Competing Interests

By David W. Ramey, DVM

Some of the more difficult and contentious ethical seas to navigate in equine practice involve the various conflicts of interest and competing interests that equine practitioners regularly encounter. For example, the ethical charge “put the horse first” may sometimes come into conflict with an owner or trainer’s desire to win a championship or race. In such cases, the ethical concerns on the part of the veterinarian about the potential for increased chance of injury for horse and rider may not be shared by other parties.