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tvpjournal.com | September/October 2015 | TOday'S VeTerinary PracTice ediTOr'S nOTe 7 Cruelty happens. Veterinarians see it every day. Often it's a result of ignorance or neglect. It can be masked as sport, "training," agriculture, or discovery. And sometimes there is no excuse. When Is It Cruelty? The bow-and-arrow shooting of a cat by a veterinarian earlier this year sparked a great deal of discussion. Apparently, the species matters. For example, I wonder whether that image would have triggered the same response if the victim had been a coyote or a fox, arguably species with a similar level of sentience to that of a cat. And possibly even less reaction would have occurred if it had been a groundhog or a squirrel. Compare that Facebook post to similar images of a trophy fsh caught on a hook, or the head of a recently shot 10-point buck that is being proudly held up for display by a hunter. Something about the fact that the victim was a domestic cat really seemed to shock us, and it certainly grabbed the attention of the social media masses. Another professional recently experienced an even more emotional and persistent backlash when his "big-game hunting" became hot news. The media and public reaction to the killing of the much-loved lion, Cecil, by a Minnesota dentist resulted in closure of his dental clinic and the need for him to go into hiding for his own safety. Are domesticated species more worthy than wildlife in that regard? Are treasured species, such as the African big cats, in the same category? From the point of view of the public, it seems that they are. Is that right? I don't know. And that doesn't even begin to address the Pandora's box of questions about whether hunting or fshing should be categorized under the label of "cruelty." h eld to a hIgher standard Veterinarians are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard than the public and other professionals with regard to infiction of cruelty on animals. I think most of us would agree that this is reasonable— we're supposed to be educated about animal welfare—and most of us chose this profession due to our love of animals. I'm sure the Texas veterinarian now regrets posting her picture of the cat. It was a thoughtless impulse—a moment of poor judgment—without consideration that it could affect her career or the image of our profession. It's certainly not the frst time a medical professional has been in trouble for posting the wrong thing on Facebook. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, some doctors posted selfes of themselves laughing with injured patients in the background; others posted pictures of themselves with guns or alcoholic beverages while wearing scrubs. Those postings were widely denounced and considered a violation of the Hippocratic Oath. Other doctors and nurses have lost their jobs due to social media postings venting about their frustrations with specifc patients. respeCt, hope, trust In my opinion, the reaction to the Facebook post of the dead cat was not really about cruelty. It was about respect. The comment that accompanied the photograph came across as almost gloating; pride about the kill. That disrespect triggered a massive and visceral reaction. I can't put it better than the words of a good friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Liz Arbittier: "All life has value. When we have to take a life, it should be done with as little pain and distress as possible, with respect for the dignity associated with that life. As veterinarians, we should never lose sight of that." Clients come to us with hope. They ask us to respect the value of their pets' lives; they trust us as we carry their beloved pets out of sight into the back room of the hospital. Each owner has an expectation that we will treat his or her pet with respect—not scruff it too hard, not slam it on the table while under anesthesia, and not have a cavalier attitude to ending its life if we recommend euthanasia. Betrayal of Trust Lesley G. King, MVB, Diplomate ACVECC & ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) University of Pennsylvania ANIMAX ® OINTMENT VETERINARY nystatin-neomycin sulfate-thiostrepton-triamcinolone acetonide ointment For use in Dogs and Cats Only Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert) Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Description: ANIMAX OINTMENT combines nystatin, neomycin sulfate, thiostrepton and triamcinolone acetonide in a non-irritating polyethylene and mineral oil base. Each mL contains: nystatin ............................................................ 100,000 units neomycin sulfate equivalent to neomycin base ............2.5 mg thiostrepton.......................................................... 2,500 units triamcinolone acetonide ..............................................1.0 mg INDICATIONS: ANIMAX OINTMENT is particularly useful in the treatment of acute and chronic otitis of varied etiologies, in interdigital cysts in cats and dogs and in anal gland infections in dogs. The preparation is also indicated in the management of dermatologic disorders characterized by infammation and dry or exudative dermatitis, particularly those caused, complicated, or threatened by bacterial or candidal (Candida albicans) infections. It is also of value in eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis; and as an adjunct in the treatment of dermatitis due to parasitic infestation. WARNINGS: Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or by injection to animals may induce the frst stage of parturition if used during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta, and metritis. Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs, rabbits and rodents during pregnancy have resulted in cleft palate in the ofspring. In dogs, other congenital anomalies have resulted: deformed forelegs, phocomelia, and anasarca. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. PRECAUTIONS: Before instilling any medication into the ear, examine the external ear canal thoroughly to be certain the tympanic membrane is not ruptured in order to avoid the possibility of transmitting infection to the middle ear as well as damaging the cochlea or vestibular apparatus from prolonged contact. If hearing or vestibular dysfunction is noted during the course of treatment, discontinue the use of ANIMAX OINTMENT. ANIMAX OINTMENT is not intended for the treatment of deep abscesses or deep- seated infections such as infammation of the lymphatic vessels. Parenteral antibiotic therapy is indicated in these infections. There is some evidence that corticosteroids can be absorbed after topical application and cause systemic efects. Therefore, an animal receiving ANIMAX OINTMENT therapy should be observed closely for signs such as polydipsia, polyuria, and increased weight gain. ANIMAX OINTMENT is not generally recommended for the treatment of deep or puncture wounds or serious burns. Sensitivity to neomycin may occur. If redness, irritation, or swelling persists or increases, discontinue use. Do not use if pus is present since the drug may allow the infection to spread. Avoid ingestion. Oral or parenteral use of corticosteroids (depending on dose, duration of use, and specifc steroid) may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production following drug withdrawal. ADVERSE REACTIONS: SAP and SGPT (ALT) enzyme elevations, polydipsia and polyuria, vomiting, and diarrhea (occasionally bloody) have been observed following parenteral or systemic use of synthetic corticosteroids in dogs. Cushing's syndrome has been reported in association with prolonged or repeated steroid therapy in dogs. Hearing loss, with varying degrees of recovery, has been reported with the use of ANIMAX OINTMENT. If hearing dysfunction is noted during the course of treatment with ANIMAX OINTMENT, discontinue its use. Distributed by: Dechra Veterinary Products 7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525 Overland Park, KS 66211, USA NADA 140-847, Approved by FDA Continued on page 9