Veterinary Medical Ethics

Even prior to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada you received regular queries regarding the use of cannabinoids to treat dogs and cats. You have been careful to explain that there is little research on the use of cannabis-based products to treat dogs and cats. Nevertheless, owners regale you with stories from friends and relatives whose arthritic or epileptic pet became asymptomatic following treatment with a cannabinoid product. Commonly these stories include the fact that until the cannabinoid was used, the family’s veterinarian had been unable to relieve the animal’s suffering. It is apparent some clients believe you will not even provide a dosage because you wish to protect your prescription drug sales. Today you are treating a dog with an apparent cannabis overdose after the owners decided to experiment with products and dosages on their own. The testimonials on the Internet are winning out over your professional conservatism. How should you respond