A locum veterinary surgeon is asked to treat a tooth abscess in a rabbit by lancing the lesion but is aware that this is no longer considered an appropriate treatment. However, he/she does not have the equipment, time or expertise needed to carry out en bloc excision of the soft tissue with curetting of the infected bone. In a series on ethical dilemmas in routine practice, the author examines the options for the veterinary surgeon asked to carry out a procedure, and suggests trying to persuade the owner and employer to refer the animal.
In Practice 30 (4): 232.
Abstract reproduced by kind permission of Veterinary Practice magazine.