Doctors pressed into animal action

Vets at work: Could doctors step in?

Doctors are increasingly being asked to treat pets and other animals, suggests evidence from the lawyers who defend them.

But there are fears that human physicians could get themselves into hot water if they stray too far into the veterinary field.

The UK's Medical Defence Union is more used to receiving calls from doctors facing disciplinary or legal action.

However, it says that all kinds of doctors are being pressurised to turn their hands to sickly beasts of all varieties.

One was even asked to use his specialist skills to treat a tiger at a local zoo.

It says that doctors preparing to branch out should make sure they are properly insured in case anything goes wrong.

Special skills

Emma Sedgwick, from the MDU, said: "We have received a number of calls from doctors recently who want to know what their legal and ethical position is if they are asked to treat an animal.

"The ask if it is OK to help the neighbour's cat that has been knocked down by a car or to assist the local farmer with a lambing emergency.

"We don't know why more doctors are seeking our advice - perhaps with the rising cost of vet's bills, they are tempted to help out with a bit of DIY veterinary practice."

She said that in some cases, it was often the case that even skilled vets did not have particular specialist skills needed by the animal.

Practice on humans is covered by various legislation - and is regulated by the General Medical Council.

Different laws

However, doctors planning animal work will find that different rules and legislation covers it.

In particular, only qualified and registered vets are allowed to carry out surgery on animals - only in very carefully-defined circumstances can non-vets treat animals.

"Doctors may carry out treatment at the request of a registered vet, for example.

"This has been arranged for exotic creatures at the zoo, but is extremely unlikely in the case of the bunny next door."

The MDU says that any vet work is unlikely to be indemnified by them - or the NHS.

Doctors, in fact, are advised to restrict their work to the NHS patients in their surgeries or hospitals - guidelines suggest they should not even treat themselves or their own families.