I know your comment on 'do no harm' has been responded to by others, but I felt it was my duty as a veterinarian to also post a reply.
To quote the oath I myself swore to (from American Veterinary Medical Association website (www.avma.org)):
'Veterinarian's Oath
(Adopted by the House of Delegates, July 1969, amended by the Executive Board, November 1999)
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.'
In this case 'relief of animal suffering' is the section in question. 'Do no harm' is certainly a basic tenet of medicine but is not formally part of the oath. As Barbaro is, so far, not showing us signs that his discomfort is beyond medical control, then 'do no harm' actually precludes his euthanasia. After all, death itself is rather harmful. I hope this helps.
Also, as the oaths of the medical profession is a common source of confusion, here is an excerpt from the American Medical Association's position on the Hippocratic Oath (www.ama-assn.org):
'Q: What obligations does a physician have under the Hippocratic Oath?
The AMA does not have formal policy related to the Oath. Some of the tenets of the Oath represent long-standing ethical traditions that the AMA supports, while others are somewhat outdated. A May 2000 article from AMNews discusses the modern meaning of the Hippocratic Oath.
The AMA used to reprint a translation of the Oath in our Code of Medical Ethics. We still have information on the history and relation of the Oath to the AMA Code of Medical Ethics included in the preface to the Code.
Physicians may take other oaths when they begin or when they graduate from medical school. In addition, they may pledge to uphold professional standards and codes of ethics when they become members of professional associations, such as the AMA or their specialty or state medical society. For instance, every physician who is a member of the AMA must uphold the AMA’s Principles of Medical Ethics.
Because most oaths and codes are administered by voluntary associations and not by regulatory agencies (such as the state agencies that issue licenses to practice medicine), the most serious disciplinary action these voluntary associations typically can take is to expel the member physician from the association.
However, regulatory agencies that oversee physicians take allegations of unethical or unprofessional conduct very seriously, and such actions may warrant more serious disciplinary action against a physician’s license to practice. For further information on how to contact these agencies, please see the information above on how to file a complaint.'
Doc, because you're a vet, I know you see these things differently than us non-vets. I totally admire the efforts of everyone close to Barbaro to try to save him. I also know the vets at that equine hospital may have learned a great deal from his case, and that the effort to try to save him has been worth it on several levels.
However, as just an ordinary person who loves animals, what I see is a young, vital colt who has been cooped up at a veterinary hospital since last June. True, he's had his good days when he could be walked outside for short periods to graze. But he's living an exceptionally confined life for a horse. He's undergone multiple surgeries, foundered in his unbroken hind leg, and now has more difficulties with the leg that was broken.
The question has to be asked by someone: What about that colt's quality of life? Even if they are somehow able to get all four legs under him, and as sound as possible, what kind of life is that colt going to have long term?
I don't doubt the sincerity of everyone involved with that horse. I don't doubt that those closest to him love Barbaro. I also know my opinion and feelings don't mean squat. But still, I have to wonder if letting him go would be the greatest act of love at this point. I wouldn't feel this way if I thought the colt had a genuinely reasonable chance at a decent quality of life if they ever get him sound enough to leave the hospital.
"...keeping Barbaro acceptably comfortable."
I have no problem with any of the information you offered and thank you for taking the time to share it with us.
From the outset, Dr. Richardson has stressed that both he and Barbaro's owners will ONLY proceed with Barbaro's treatment if they are able to keep the horse comfortable. Or, "acceptably comfortable," as he stated in his latest release.
I don't understand the confusion over Dr. Richardson's words. They seem very clear to me.
Why is a ceiling mounted sling not an option for this horse, to absorb some of his weight?
How much longer do you think this can go on?
He is a beautiful horse, but seems hopeless now
Thanks for posting that. In your opinion, does this oath apply to situations where an otherwise healthy animal is brought in to be euthanized strictly for convenience's sake?