"The Art of Veterinary Practice is the first text to explore the subjective, often controversial aspects of veterinary practice: dealing with complex and emotional client-patient relationships and formulating a personal practice philosophy. This book is designed to help students and practitioners examine their own feelings and beliefs about these issues so that they can communicate more effectively with their clients and colleagues. Written in a reader-friendly style and drawing on interviews with thousands of clients and veterinarians, the text discusses how owners and veterinarians relate to animals as well as to each other in a wide variety of practice situations." "The author discusses the financial, life-style, physical, and emotional limits of clients and points out how these may affect treatment and communication. The book also delves into the practical and emotional aspects of referrals, alternative therapies, animal rights, critically ill or injured animals, death, euthanasia, and practitioner burnout. Coming to terms with these issues will enable a veterinarian to respond in a consistent, caring, and professional manner under even the most trying circumstances."--BOOK JACKET.

The bond and behavior: the core of the art of veterinary practice -- Common human orientations toward animals -- The art of discussing money -- Life-style and the treatment process -- Special human needs -- Problematic owner-animal relationships -- The role of guilt in the treatment process -- The role of love in the treatment process -- The practitioner as God -- The practitioner as best friend -- The practitioner as facilitator -- The art of referring -- The art of alternative therapies -- The art of animal rights -- The art of treating critical illness and injury -- The art of death and dying: the patient and the client -- The art of death and dying: the practitioner -- Burnout -- The art of making choices -- Creating a workable practice philosophy.