By Karen Hibell, The College of Animal Welfare
Time in India certainly opens the eyes and provides the opportunity to gain a greater awareness of different perspectives, if you remain open to listening and learning.
What could be viewed as a standard approach in the UK has led to many clinical discussions and teaching sessions to share skills and thoughts based upon clinical decision making and animal welfare. It would be fair to say that both sides have been enlightened by one another’s viewpoint.
Two examples that are commonly encountered are amputation and euthanasia as treatment options; or not as the case may be. Both procedures deeply embedded within religion, culture and law, but also the reputation of the university within the local communities. These two procedures may be considered as first line treatment options within western society and UK clinical practice; however this is not necessarily the case in India. With these being considered for critically ill patients, after all other avenues have been explored in some cases.
The direct input from the veterinary staff (clinicians and veterinary students; the future of the profession) here in Kerala only highlights some of the many issues that are faced within this beautiful country.