ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The Veterinarian’s Oath declares the use of scientific knowledge and skills for ‘the relief of animal suffering’. Such commitment is more than a trivial pledge to join a fraternity. In essence, this oath declares a life-long obligation (and privilege) to act as advocates for the well-being of animals. We cannot expect to resolve all pain, but there is no excuse for suffering! In human medicine, the most common reason for patients seeing a physician is because of pain. Comparatively speaking, the physician has a jump-start on treating their patients because most of their patients are able to describe their pain. As the USA humorist and showman, Will Rogers, is noted for stating, “The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what is the matter – he’s got to just know.”
