Every so often, a situation arises in practice that puts a veterinarian in a difficult position.
A client discovers their dog is pregnant. Sometimes the pregnancy was not planned. Sometimes the owner simply changes their mind. And then the request comes:
“Doc, can we abort the puppies?”
In one recent case, the pregnancy was already around 30 days.
At first glance, some might think this is a straightforward medical procedure. But for us, it raises deeper questions: ethical, medical, and welfare considerations that cannot be ignored.
By day 30, puppies are no longer just microscopic embryos. On ultrasound, you can already see distinct fetal structures, even heartbeats. Terminating a pregnancy at this stage is not a routine decision.
In veterinary medicine, pregnancy termination is usually considered only under specific circumstances:
- When the mother’s life or health is at risk
- When there is serious maternal disease
- When severe fetal abnormalities are present
- Or in mismating cases addressed very early in gestation
Outside of these, many veterinarians feel that abortion purely for convenience crosses into serious welfare concerns.
The medications used for termination are not benign. They can cause abdominal discomfort, vomiting, restlessness, uterine contractions, and require prolonged monitoring. The mother pays a price.
That is why our role is not just to provide services, but to safeguard animal welfare. Sometimes that means explaining difficult truths to pet owners and guiding them toward more responsible options.
Often, the more humane path is to allow the pregnancy to continue, then help the owner plan responsibly for the puppies, whether through proper placement, adoption, or long-term care.
Moments like this remind us that veterinary medicine is not about choosing the easiest path.
It is about choosing the most responsible one.
And sometimes, being a good veterinarian means having the courage to say no.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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