OBJECTIVES

To present insights to aid decision-making about novel veterinary treatments from regulations concerning animal experimentation and human clinical medical trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and EU Regulation 536/2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use were analysed, evaluated and "translated" into relevant principles for veterinary surgeons.

RESULTS

A number of principles are relevant, relating to treatment expectations, thresholds and objectives; client consent; minimising harms; personnel; review committees; assessment and publication.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These principles should assist veterinary surgeons to make good ethical decisions about novel treatments.