In special circumstances, what is the determining factor for deviating from AVMA guidelines?

In special circumstances, the best interest of the animal serves as the determining factor for deviating from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) guidelines. This principle emphasizes the welfare and humane treatment of animals in research and other contexts. The AVMA guidelines are established to provide standard procedures that ensure humane care and management of animals, but there are scenarios where specific conditions or individual animal needs require adjustments.

Prioritizing the best interest of the animal aligns with the ethical obligations of researchers and animal care personnel to consider the well-being of the animal above all else. For instance, certain health issues or behavioral considerations may necessitate different approaches that are not strictly outlined in the standard guidelines. This allows for flexibility in decision-making based on compassionate consideration of each animal's unique circumstances.

Other options, such as cost, institutional decisions, or the method's speed, do not hold the same ethical weight regarding animal welfare and might not justify deviations from established practices. Thus, in cases where standard guidelines may not suffice, focusing on the animal's best interest becomes paramount to ensure humane treatment.