Vets, you deserve my apologies | Adrian Chiles

In my previous column, I accused veterinarians of upselling' remedies for profit, and I am sorry. Vets are lovely - but their corporate employers, not so much

I owe vets an apology. I wrote something about the commercialisation of veterinary care a couple of weeks ago which did the vast majority of them a great disservice. I would have apologised sooner, but I was away on holiday last week. If it's any consolation to those furious with me, my break was marred by worries about how I'd find a vet to treat my dog if he got ill. I suppose I could have sent him in alone with a note and some cash tucked into his collar.

A number of clarifications are necessary. I should have made clear that almost every vet I have had the pleasure of meeting was exactly that - a pleasure to meet. Mostly not long out of veterinary school, they have been kind, patient, clever and plainly motivated by a love of, and desire to care for, animals. On reflection, this sheer fondness for their patients is what separates vets from doctors. But I've made enough enemies in the field of medicine lately, so best I don't go there.

Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster, writer and Guardian columnist

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