What is the primary condition for a veterinarian to disclose an animal's medical record without consent?

The primary condition under which a veterinarian can disclose an animal's medical record without the owner's consent is indeed a court subpoena. When a veterinarian receives a subpoena, it is a legal order that compels them to provide specific information or documents, including medical records, to a court of law. This legal framework is established to ensure that relevant information may be available during judicial proceedings, aligning with the principle of justice.

The need for a subpoena emphasizes the balance between the duty to protect client confidentiality and the obligations toward legal compliance. Veterinarians must be careful to comply with such requests while still adhering to ethical guidelines about privacy and confidentiality.

Other options, such as approval from staff members or a client's verbal agreement, do not provide the necessary legal grounds for disclosure. Additionally, the assertion that disclosure without consent is never allowed fails to account for unavoidable legal obligations when a subpoena is presented. Therefore, the correct option aligns with the legal requirements for confidentiality in veterinary medicine.