Euthanasia

Euthanasia… it is a touchy subject. A lot of people don’t like discussing it. It has a stigma to it. People assume that if you are euthanizing an animal you are just giving up on them or that you don’t care anymore.

These are the many reasons why veterinarians see animals for euthanasia that probably should have been put to sleep much sooner. We as humans project our emotions onto these animals and feel like we are letting them down but in return we are actually letting them suffer.

As veterinarians we don’t want animals to suffer but we also need to guide owners towards the best options.

Euthanasia is not cruel. By definition euthanasia means easy death or painless death. We are able to give this gift to suffering animals when their bodies are no longer able to function.  Euthanasia is not giving up either. It is hard to convince owners sometimes that the best option is euthanasia and it’s even harder to convince rescues that euthanasia is the best option.

On a daily or even weekly basis rescues bring in animals that were either found or surrendered to them. These rescues try hard to help every single animal they have under their care.

The hardest part is that volunteers and laypeople typically staff these rescues and when faced with decisions regarding an animal’s health, they don’t always fully comprehend the repercussions of their decisions based on their goal of helping save every animal.

While they focus all of their efforts on one animal they may be missing the bigger picture.

Here are a few examples.

1. A local rescue presents a dog with a fractured rear leg, severe arthritis, emaciated, and heartworm positive. The dog is 14 years old and is also intact. The rescue wants to do everything to save this dog. The fractured leg will need surgical repair. The dog will need to be neutered as well. Because of the heartworm disease, surgery is going to be complicated because the animal is already showing signs of heart failure.

If the dog makes it through those surgeries and heartworm treatment it now has to be on chronic NSAIDs for severe arthritis and pain. These treatments, even with discounts for the rescue, can range anywhere between 3500-6000 dollars depending on area. The rescue wants to pursue treatment because they don’t want this animal to die.

Because of the cost of treatments it bleeds the rescue fund almost dry and while this animal is getting help there are now several other animals that are denied rescue help because of lack of funds.

2. A rescue takes in an owner surrendered dog that has a history of aggression. The dog has been to several behaviorists, trainers, and households. It is currently on behavioral medications but still managed to become aggressive and attack the prior owners son and killed their cat.

The rescue doesn’t want this dog to suffer so they take it in and want to find it a “good” home. After several failed attempts they decide they are just going to have the foster family keep it as an outside dog since it seems “happy” tied to a kennel and won’t have to be euthanized.

3. A rescue brings in a litter of kittens to evaluate. The mom cat died unexpectedly and the kittens don’t seem to be doing well. The kittens are 8 weeks of age but are covered in fleas, are half the weight they should be, and all have enlarged abdomens.

On further inspection the enlarged abdomens are caused by a yellow-tinged fluid, which usually indicates FIP (a non-curable disease). The rescue wants to save these kittens even though their prognosis is grave.

As owners of pets, we are their legal guardians. We are their advocates. We want them to be happy and healthy. Yet too many times we allow them to suffer because of our misconceptions regarding euthanasia.

As veterinarians we try to guide you to make the best decision for your pet and will always offer euthanasia as a treatment plan, not a way out. Euthanasia isn’t cruel or selfish- it is an option we are able to give our best friends in their time of need.

Emotion plays such a huge role in rescues and it is hard not to get attached to everything that comes in. But in a lot of situations they need to realize that to save many you may have to make that hard decision to euthanize one.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

We all know that there are people who don’t enjoy the holidays.  But did you know that veterinary staff members often dread the holiday season? Why? Well, there’s an odd phenomenon that starts anywhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving and sometimes drags on through March or April – the euthanasia explosion.

There are lots of reasons why there is an increase in pet euthanasia during the holiday season. It’s colder (except here in Florida for some reason), so pets with arthritis or who are very thin are often worse when the temperature drops. There is the stress of changes to the home – decorations, work schedules, visitors.

Pets can be exposed to toxins and foreign bodies that aren’t usually in their environment. Their owners are often very stressed, even if they love the holidays. Stress can cause a flare up of old disease or bring on new diseases in both pets and people. Finances are also pretty tight for many during this festive, gift-laden season. Pet owners sometimes try to wait on veterinary care until after all the chaos (and expense) is over.

Whatever the reason, veterinary teams are performing euthanasia at a much higher rate than usual. Patients we have loved and sometimes known their entire lives are passing. While we band together to provide a peaceful end for our beloved patients and their families, inside we are feeling the weight of grief. For while nothing compares to the loss of your own pet, helping multiple families through this process takes a toll. Compassion fatigue (secondary trauma from helping sick and injured patients and their families) can bring veterinary professionals down, especially when they are trying to navigate their own holiday stresses.

I have some advice for both pet parents and veterinary teams during this time.

Be kind – both halves of a pet’s team of caretakers are under pressure. We all need to remember patience and empathy. Everyone has the same goal: to help the pet. Today I was touched when I thanked a client for her patience because I ran late after performing a euthanasia. She told me she was grateful her pet wasn’t in that position and was happy to sit tight while I helped a grieving family. I didn’t have to apologize for being late, and she didn’t have to give me a gracious response. But because both things happened, we were able to find common ground and help her cat with no conflict standing in our way.

Consider in-home euthanasia – veterinary teams and clients should check and see if anyone offers in-home services in their area. I urge all pet owners to consider having their pets pass at home. It is much less stressful for most pets and clients to not travel to a busy veterinary hospital. So many clients have no idea that house call euthanasia services exist. At the time of a pet’s passing, having options is important. I get referrals from veterinarians all the time, and their clients are grateful that they had the option, even if they don’t take it. To find a list of providers in your area, visit inhomepeteuthanasia.com

Plan ahead – a planned euthanasia is the exception to the rule. Most clients call me the day they need me. We should be staying in close touch with each other when your pet is very ill. We should be talking about the possibility of euthanasia any time there is a serious or chronic illness. The more communication we have, the better off everyone will be. Clients get the support they need and we have a better chance of preventing suffering. If you know a client has a pet that is stressed in the office, consider prescribing some gabapentin, trazodone or other good anti-anxiety drug (NOT ACEPROMAZINE) to use before euthanasia. That way, whether the client comes to you or elects home euthanasia, they can do something to help their pet be less fearful. Leave a little room in the schedule for the inevitable last-minute euthanasia appointment so the team can provide a good passing.

Treat for pain – recognizing pain in pets can be difficult. If your veterinarian says your pet is in pain, please believe them and give their pain medication as directed. Here is some information on pain for pet owners: //ivapm.org/for-the-public/animals-and-pain-articles/ Veterinary teams – please use a multimodal approach to pain control. And please, please, please put down the tramadol. It has been shown to be a poor pain medication for dogs. It does make them sleepy, which can look like pain control. The IVAPM can help you find a better pain control plan. I talk to at least 3 owners a week whose pets are painful and have no pain medications or tramadol is their only medication. We can do better.

“Watch and see” is a gamble. Trying to limp along a pet’s illness until January can have dire consequences. We may be unable to treat or it may be far more expensive to treat once the disease process has progressed. If your pet is having problems, at least contact your veterinarian for advice rather than hope things don’t become critical. Remember that it is against the law for veterinarians to prescribe drugs for a pet they’ve never seen or haven’t seen in a long time. Be sure to keep your pet up-to-date on exams. Vet teams – take the time to figure out how to keep pets as comfortable as possible if their owners can’t or won’t bring them in.

Remember that a pet’s “team” consists of owners and vet professionals working together. We aren’t at war with each other. When it comes to end-of-life care, all of us need to be extra sensitive and try to keep our strong feelings from making us say or do something we’ll regret.

Don’t forget to practice good self-care. None of us can take good care of others if we are not taking good care of ourselves. If you are having trouble, please seek help. www.APLB.org can help with pet loss support before and after a loss. Vet teams, visit this site. Best wishes and many thanks to everyone caring for pets this holiday season.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

Ask any veterinarian when they euthanize the most pets, and they will tell you “during the Winter holidays.”  In fact, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, the nation’s largest provider of in-home end of life care for pets, will see an increase of 20-50% in home visits for euthanasia or hospice care the weeks following both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  You may not imagine there being a season for this, but there is, for a few reasons:

1. “I just want one more Christmas with him.”

Holidays are a time for family to come together, and pets are sometimes more appreciated than that one uncle that always complains about the food! Kids spend hours playing with the dogs, cats, or other companion animals, and we watch these furry sidekicks age with them over the years.  As a child, I remember being just as excited to see Sandy, my Grandparents’ terrier, once a year as I did the human family members! As Sandy got older, I wanted her to be a part of one last holiday with us, she was such an important presence to me at their house.

Hospice care is hugely valuable at this time. Families know their elderly pet is reaching the end of their life, and they want to spend just one more holiday together.  Hospice allows that to happen; we help their pet remain as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, coaching the family through the euthanasia decision based on the medical condition of the pet and the family’s wishes.

2. “My family will finally be able to say goodbye together.”

Children come home from college, relatives come to visit, family and friends are finally together. For some pets, especially those outgoing elderly Golden Retrievers or Labradors, this is pure heaven!  Having family gathered around, sharing memories of a life well-lived may be the best “goodbye” any of us can imagine.  And for some lucky pets, this is how they make their exit from their failing bodies.

Some of the most peaceful experiences I’ve had with families include everyone gathered around, sharing stories, giving a toast to their pet, followed by the delivery of that final euthanasia medication. Then everyone hugs each other, and I leave the home knowing their support system will get them through the grief of loss,  and it’s simply beautiful.

3.“Wow, he looks way worse than the last time I saw him.”

Another interesting phenomenon happens when long distance family and friends see an elderly pet for the first time after an extended absence. They may be happy to see the aging furry family member, but at some point make the comment, “wow, he looks way worse than the last time I saw him.”  This might be met with guilt or surprise by the primary care taker, who sees the pet everyday.  This realization sometimes brings to light the rapid decline of the pet, and the decision to say goodbye becomes easier and more supported than it had been previously.

4. “I’m so worried about her being alone while we’re gone.”

This is a valid, and surprisingly common concern for pet parents during holiday travel.  With an extended absence away from a senior or geriatric pet, owners may feel guilty or stressed about asking someone, even a close friend, to watch him/her.  In some cases, they may even be considering saying a final goodbye before they leave town simply because the stress is too much on their elderly pet, and/or an immense burden on a caregiver.  No, this is not a selfish decision, and sometimes this holiday time away from home is a safe, supported environment to grieve with family and friends.

Losing an elderly pet is never easy, especially during the holiday season.  There are always numerous factors affecting a pet’s quality of life, and also the pet parent’s quality of life. These are all valid concerns and must be weighed within the boundaries of the disease process that the pet is experiencing; some diseases can be extended with hospice care, some cannot.  Talk to your clients about their options, fears, and concerns.  There is also a great deal of information including video tips and quality of life scales, on my website, LapofLove.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Dr Dani McVety is co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, the nations largest network of veterinarians dedicated solely to end-of-life care. She is also a certified body language instructor and frequently writes and speaks on related topics empowering listeners to provide the highest standards of care and communication. Dr. McVety and Lap of Love have been featured on numerous local, national, and professional media outlets including The New York Times, CNN, The Doctors Show, and many more.

The worst feeling in the world is euthanizing a patient. It is heartbreaking to listen to the owner cry. It is hard to watch the tears fall and see them at their most vulnerable. Before they walk out the door after saying good bye to their best friend, I have had many owners say to me, “This must be the worst part of your job. I don’t know how you do it.”

To be honest, it truly is the most difficult part of my job, and it has taken me many years to make peace with how I handle euthanasia. I came to the conclusion a few years ago that I wouldn’t just be the technician assisting the veterinarian for euthanasia. I was going to embrace it. I was going to give 100% of myself to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. I was also going to allow myself to be open, vulnerable and genuine with a client. I am sure that those sound like simple things. But truly embracing euthanasia is anything but simple.

It starts with the patient. When a pet comes in to be euthanized, I think about how this is their last moments on this earth. They shouldn’t be scared, anxious or stressed.  I am a huge advocate for sedation for euthanasia. I discuss giving a sedative with the owner and allow them the ability to choose if they feel their pet needs it. Very rarely will an owner decline sedation. I explain how it allows the pet to be calm, less anxious. This is a stressful time for the pet and the owner. I also explain seeing their pet relaxed, may help the owners feel more relaxed in the situation.  I also try my best to provide warm blankets, lots of pets and definitely lots of treats for the pet.

This ends with the owner and how they perceive their experience.  Some owners have had previous traumatic experiences with euthanasias.

Some owners haven’t experienced having to put a pet to sleep.  The most important thing I can do is make sure that this is a smooth, peaceful and comforting event for them. I will talk with them about what consists of.  I explain that their pet will peacefully fall asleep. I will answer any questions they may have.  I provide them with as much time as they would like to spend with their pet before we proceed. I also will listen to any stories and help them navigate any guilt that they are feeling. I will provide an endless supply of tissues.  I will put my hand on their shoulder or give a hug if needed. I will walk them out to their car and tell them to “Take care.”  I will do this all holding back tears, although sometimes they will fall.

Euthanasia is the ugliest part of our job. But we can make it a beautiful thing by being present, supportive, open and vulnerable for our clients. We can give them the peace of knowing they made a necessary choice. Not every client will remember their first puppy visit at a clinic. But all of them will remember having to put their pet to sleep. It will be burned into their memory. Do your best to make it as smooth of a transition as possible.  So to truly embrace euthanasia, you have to always give everything you have to give emotionally to your patients and clients.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

About the Author

Jade is a licensed technician of 9 years who lives in Port Orchard, Washington. She enjoys emergency and critical cases, dentistry and creating a bond with her clients and team. During her off time she is busy keeping up with her two crazy Basenjis!