Euthanasia in Dogs and Cats
In some geriatric or gravely ill pets (those with incurable diseases) there may come a time where the quality of the animal’s life deteriorates or the animals discomfort has become difficult to alleviate and euthanasia may be the only humane option. Euthanasia may be defined as the act of inducing humane death in an animal. The purpose of this discussion is to describe what you might expect if your pet is euthanized and to discuss the options for your pet’s aftercare/memorialization.
The decision to euthanize a beloved pet is never an easy one. It should be based on a number of factors including your veterinarian’s judgment and your own observations as to changes in your pet’s behavior. Some owner’s have misgivings or feelings of guilt in coming to a decision which is understandable. However, when an animal’s prognosis has become certain most owner’s wish to alleviate their friend’s suffering/distress and allow them to die with respect and dignity.
Once the decision to euthanize a pet has been made an appointment is made at the clinic. If possible these appointments are scheduled at times when families will have some privacy and quiet. The owner’s will be asked to sign a consent form for the procedure. If the owners would like to be present for the euthanasia the pet is usually taken to the treatment area where an intravenous catheter is placed to allow for easy intravenous access during the procedure with minimal stress. If the pet is fractious they may need to be sedated prior to catheter placement. Once the catheter is in place the owner/family is brought to the pet so they can be present for the injections. Generally, an intravenous sedative is given first to calm/relax the patient and then a lethal injection of a barbiturate anesthetic is given intravenously. This results in rapid loss of consciousness with no discomfort. Death is verified by the veterinarian auscultating the animal’s heart. Sometimes after the animal has died the muscles may twitch, they may have some agonal breaths and vocalizations, and they usually urinate and defecate. Their eyes do not close. Owner’s who do not wish to be present can leave their pet at the clinic and the same procedure would be followed. Counseling services for grieving owners are available and we may direct you to those if required.
Owners will be permitted to spend as much time as they wish with there pet after the euthanasia to say their final goodbyes. Some owners take the body home, but the majority request cremation. All cremations are performed by a company out of Guelph called Gateway Pet Memorial Services. We have been using this company for a number of years and have been very pleased by there professionalism and high standards of pet aftercare. There are two types of cremation. The first is a regular cremation (least expensive) in which the pet’s ashes are not returned, while a private cremation is where the pet’s ashes are returned in an urn of your choosing. Our staff would be happy to discuss these options with you and show you a catalogue of available urns if you wish or you may visit gateways website at http://www.gatewaypetmemorial.com/. If you select a product off the internet just tell our staff which product you would like and we can order it for you.
Euthanasia’s are inevitably associated with a large amount of grief and sadness for the owner’s who have lost a beloved family member and for the veterinarian and staff involved who have become very attached to the patient they have treated(in some cases) for many years. If there is anything our staff can do to help you through the grieving process or answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or drop in to the hospital.
