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what is Euthanasia? It is the use of an injectable drug to terminate an animal's life in a quiet and peaceful manner. This word is derived from Greek and means "good death". This decision is available for pets that can no longer enjoy an acceptable quality of life. Either because they are suffering from a terminal illness, they have been extensively traumatized, or other serious reasons. Deciding whether to euthanize a pet or not is always difficult to do. However, though we as veterinarians can provide the best options for your pet, only you as the owner can ultimately decide what is best for your pet. |
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How will I know when the time is right? Like I said before. This will be a hard decision to make. The best way to determine when it is time to let your pet go is when you think is quality of life is deteriorating. Some "set point" should be determine to assess this factor. It can be when your pet no longer shows interest in food, seems overly depressed, cannot control defecation or urination due to a disease process, is extremely painful, etc. Sometimes it is enough to know that there is nothing that can be done to improve your pet's quality of life. You know your pet better than anyone, and you will be able to tell if your pet is suffering to much to be comfortable. |
How will my pet be euthanized? The euthanasia agent is injected into a vein. An overdose of an anesthetic agent is used to produce unconsciousness and death. This is done by stopping the activity of the heart and brain. The procedure is quiet, painless, and rapid. |
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What if I want to be with my Pet during this? Most owners want to be with their pets during their last moments. I encourage this because they can hold, comfort, and talk to animal and keep the animal much calmer. However, other owners do not want to be present during the procedure. This is also understandable and totally acceptable. They can always have the chance to say goodbye to their pets afterwards. |
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What will happen during and after euthansia? Though euthanasia is a swift and painless procedure, all animals react differently to it. Most animals will relax as the euthanasia solution is administered. Their breath and heartbeat will stop within minutes of administering the solution. Some animals will breath deeply, others will vocalize, urinate or defecate as they relax. These are all unconscious actions and do not indicate pain or distress. Your veterinarian will listen for a heartbeat and indicate when it has ceased.
After euthanasia several options are available depending on the practice. Some of the following are options available. 1- You may take your pet home for burial. 2- You can ask to have your pet cremated. 3- The Veterinarian can keep your pet and perform a group cremation or burial. 4- A postmortem examination can be perform to determine the pet's disease if it was unknown before euthanasia or to confirm disease and extent of it. This decision can leave you angry, frustrated, and confused about the rightness of it. However, it is certain that you are not alone and your veterinarian will also experience the same emotions. It is not an easy task, but if your pet has given you years of joy and laughter he also deserves the benefit of euthanasia when his quality of life has deteriorated to a level where pain, or a disease is taking the best of him. |
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