ANIMAL WELFARE - Small Animal Euthanasia Flashcards
Which six factors aid in a ‘good’ euthanasia?
Rapid process
Pain free process
Minimal distress and fear for the animal
Using a reliable euthanasia method
Irreversible process
Safe procedure
When is euthanasia the right decison?
If the patient is in uncontrollable pain and/or suffering
If the patient has a terminal/progressive illness
If the patient has age related cognitive dysfunction
Is you are unable to treat the condition
If the animal no longer has a good quality of life
Behavioural problems/aggression
Patient has infectious disease which could be a public health risk
What can be indicative of age-related cognitive dysfunction in small animals?
Loss of learned behaviours - such as urinating and defeacating in the house - can be indicative of age-related cognitive dysfunction
What are three clinical indicators for euthanasia?
Acute trauma
‘End of life’ palliative care
Devastating diagnosis
Which three questions should you ask yourself if an owner requests euthanasia?
Why do they want to euthanise their animal?
Do you agree with their decision?
Is there another option?
(T/F) You are legally obligated to euthanise an animal upon an owner’s request even if you don’t feel comfortable doing so
FALSE. You are not legally obligated to euthanise an animal if you do not feel comfortable doing so and do not agree with the owner’s decision. However, it is important to consider what might happen to the animal if you do not euthanise them yourself
How do you approach a face to face euthanasia discussion with an owner?
- Have the euthanasia discussion in a designated private room if possibe
- Helpful to provide the owner with ‘warning shots’ as to what you’re about to discuss (i.e. ‘unfortunately I have bad news…)
- Be aware of your tone and body language
- Make sure you are open and honest with the owner and don’t use euphemisms such as ‘put to sleep’ as this can be easily misinterpreted
- Allow the owner to have time to process the information and make a decision
- Actively listen to their questions and concerns and display empathy
How do you approach the euthanasia discussion over the phone?
Make the phone call somewhere quiet where you will not be disturbed. Ask the owner if they are available to talk. Make sure to gain verbal consent from the owner to carry out the euthanasia and record the details of this conversation on the clinical notes. If possible have a colleague witness this conversation. Ask the owner if they would like to come in to see their pet
What should you do if the owner does not answer the phone when you need to have an over the phone euthanasia conversation?
NEVER leave a voicemail detailing bad news, if the owner does not answer, leave a voicemailing stating that you have an update on their pet and for them to call you back as soon as possible
(T/F) Veterinary surgeons are allowed to euthanise an animal without an owner’s consent
TRUE. If the veterinary surgeon determines that the animal must be euthanised without delay, they can do so without the owner’s consent. Make sure to record all of the circumstances supporting this decision in case of subsequent challenge
When should the aftercare (body disposal) conversation take place?
The aftercare (body disposal) conversation should take place prior to the euthanasia itself making sure to detail this conversation and the owner’s decision on the consent form
What should you make owners aware of if they are planning to bury their pet at home?
The grave must be deep and located away from any water supplies. It is important for them to check the local legislation as to what the rules and regulations are in their area
What could you do if the owner is too overwhelmed to make a decision about aftercare (body disposal) prior to the euthanasia?
If the owner is too overwhelmed to make a decision, tell the owner that someone from the practice will call them within 24 hours to make sure they are okay and ask if they have made a decision
What are the two main options for aftercare (body disposal)?
Cremation
Burial at home
What is routine cremation?
Routine cremation is a communal cremation with other animals where the owners will not receive ashes back. However often the crematorium will have a remembrance garden where the ashes are scattered and the owners can visit
What is private cremation?
Private cremation is where the owners will receive ashes back in a container chosen by the owner (important to inform owners this will have an increased cost)
(T/F) Owners can drive their pet to the crematorium themselves
TRUE. However is it important to inform the owners that they have to pre-arrange a time with the crematorium for deliverly
How can you prepare the client for what to expect before you begin the euthanasia process?
Describe step by step what is going to happen and make sure to warn to owner of any possible changes that may occur during the euthanasia process. Calmly inform them that these changes are all normal and only occur when the heart has stopped so their pet is not experiencing any pain. Make sure to ask the owner if they are ready before proceeding with the injection
Which six possible changes should you warn the owner about prior to beginning the euthanasia process?
Rapid breathing
Agonal gasps
Stretching
Muscle twitches
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Eyes remaining open
Which barbituate drug is used to carry out euthanasia in small animals?
Pentobarbital sodium 200mg/ml
Pentobarbital is a schedule 3 drug
What m/kg of pentobarbital is advised to euthanise debilitated animals?
80mg/kg of pentobarbital
What m/kg of pentobarbital is advised to euthanise young, fit animals?
120 - 160mg/kg of pentobarbital
(T/F) You should put the pentobarbital dose used in the clinical notes
TRUE.
Where can pentobarbital be administered?
Intravenous (I.V.)
Intraorgan
Which veins can be used for intravenous (I.V.) administration of pentobarbital?
Cephalic
Saphenous
Marginal ear vein (optimal for rabbits)
Which intraorgan routes can be used for pentobarbital administration?
Intracardiac
Intrahepatic
Intrarenal
Intraperitoneal
(T/F) Animals do not have to be sedated for intraorgan pentobarbital administration
FALSE. Animals must be under deep sedation for intraorgan pentobarbital administration
What are three signs that you can use to confirm the animal has passed away?
No audible heartbeat
Pupils fixed and dilated
No blink
What procedure should you follow after the owner has left after the euthanasia?
Remove the catheter and any other bandages
Remove collar (if not already removed)
Place animal in the appropriate size bag
Ensure all paperwork is filled in correctly
Place bagged body in the practice freezer
