ANIMAL WELFARE - Small Animal Euthanasia

Question 1

Which six factors aid in a ‘good’ euthanasia?

Answer 1

Rapid process
Pain free process
Minimal distress and fear for the animal
Using a reliable euthanasia method
Irreversible process
Safe procedure

Question 2

When is euthanasia the right decison?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What can be indicative of age-related cognitive dysfunction in small animals?

Answer 3

Loss of learned behaviours - such as urinating and defeacating in the house - can be indicative of age-related cognitive dysfunction

Question 4

What are three clinical indicators for euthanasia?

Answer 4

Acute trauma
‘End of life’ palliative care
Devastating diagnosis

Question 5

Which three questions should you ask yourself if an owner requests euthanasia?

Answer 5

Why do they want to euthanise their animal?
Do you agree with their decision?
Is there another option?

Question 6

(T/F) You are legally obligated to euthanise an animal upon an owner’s request even if you don’t feel comfortable doing so

Answer 6

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

Question 7

How do you approach a face to face euthanasia discussion with an owner?

Answer 7

1. Have the euthanasia discussion in a designated private room if possibe
2. Helpful to provide the owner with ‘warning shots’ as to what you’re about to discuss (i.e. ‘unfortunately I have bad news…)
3. Be aware of your tone and body language
4. 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
5. Allow the owner to have time to process the information and make a decision
6. Actively listen to their questions and concerns and display empathy

Question 8

How do you approach the euthanasia discussion over the phone?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What should you do if the owner does not answer the phone when you need to have an over the phone euthanasia conversation?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

(T/F) Veterinary surgeons are allowed to euthanise an animal without an owner’s consent

Answer 10

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

Question 11

When should the aftercare (body disposal) conversation take place?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What should you make owners aware of if they are planning to bury their pet at home?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What could you do if the owner is too overwhelmed to make a decision about aftercare (body disposal) prior to the euthanasia?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What are the two main options for aftercare (body disposal)?

Answer 14

Cremation
Burial at home

Question 15

What is routine cremation?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is private cremation?

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

(T/F) Owners can drive their pet to the crematorium themselves

Answer 17

TRUE. However is it important to inform the owners that they have to pre-arrange a time with the crematorium for deliverly

Question 18

How can you prepare the client for what to expect before you begin the euthanasia process?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Which six possible changes should you warn the owner about prior to beginning the euthanasia process?

Answer 19

Rapid breathing
Agonal gasps
Stretching
Muscle twitches
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Eyes remaining open

Question 20

Which barbituate drug is used to carry out euthanasia in small animals?

Answer 20

Pentobarbital sodium 200mg/ml

Pentobarbital is a schedule 3 drug

Question 21

What m/kg of pentobarbital is advised to euthanise debilitated animals?

Answer 21

80mg/kg of pentobarbital

Question 22

What m/kg of pentobarbital is advised to euthanise young, fit animals?

Answer 22

120 - 160mg/kg of pentobarbital

Question 23

(T/F) You should put the pentobarbital dose used in the clinical notes

Answer 23

TRUE.

Question 24

Where can pentobarbital be administered?

Answer 24

Intravenous (I.V.)
Intraorgan

Question 25

Which veins can be used for intravenous (I.V.) administration of pentobarbital?

Answer 25

Cephalic
Saphenous
Marginal ear vein (optimal for rabbits)

Question 26

Which intraorgan routes can be used for pentobarbital administration?

Answer 26

Intracardiac
Intrahepatic
Intrarenal
Intraperitoneal

Question 27

(T/F) Animals do not have to be sedated for intraorgan pentobarbital administration

Answer 27

FALSE. Animals must be under deep sedation for intraorgan pentobarbital administration

Question 28

What are three signs that you can use to confirm the animal has passed away?

Answer 28

No audible heartbeat
Pupils fixed and dilated
No blink

Question 29

What procedure should you follow after the owner has left after the euthanasia?

Answer 29

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