End of Life Care Dr. Dani McVety

Question 1

Who should first suggest euthanasia

Answer 1

The veterinarian should be the first to suggest that euthanasia is a good option

Question 2

The 3 C’s of Euthanasia

Answer 2

Compassion
Confidence
Control

Question 3

Sedation Cocktail for Cats and Small dogs

Answer 3

Telazol™ 0.1 ml per 10 lb (constituted with 2.5 mL ace, 2.5 mL ketamine)

**Add ½ - 1 ml B12 to reduce sting

Question 4

Sedation Cocktail for Dogs 20 lb and over

Answer 4

Ketamine: 0.1 ml per 10 lb
Xylazine: 0.05 ml per 10 lb (or Dexdorm)
Ace: 0.1ml per 10 lb
+ / - Butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg

Question 5

How to describe the Process of Euthanasia

Answer 5

Mentioned Vaccine Injection

Sedation with pain relief

May react to the sedation injection

Calm and comfortable

“I will prepare you before step 2”

Peaceful Procedure

” 2 Things I’ll prepare you for”

Question 6

Post Mortem Changes

Answer 6

Heavy breathing
Agonal breaths
stretching
other

Question 7

Euthanasia Solution

Answer 7

Overdose of anesthesia
- Just like going under for surgery
- Quick acting, 30-60 seconds
- Longer with cardiac output insufficiencies
- Side effects
- Bladder will relax
- Eyes will not fully closed
- Avoid describing every possible horror

Question 8

Euthanasia Drug of Choice

Answer 8

Drug of choice:
* Is there one?
* CII – Fatal Plus™
* CIII – Somnasol™, Euthasol™, Beuthanasia-D™, VetOne™
* phenytoin or lidocaine added

Doses: (for all species)
* IV, Intra-cardiac - 1 ml/10#
* Alternative routes - discussion in “Plan B”

Question 9

Plan B

Answer 9

• OTHER VEINS!
• Intra cardiac- 1 mL per 10 lb
• Intra hepatic- 2 mL per 10 lb
• Intra renal- 3 mL per 10 lb
• Intra peritoneal- 3 mL per 10 lb