Euthanasia Flashcards
what are the 2 main factors why an animal may be presented for anaesthesia?
animal factors
owner factors
what animal factors may cause them to be presented for euthanasia?
end of life
quality of life
inability to accept medication/treatment
difficult or unmanageable behaviours
what owner factors may cause animals to be presented for euthanasia?
Inappropriate/incorrect expectations – ‘wrong’ species/breed
Financial difficulties
‘Unwanted’ animals – family disputes/impulse acquisition/failure to fulfil function/apparently trivial excuses (hair shedding…)
Circumstances – moving/emigrating/loss of family members/owner illness/allergy
Significant ethical stances about illness
Legal obligation – Dangerous Dogs Act
define loss
an ending or point of change or transition
define bereavement
loss of a significant other’
define grief
Reaction to loss
what are the main types of loss?
Primary
Secondary
Ambiguous
Symbolic
what is primary loss?
loss of animal themselves
what is secondary loss?
disruption and stress as a result of the loss
any associations
what is ambiguous loss?
loss where there have been questions over outcome (e.g. pet is missing or owner doesn’t understand why they died)
what is symbolic loss?
primary loss is linked to others
what is the main model of grief?
Khubler-Ross
what are the main conclusions of models that have been made of grief?
huge range of normal emotional responses
descriptions are of a model rather than an obligatory process
grief is an individual journey
what are the Khubler-Ross 5 stages of grief?
denial anger bargaining depression acceptance
what are the main symptoms of grief?
shock (numbness, disbelief, hysteria)
protest (sadness, anger, guilt, preoocupation)
disorganisation (confusion, apathy, depression)
reorgansiation (control over memories, pleasure in rememberance)
what are the 3 main determinants of grief?
features of relationship
features of death
personal circumstances
what features of a relationship may determine grief experience?
special animal
strong attachment
perceived social support
ambivalence towards dead individual (may intensify grief)
what features of death may determine grief?
sudden or unexpected (animal is young/illness short)
death traumatic or violent
associated with prophylactic surgery
uncertainty over whether death has occurred (missing pet)
when death was potentially avoidable
when demanded by law
death accompanied by other significant losses
what make make an animal particularly special to the owner?
character personality links to past or other people rescued animals lengthy illness that needed nursing
what personal circumstances may determine grief?
age, sex, life stage and health financial issues other stresses/life crises previous losses parallels with own or family member's illness personality - tendency to depressive illness perceived need to hide feelings religious beliefs options for future
what types of grief are especially associated with the human animal bond?
anticipatory grief
responsibility grief
when does anticipatory grief occur?
first sign of deterioration or at diagnosis
what is responsibility grief?
distinctive category associated with animal loss
what is responsibility grief linked to?
possibility of euthanasia for animals in our care
staff and owner hold responsibility for the decision
what grief may be seen in veterinary staff?
responsibility grief
what specific demands are placed on veterinary professionals by anticipatory and responsibility grief?
communication with owner and collegues
