Euthanasia Flashcards
How pets enrich our lives?
Family members Social opportunities Keep us active Something to nurture Provide companionship and comfort Job Sport Assistant pets Positive health effects
Factors to consider when deciding for euthanasia?
Physical factors
Mental factors
Quality of life
Physical factors?
In pain and can it be controlled?
Can they move around with or without help?
Can they breathe without difficulty?
mental factors?
Do they have a will to live?
do they want to go for walks or socialise?
are they depressed, over anxious or suffering from separation anxiety?
quality of life?
No longer eating or drinking
Loss of control of urination and defaecation
Number of bad days exceeds number of good days
Justifiable reasons for euthanasia?
Non-operable cancer Chronic illness causing severe decrease in quality of life and meds not helping Organ failure Severe aggression Severe injury that cant be treated Parvo puppies Old age that’s decreasing quality of life Severe zoonotic disease (eg rabies)
Less justifiable reasons for euthanasia
Breeders who don’t want puppies – otherwise will drown them
No time for pet anymore
Moving house
Unexpected pregnancy and cant keep
Patients companion pet – avoid depression
Owner who cant afford treatment
Family dispute – eg separation
euthanasia discussion?
should be made prior to event
- if patient is elderly, has terminal condition or worsening chronic illness
- sometimes discussions prior not possible
whether owner wants to be present
- pet likely to prefer them being there
- owners choice - likely to already feel quilty
- discuss if children will be present - so through grief differently
location
- home or in clinic
- owners choice
- mention pros/cons
body care options
consent forms
- most important consent form
- written best
- may require double consent
preparing owner?
Explain each step – know when flushing – not drug
Hair may be clipped and IV placed
– take away from owner to place IV as likely a challenge
pet will ‘go to sleep’ like induced for anaesthesia
– express won’t wake back up
- takes couple of seconds
EQ – likely to step backwards so others can lower horse safely
- if using bullet then bleeding can vary
may lose urinary and bowel continence
reflex movements likely
- gasping (Cheyne stokes breaths)
– reflex motion of lungs trying to take air
eyes likely to stay open
– place blanket over
euthanasia room?
Ideally a quiet room where clients wont be disturbed
Less clinical – should be spotless
Different to rest of practice so less link/easier to return
May need some patient restraint but be gentle and tactful
Sedation
- done prior if owner doesn’t want to come into practice
Tissues
Comfortable chairs
Cremation information
Drink – water/cup of tea
Comfortable table/bedding for patient
- towels and blankets
Information on grief helplines
- children books on pet loss
- bluecross
vets role during euthanasia?
Gaining consent Explaining the process and potential ‘side effects’ Performing euthanasia Personalised sympathy card Supporting the owners Supporting staff
nurses role during euthanasia?
Assisting the vets role
Perform everything vet does under their direction
Emotional support of the owner
- give opportunity to talk
owners role during euthanasia?
Make informed decision
-then give permission/consent
Decide to be with patient or not
Be given information on requirements for the body
Delt in a compassionate and professional manor
Be offered emotional support
Be directed to further support if necessary
Allow to support/cuddle their pet
signs of grief?
Guilt – rational or irrational Aggression - think of safety Crying Denial Acceptance Resentment towards practice - memory or anger towards practice? Quiet Laughter - feel awkward/stressed - remember previous times
emotional support?
“this is the last selfless act you can do for [pet name]”
- stopping their suffering
Provide clarification
- think of happy life you have given them
- best life could have given them
Everyone will react differently
- Be prepared, respectful and non-judgemental
- Remain calm, speak softly and use pets name
problems during euthanasia?
Difficult, nervous or aggressive pets can cause stress to all involved
- sedation may be necessary
- IV catheter placement then easier
- can use physical restraint but remove when safe
Reduced blood pressure
- Harder to find vein
- Need to flush and check in vein
- Risk of perivascular injection – painful/hyperexcitability/slow euthanasia
after euthanasia?
Confirmation of death
Caring for patient after death
Offer fur clip/paw print
Leave owners to spend time with body if wish
Offer to contact somebody to collect owner/provide support
- Don’t let leave when highly distressed
Not paying at time
- Send bill/invoice at later time
Leave by back door/away from others
- or make waiting room and staff aware so no laughter
Ensure clinical records are up to date
- Cancel reminders and insurance
Ensure cremation/body option are followed through correctly
cremation?
Individual
- all species
- use a professional company
- container choice – cost varies
- Identification of patient and owner
- Post mortem – if died unexpectedly
Communal
- All species
- scattered ashes
- cheaper option
- Donation of body parts?
- Paperwork – often just name
burying?
Difficult unless small pet
Hole must be 1m/3ft deep
- To ensure animal is not dug up by predators
Must not be near water source to prevent contamination
Make aware not good to place patient in plastic container
- Produce gas
- use something that will breakdown
follow up support?
Practice records must be updated immediately Sympathy cards sent - personalised - add clipped hair, main/tail/show Advice leaflets Bereavement counselling Friend/relatives
keepsakes?
Ashes in jewellery
Felting
Pet portraits
