Euthanasia Flashcards
Why euthanise
Painless killing to relieve suffering (RCVS)
What makes a good euthanasia
Rapid process
Pain free
Minimal distress & fear
Reliable
Irreversible
Safe
When is euthanasia the right decision
Uncontrollable pain/suffering
Terminal illness
Age related cognitive dysfunction/senility eg loss of learned behaviour like urinating
Unable to treat condition
Quality over quantity of life
Behavioural problems
Infectious disease risk to public health
Overpopulation?? No…
How to have discussion about euthanasia with owner
Quiet room
Open and honest
Prepare client for discussion
Be clear & don’t say put to sleep
Allow time for owner to consider
Actively listen & display empathy
Consent form for euthanasia requires:
Owners details & signature
Discussion about body & method of disposal of their pet
Can vet euthanise without owners consent?
Yes, if in the opinion of vet the animals condition is such that it is best to be destroyed without delay, then they can act without consent form. Inspectors or constables may do this too
Ever had a situation where they missed your call and never phoned back?
Can you keep pet overnight if you think they’re in danger of owner?
What to do if owner says they can’t pay for euthanasia
Can you euthanise without sedation, or is it always used?
Options for aftercare
Cremation: routine (no ashes back) or private (ashes back)
Burial at home: check local legislation and mustn’t be buried near water supply
Which drug used as euthanasia
Pentobarbital
Which sites on body can pentobarbital be injected into in dogs/cats/rabbits
IV catheter:
Cephalon
Lateral saphenous
Dorsal pedal vein
Lateral/marginal ear vein in rabbits
intraorgan (sedate if injecting into organ)
Intracranial
Intrahepatic
Intrarenal
Intraperitoneal
How to euthanise small mammals
Inhalational agents, using chamber
How to confirm animal is dead after euthanasia
No audible heart beat
Pale MM
Apnoea
Pupils fixed & dilated, eyes open
No palpebral/corneal reflex- no blink
