Euthanasia and Grief Flashcards
what animal factors can cause an animal to be presented for euthanasia?
end of life
poor quality of life
inability to accept medication/treatment
difficult/unmanageable behaviours
what owner factors contribute towards an animal being presented for euthanasia?
inappropriate/incorrect expectations
financial difficulties
‘unwanted’ animals
circumstances (owners moving/emigrating/owner illness/allergy)
significant ethical stances about illness
legal obligation (dangerous dogs act)
what is the definition of loss?
an ending, or point of change or transition
what does bereavement mean?
loss of significant other
what is grief?
the reaction to loss
what does secondary loss refer to?
the disruption/stresses associated with the loss
what does ambiguous loss refer to?
uncertain situations around the event e.g. animals going missing, unexplained death
what is symbolic loss?
grief of the intangible roles the individual filled, e.g. connection to a lost loved one
what was the first model of grief?
Elisabeth Khubler-Ross: ‘On death and dying’ 1969
who expanded on Khubler-Ross’s model of grief?
Colin Murray Parkes: ‘Studies of grief in adult life’ 1982
what are the overall ‘symptoms’ of grief?
shock
protest
disorganisation
reorganisation
what are Khubler-Ross’ 5 stages of grief?
denial anger bargaining depression acceptance
what might the ‘denial’ stage of grief present as?
numbness disbelief hysteria unemotional suicidal
what might the anger/bargaining stage of grief present as?
sadness anger guilt yearning searching preoccupation
what might the disorganisation stage of grief present as?
confusion apathy depression anxiety sadness
what might the acceptance stage of grief present as?
control over memories
pleasure in remembrance
return to previous levels of functioning
what are the 3 main determinants of grief?
features of the human-animal relationship
features of the death
personal circumstances around the situation
how do features of the human-animal relationship determine grief?
character or personality of the animal
links with the past
shared experiences
orphans and rescued animals (bond)
lengthy illness requiring nursing
how might features of the death determine grief?
sudden/unexpected death, animal was young, illness was short
traumatic/violent death
death associated with prophylactic surgery
uncertainty over whether death has occurred
when death was potentially avoidable
when demanded by law (dangerous dogs act)
death accompanied by other significant losses
what personal circumstances can contribute to grief?
age/sex/life stage/health
financial issues
other stresses/life crises, previous losses, parallels with own/other family members
personality, tendency to depressive illness
percieved need to hide feelings
religious beliefs
options for future
what is anticipatory grief?
grief experienced at first sign of deterioration or at diagnosis - occurs commonly in HAB
what is responsibility grief?
distinctive category associated with animal loss - intricately linked to the possibility of euthanasia for animals in our care, and the owner holds responsibility for the decision
who else can experience responsibility grief?
veterinary staff
which types of grief place specific communication demands on veterinary professionals?
anticipatory and responsibility grief
