Euthanasia Decision Making

Question 1

When is euthanasia an option?

Answer 1

• QOl poor
• Cant afford treatment
• When there is a risk to human health
• Behavioural issues

Question 2

How should euthanasia be presented to a client?

Answer 2

Gentle, empathetic, compassionate, with options, non-judgemental, directly/clear language.

Put yourself in their shoes while also understanding that you are preventing furture suffering

Question 3

Euthanasia events and discussion

Answer 3

Owners are much more involved in euthanasia than they used to be. Should take at least 10mins to have the discussion.

Steps:
- Discuss options
- Come to a decision
- Discuss process and walk the client through the process
- Provide support during and after procedure
- Follow up wiht grief resources

Question 4

Euthanasia with companion animals

Answer 4

Animal is often considered a family member. They are often the longest and most uncomplicated relationship.

Question 5

Situational Euthanasia examples

Answer 5

• pet has similar diagnosis to human. Human received treatment but can’t afford it for pets.
• euth for behavioural issues or financial reasons (can be difficult when their peer group is telling them just to surrender and find a new home)
• Animal originally owned by family member who has passed away
• Many other crises co-occurring in clients life

Question 6

Euthanasia and Equine

Answer 6

• Similar to both companion animals and food animals (so can become a more emotional approach or a more practical approach).
• Horses live a long time and may form very deep connections
• Can be needed for medical/QOL issues, or practical considerations (financial, ability for horse to continue its job, pasture ornament vs. working partner)
• Does come with disposal issues. May need to do it earlier so a hole in the ground can be dug (winter issues)

Question 7

Euthanasia and Food animals

Answer 7

• Usually a balance between financial and medical decision making. May lead to very high mental health issues.
• Animals are their livelihood, so one animal may not be as big of a deal but depopulation and accidents within a herd can be very difficult and cause mental health issues within producer.
• Special animals- linked to a lost loved one (daughter and 4H cow, or a heritage herd)
• Producer may feel at fault/shame if they potentially bought an animal at auction that could cause a depopulation event

Question 8

Communication challenges

Answer 8

• discomfort with emotion
• time constraints
• guiding clients through difficult decision making
• non-medical euth requests
• financial considerations

Question 9

Responding to grief

Answer 9

• physical sensations (tightness in throat, dry mouth, low energy)
• Emotions (shock, guilt, loneliness)
• Thoughts (disbelief, confusion, preoccupation)
• Behaviours (crying, social withdrawal, overactivity, restlessness)

Question 10

Helper traits

Answer 10

• Supportive, but don’t try and fix it
• Admitting that you can’t make it better
• About feelings
• Recognize loss

Question 11

Remember what extras you can offer

Answer 11

• Care in handling animals body
• Keepsakes
• Cremation/disposal options
• Aftercare