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Euthanasia In Small Animal Practice
By DR Rob Miller (Veterinarian)
Θάνατος, pronounced thanatos, is Greek for death, euthanatos means easy death.
Euthanasia is a taboo subject to some degree, but I have noticed many people
really want to know so much about it when the issue arises.
Death is as inevitable.
At the end of our own and indeed our pet’s lives we hope for an easy pain free
passing.
In the veterinary world euthanasia is possible, whereas in most countries around
the world, euthanasia of humans is illegal.
As small animal veterinary surgeons, we have been charged with this great
responsibility for the animals under our care. It is certainly not something we
relish. We have trained for years to care and treat ill animals.
Sometimes it is easy to advise euthanasia such as when an animal arrives at the
surgery in such a terrible condition that it would be overtly cruel to keep it
alive any longer.
At the other end of the spectrum it can be a difficult decision when someone
treats us as merely public executioners of animals. Personally I will not carry
out such euthanasia. All vets face an ethical dilemma when placed in such
difficult, uncomfortable circumstances.
Euthanasia is an unpleasant part of our job. So why am I writing this article?
At some stage if you have a pet you will have to make a decision. It is a lot
easier if you have an informed opinion from your vet.
As vets we will guide you based upon our medical knowledge and also on what most
people do in similar circumstances.
Once the decision is made then there are options. Most people opt for euthanasia
at the surgery, but 10-15% prefer a house call as they feel their pet will be
less stressed in their home environment. Euthanasia is carried out by injection.
I always tell my clients that what is felt is no more than what was experienced
during their anaesthetic induction at desexing. The animal rapidly falls asleep,
and passes away soon after. It is a very surreal experience, especially when the
animal has been suffering, to suddenly realise they are instantly at peace.
Client’s are often very emotional at these times, and we encourage them not to
hide their emotions, nor to be embarrassed. Some of the more emotional people in
my time have turned out to be what look like big tough guys, but who obviously
had a deep love for their pet.
Personally I do not recommend very young children to be present, I guess because
I experienced it myself at that age and it devastated me for a long time.
What after? What happens with the remains? There is the sudden realisation that
this hard decision also has to be made. Personally I think if you can bury your
pet at home it gives the most closure. But on the Northern Beaches where the
sandstone is never deep down it is often not an option.
These day pet cremation is as often chosen as burial. Ashes can be returned for
a keepsake, or sprinkled about all their pets favourite haunts. It helps.
At the end of the day, rejoice in the fact that your pet has likely had a
wonderful long happy life, and this is a rare gift given to too few animals in
this world.
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