Euthanasia
By Jessica Johnson
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is used to humanely put an animal to death, usually to relieve suffering. Considerations for euthanasia may include terminal illnesses, diseases, painful afflictions, quality of life is suffering, or the lack of financial means to continue medical support.
Initially, a pet is made as comfortable as possible. Some veterinarians will perform the procedure in a pet's home. If the animal is brought to the hospital, veterinarians often chose a quiet room where the pet will feel more at ease. Sometimes a mild sedative or tranquilizer is first given if the animal appears anxious or painful. A IV catheter is placed in the pet's vein to ensure that the euthanasia solution is delivered quickly. As the solution is injected, the animal loses consciousness and within minutes the heart and lungs stop functioning. Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything. The veterinarian will then use a stethoscope to listen for the absence of a heartbeat. Sometimes, the last few breaths are what's termed "agonal", meaning involuntary muscle contractions. After the animal dies, there is complete muscle relaxation, often accompanied by urination and defecation. This is completely normal and is something an owner should expect. Many owners who chose to stay with their pets are surprised how quickly and easily the pet is put to rest.
Deciding to euthanize a loved one is never easy. If the client seems to be having a particularly hard time with the decision, you can offer local support groups that discuss pet loss and grief.
Grief differs based on who we are, whom we have lost, and how much our day-to-day life is altered by the death. Although griefs impact is unique to each individual, some feelings are universal. It is important to remember the 5 stages of grief, especially when interacting with an upset client. 1.) denial, 2.) anger, 3.) bargaining, 4.) depression, 5.) acceptance. A client can express these emotions in no particular order and may experience each stage more than once.
When struggling to come to terms about a pets quality of life, their are some basic thoughts that can help a client.
Being realistic about your pets current condition. Can they perform routine functions?
Focusing your efforts on your pets well being, not your own. Is your pet comfortable?
Use whatever time your pet has left to take care of "unfinished business". If you haven't spent as much time with your pet as you'd like, spend it now. If there are special treats or experiences that your pet particularly enjoys, use this time to provide them.
Seek a balance between your pets health and its general comfort and happiness. If life prolonging treatments are more stressful or painful than the disease they're designed to treat, you may need to make a decision about quality of life vs. length of life.
Understand that a bargain isn't going to change the final outcome. If your pet has a terminal illness, you may gain the gift of time, but it is only temporary. Use that time, not only to improve your pets quality of life, but to come to terms with the inevitability of loss.
Euthanasia Protocol
Purpose: To establish a consistent and respectful procedure to help each team member to effectively address the proper euthanasia and aftercare protocol.
Supplies needed:
Patient medical chart
Bedding for patient
Euthanasia and aftercare form
Medications from ordering veterinarian
IVC Supplies (i.e. Clippers, Tape, Catheter, T- Piece Extension, Saline Flush)
Stethoscope
Procedure:
If a client calls to make an appointment to euthanize their pet they will be scheduled with their treating veterinarian. If that doctor is not available but the client wants to proceed with euthanasia try to schedule it with a doctor in the same department.
Before the client arrives pull the patients medical chart and have the appropriate forms ready and filled out as much as possible.
When the client arrives do not make them wait in the lobby. Give them the privacy of a visiting room with bedding available for their pet. Make sure there are tissues available in the room and brochures for client support groups available for the client.
A technician or assistant will then get their signalment and physical parameters for the doctor.
All patients brought in must be examined by a veterinarian.
Healthy pets brought in for euthanasia are not condoned. Clients may be referred to Sonoma Humane Society for possible relinquishment if this is the case.
After examination and consultation, if the client still wishes to move forward with euthanasia, the doctor will explain the procedure with the client and they will be given the choice of being present for the euthanasia.
The patient will then be taken into the treatment room for intravenous catheter placement. At that time a support staff member will go into the room to go over euthanasia and aftercare paperwork.
The doctor, technician, or assistant will enter the charges and inquire if the client wants to be charged out in the room. If so, a client service representative will go in and charge them out. If not, the client can go to the front desk to pay their bill.
Once the patient has their IV catheter placed and necessary paperwork has been signed, the patient can be brought back into the room with the client. The technician or assistant will explain that they can have as much time as they need and to use the buzzer in the room when they are ready for the doctor to come back and perform the euthanasia.
If a patient cannot be moved and/or the client does not want their pet to be taken from them, the IV catheter may be placed in the room with the client present. Two technicians or assistants must assist if this is the case.
If the client does not wish to be present during the euthanasia then when they are done visiting they can push the buzzer letting the technician or assistant know they are done. A technician or assistant will then bring the patient to the treatment room and place an IV catheter.
The patient will be euthanized once the client has signed necessary paperwork, charged out, and has left the premises.
Euthanasia consent and aftercare form must be signed and completed before a euthanasia can be performed.
Following euthanasia the patients body should be promptly processed by the assisting assistant or technician.
Aftercare is always the clients decision unless there is a public health risk involved (i.e. Rabies).
References
“AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition.†American Veterinary Medical Association, 2013, www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf.
“Facts About Euthanasia (Small Animals).†College of Veterinary Medicine, 12 June 2017, www2.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/outreach/pet-loss-support-hotline/resources-grieving/facts-about-euthanasia/facts-about-euthanasia-small-animals.
“Overview of Euthanasia – Clinical Pathology and Procedures.†Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/clinical-pathology-and-procedures/euthanasia/overview-of-euthanasia.