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Euthanasia
Euthanasia literally means
an “easy and painless death.” You may know it as “putting a pet to sleep” or
“putting an animal down.” It is the deliberate act of ending life and
undoubtedly it is a difficult issue. Pet owners who must make this decision
often feel anxiety or even guilt, but when a pet is very ill with little hope of
recovery, the question of “When is it time?” becomes most important.
It’s a common situation: Many pets suffer with chronic
diseases such as cancer that can often be managed in such a way that life is
prolonged, although the quality of life is greatly diminished. For most pet
owners this issue greatly influences the decision concerning euthanasia.
Certainly, quality of life is a personal judgment; you know your pet better than
anyone else. And while your veterinarian can guide you with objective
information about diseases, and even provide a personal perspective of a disease
condition, the final decision of euthanasia rests with you.
Veterinary Care
If you are considering euthanasia, some of the following points may help you
gauge your pet's quality of life:
·
Pets with chronic or incurable diseases that are given proper medication and
care should be able to eat, drink and sleep comfortably without shortness of
breath.
·
Your pet should act interested in “what’s going on” around him, be able to
perform mild exercise and have control of his urine and bowel movements (unless
the principal disease affects one of these organ systems).
·
Even your ill pet should appear comfortable and free
of moderate to severe pain. Of course, whenever there is a chronic condition,
some days will be better than others and one should learn to expect the natural
“ups and downs” that attend most chronic disease conditions. You need to
determine what balance is acceptable.
Of course, some diseases are very difficult, expensive or
time-consuming to treat. The medical bills that may accumulate can influence
your decision regarding euthanasia. These are practical decisions that must be
made relative to your own financial and family situations. Though a lack of
financial or personal resources for medical care may be a source of guilt to
you, it is better to discuss the overall situation with your veterinarian rather
than allow your pet to suffer without proper veterinary medical care.
Will It Hurt?
The following is a description of a typical euthanasia
procedure. If you do not wish to read about this procedure, please close this
document now.
Euthanasia is very humane and virtually painless. First, you
will be asked to sign a paper – an “authorization for euthanasia” (or similar
document). If you decide to go ahead you will be given a number of options: you
may stay with your pet during the procedure; you may be absent for the
procedure but wish to see your pet afterwards; or you may want to say
goodbye to your pet prior to euthanasia and not see him again. Once you have
decided upon your involvement in the euthanasia process, you will need to decide
what you would like to have done with the remains. You can discuss your options
with your veterinarian before the euthanasia procedure.
Euthanasia is usually performed by a veterinarian. The most
typical procedure involves an intravenous injection of a barbiturate anesthetic
given at a high concentration (overdose). In general, the euthanasia is rapid,
usually within seconds, and very peaceful. Your pet will just go to sleep. On
rare occasions there may be a brief vocalization or cry as consciousness is
lost; this is not pain although you may interpret it as such.
Within seconds of starting the injection the anesthetic
overdose will cause the heart to slow and then stop, and any circulation in the
body will cease. As the heart stops and the blood pressure decreases, the
unconscious animal will stop breathing, circulation to the brain will cease and
your pet will die peacefully.
Once your pet has died, you might observe involuntary muscle
contractions or respiratory gasps about one or two minutes after the loss of
consciousness and circulation. Again this is not evidence of pain or
consciousness, but instead, it represents a physiologic response that occurs
whenever the brain is deprived of circulation. The unconscious animal may also
lose bladder or bowel control. Veterinarians often cover the pet immediately
after injecting the euthanasia solution to partially shield the pet owner from
these physiologic responses, which may still be disturbing.
By: Dr. Debra
Primovic (www.PetPlace.com)
Pet Loss
Coping
with Loss
The loss of any close
friend can be devastating, and pets can be among our closest companions. A pet
frequently provides unconditional love, emotional security, and loyalty. Routine
activities with an animal companion often provide structure, fun, relaxation,
and social contact in our daily lives. The death of a cherished pet can mean the
loss of an entire lifestyle as well as a devoted companion. Lack of
understanding and support from people around us can make this period even more
difficult.
Be Prepared
In some instances the death of a pet can be anticipated; the
animal may be very old or suffering from an extended illness. Other pet owners
may face a sudden loss – the result of an accident or short-term illness. Things
that will need to be considered with a gravely ill or seriously injured animal
include the pet’s quality of life, emotional and financial cost, and when or if
euthanasia should be considered. It is best to have contemplated these difficult
matters beforehand.
Accept and Express Your Feelings
It is important to understand that grief is a personal
experience and there are no right or wrong ways to feel it. The most important
part of healing is to acknowledge what you are feeling and somehow release it.
Try writing your thoughts down in a journal. A good long cry can help, too.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your friends or a counselor.
You’re Not Alone
Seek out support. Well-meaning friends who don’t understand
the bond between you and your pet may say, “He was only a dog.” Others may
encourage you to “get another one,” as if your lifelong companion could be
easily replaced. This can make expression of your pain even harder. It is
important to realize that you are not alone. A support group can act as a
wonderful resource for consolation and affirmation.
Do What You Can to Ease the Pain
Share your thoughts and feelings with others. Talk. Write.
Many people find comfort in rituals, like paying their final respects with a
brief service or setting up a small memorial with photos and objects that had
significance in the pet’s life, such as a collar bowl, or toy. It’s important to
set aside time to think about the good times and remember to pay extra attention
to surviving pets. They may need consolation during this difficult period too.
Special Friendships, Special Concerns
The death of a long-time companion can be particularly
painful for those who shared a unique relationship with their pet. This includes
anyone whose pet was the sole or primary companion, or who was either physically
or emotionally dependent upon their pet. Children, the elderly, and handicapped
pet owners often have unique bonds with companion animals and may need special
attention and support when a pet dies.
Recognizing the tasks of grief can give you landmarks on the
path to resolution, and help you recognize that your feelings are normal. The
term "task" is used rather than "stage" to avoid giving the impression that
grief is something marked by well-defined milestones. The mourner should not
feel that he or she must follow some pre-set list, each lasting a determined
period of time.
Remember that the grieving process for each individual is as
unique as each lost relationship. There is no set pattern or time period for
recovery, but there are some general patterns.
Denial. Most people will experience a period of
denial, refusing to believe the pet is dying or has died. Denial is usually
strongest when there is little time for acceptance, such as with an accident or
short-term illness.
Bargaining. For pets facing imminent death, many
people will try to make a deal with God, themselves, or even the pet, in a
desperate attempt to deter fate.
Anger.
In frustration, anger may be directed at
anyone involved with the pet, including friends, family, veterinarians, and even
the pet owner himself.
Guilt. Guilt is probably the most common emotion
resulting from the death of a companion animal. As the pet’s primary caretaker,
all decisions regarding care are the owner’s responsibility. When a pet dies,
the owner often feels guilty about actions taken or not taken, even about things
that happened before the pet became ill. The most attentive caretaker may feel
he or she should have somehow done more. But we all do our best with the
information, knowledge, and resources available to us. It is important to try
not to second-guess the decisions you made along the way, and to remember that
you tried to act in your pet’s best interest.
Depression. Depression can indicate the
start of acceptance. It is normal to withdraw and contemplate the meaning of the
relationship in solitude. Deep and lasting despondency, however, requires
professional help.
Acceptance. Now is the time to remember the good
times. The daily reminders become a little less painful. You find you can now
start to think about the future.
When Is It Time to Consider Another Pet?
A new pet is just that - a new pet. He or she can never
replace the pet you lost. If you decide to get another pet, you will be entering
into an entirely new and different relationship. Be sure that you are
psychologically, physically, and financially ready and willing to commit the
time and energy needed to care for a new companion, without resentment or
unrealistic expectations.
By: Angell Memorial Animal Hospital
(www.PetPlace.com)
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