Euthanasia

How far do I go?

Advances in diagnostics and treatments such as those used at Blair Street Veterinary Hospital are there to extend the lives of out pets. All of us here have pets. We feel that 'quality of life' is almost always more important than 'quantity of life'. This raises the moral dilemma of how far should we go, using modern technological advances of medicine, to prolong the lives of our pets? Is it fair for a pet to have continuing treatment when a cure is not possible? How do we make the right decision?

Sometimes, everything that can be done is, perhaps, not what should be done. Each animal and situation is different. Sometimes, a little short term distress or upset may be worth enduring if the outcome enhances your pet's life. Inevitably, through either illness or aging, a pet is no longer able to cope with day to day life. When decision time comes, we will help you, although we cannot make this decision for you.

Euthanasia means the voluntary ending of an individual's life. Those who have watched a pet fall quickly asleep and then, seconds later, seen the heart stop, will realise this is a good way to die. It is the last gift that you will give to your pet to show your love for them.

Making the decision to euthanase your pet is a very difficult one and trying to work out when is probably even harder. Whatever the circumstances, we will always support you and your decision without judgement.

The following questions may help you decide if the time is right:

Is the condition prolonged, recurring or getting worse
Is the condition no longer responding to treatment?
Is my pet in pain or otherwise suffering either physically or mentally?
Is it no longer possible to alleviate pain or suffering?
If my pet recovers, are they likely to be critically ill, invalid or unable to care for themselves?
If my pet recovers, will there be severe personality changes?

If the answer to all of these questions is 'yes', then euthanasia is a sensible, simple and humane solution.

If, however, you answered 'no' to several of these questions, you can ask yourself the following:

Can I provide the necessary care to maintain quality of life?
Will providing this care seriously interfere with or create serious problems for myself and my family?
Will the cost of the treatment be unbearably expensive?

Your pet is a member of your family and the final decision is yours and your family's. In our experience, these are valid reasons for euthanasia:

Overwhelming physical injury unlikely to repair well.
Irreversible disease that has progressed to a point where distress or discomfort can't be controlled.
Old age wear and tear that permanently affects your pet's quality of life.
Physical injury, disease or wear and tear resulting in permanent loss of body functions.
Uncontrollable aggression with risk to children, you or others.
Carrying an untreatable disease dangerous to people.

The euthanasia procedure is very simple and quick. An overdose of anaesthetic is administered to your pet. The animal very quickly falls asleep and, within seconds, the heart stops. You may either choose to be present or you may leave us to take care of this for you. Likewise, euthanasia can be carried out at home or at the Vet Hospital.

If you wish, cremation can be arranged or you may wish to take your pet home for a private burial. Alternatively, you may leave them with us for disposal.

You have probably spent many years with your pet - caring, nurturing and receiving unconditional devotion and loyalty from your best friend. There is no right or wrong way to react to a pet's death, and reactions vary. Pet loss does, however, often trigger a raw, wrenching emotion. Sometimes it catches you by surprise. Don't feel ashamed or embarrassed. We have all been in the same situation and really do understand what you are feeling.

You may experience a roller coaster of emotions following pet loss - from anger, denial and anxiety - all are part of the grieving process when we experience the loss of someone close to us. Give the process time to take its course. Take things as they come. You may feel it appropriate to get another pet quickly or leave this for a while. These decisions are very individual but make sure you are truly ready before taking on another pet. You can never replace a lost pet but a new addition to the family can help fill the void and set you back on the path of enjoyment, learning and devotion that pet ownership brings.