One Horrible Day!

Recently, I shared the most horrible day ever with a client. She brought both her older cat and her young puppy in as emergencies, at the same time! Both pets were perfectly healthy the day before, and even that morning, but now both pets were facing the very real possibility of losing their lives.

The two pets presented with two very different and obviously unrelated problems. The cat was older and was almost non-responsive. She had a temperature of about 95 degrees, which is usually only seen as a pet is dying (or under anesthesia). She was pale as a ghost with a touch of jaundiced as well. She did not seem to be very aware of her surroundings.

The puppy was only 6 months old and had just been hit by a car a few minutes earlier. It was clear that she had many injuries, including a couple of broken bones. Yet, she was still alert and doing well. It was so sad, two tragedies in the same family, at the same time.

Due to financial limitations, we chose to invest in the life that had the most chance of survival and recovery. Therefore, we humanely euthanized the older cat to prevent any more suffering from her illness. That left us able to focus on the recovery of the puppy.

After sedating the puppy with heavy doses of pain medications, we were able to take radiographs and see the full extent of the puppy’s injuries. They were not good! She had a broken shoulder (1), separation in the lumbosacral (spine to hip) joint (A), a broken femur along the growth plate (B ), and multiple fractures of the hip (C & D). To make things worse, all of the injuries were along the right side; the puppy would not be able to support its own weight during her recovery; she was severely debilitated.

The fate for the puppy was also a humane ending of her suffering. I couldn’t believe it! This family had suffered more in one day than I had ever seen with my job! It was horrible. I can work the rest of my life without having another day like this one!

Sarasota Animal Hospital

How do you know when “it’s time”?: Part 2 - When?

In Part 1, I discussed why euthanasia can be a good thing for our pets when they need it. Now, I want to use this opportunity to give some pointers on how to know when “it’s time” to help your pet by euthanasia. Each pet’s situation is unique, therefore, consult with your veterinarian when you think it’s time. When you see that the time is nearing, it is important to prepare your family for what’s ahead. Everyone needs time to say good-bye and to prepare. If everybody is in agreement when the time arrives, the process will be a lot smoother for everyone.

I’ll address a few common reasons for euthanasia and cover each situation individually. In any situation, though, the main priority is to do what’s best for the pet.



Long Term Illness



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Pets with long term illness usually slowly become sicker over time.  You’ll start to see things like:

• Lack of activity
• Lack of family interaction
• Vomiting, diarrhea, not eating (even their favorite treats)
• Reclusive behaviors

Cancer

This is in itself a “long term illness,” so you’re looking for a lot of the same symptoms. You also want to consider the situation where cancer treatment is not an option or is either already performed to its maximum. When you are out of cancer treatment options and they’re showing the symptoms above, consult your veterinarian.

Trauma/Sudden Debilitating Illness

In these cases, rely heavily on your veterinarian’s recommendation. It's easy for the stress of an emergency situation to cloud your judgement as an owner. Ask your vet about chances of survival and if a complete recovery can be expected. Don't be afraid to be straight forward and ask if euthanasia is necessary. Be sure to find agreement with the rest of the family if possible. 

Arthritis

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Arthritis can be very difficult to manage in your pet. There are many different options on how to treat arthritis, but when those options are exhausted, your pet will not be able to find complete relief. They may still interact with the family, eat well and appear happy. Rather, you'll see that you have to help them get up, help them up the stairs, they may be having accidents in their bed because they can't get up to go outside. I believe that choosing the "right time" for an arthritic patients is the hardest decision to make.  You usually have a pet that is mentally still with you, but yet very much in pain. The decision is usually made when we see how uncomfortable they are with their pain and we can't do anything about it but euthanasia.  

Financial Limitations

This is the toughest situation to be in. It leaves an opportunity for devastating guilt to set in on the owner. In an ideal world, we, as owners, would have unlimited funds to provide whatever care was needed for our pets. Also, in an ideal world, we as veterinarians could provide free care to whoever needed it for their pet. It's such a hard reality to face, but in the end, if the necessary treatments cannot be administered, we need to choose to relieve the pet of its suffering. For more information on how to deal with these financial limitations, see my next post, "How to Handle Your Pet's Emergency with Financial Limitations".

If you feel comfortable, please comment below and let others know how you knew it was the right time for your pet.

Sarasota Animal Hospital



How do you know when “it’s time”?: Part 1 - Why?

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Euthanasia. The most dreaded word in the life long relationship between a pet and its owners. We all hope that they will just drift off during their sleep when it’s their time. However, most of us are never that fortunate. There is usually a time for all of us when we have to make that decision for our beloved pet. We never want to make the decision and often struggle knowing just when it’s the appropriate time.

This blog is a three piece series discussing euthanasia and what to expect. The parts will include: 

general discussion on euthanasia and why we do it

guidelines on knowing when “it’s time” 

when it’s time to get a new pet

With sick patients, euthanasia provides an opportunity to prevent suffering when the end of life is imminent. Even though it’s such a tough decision to make, our responsibility is to assure that it’s made in the best interest of the pet. The veterinarian plays an integral part in helping owners to know when to make the decision. We know them medically and you know them personally. Together, combining both the medical and personal information, a decision can be made that’s best for your pet. We’re there to “hold your hand” during the process. We want what’s best for both you and your pet.

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Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of euthanasias in the clinic over the past week. It’s been tough. A lot of them were long time clients where I have developed a relationship with not only the pet, but also the owner. It always breaks my heart a little with each one, but there is also this sense of knowing that I'm still doing what’s best for the pet. A lot of these euthanasias were cancer patients, others were patients with long term diseases that were taking their toll on the pet.

On a broad basis, euthanasia is supported when the quality of life of the patient is so poor that the pet appears to be suffering and there is no great chance for improvement in the quality of life. If the pet’s time span of suffering is considered to be limited with a good chance of improvement with treatment, then treatment is generally supported. In the next blog, Part 2, more specific and common scenarios are explained in detail with some different symptoms to watch for. Remember, consult with a veterinarian who knows your pet. They can make this process a lot easier for you.

I want to invite you to leave a comment below remembering your lost pet. Leave a fun memory, an experience that might help others, or just a name in remembrance of your pet.

Sarasota Animal Hospital