He inhaled his last breath, went limp in my arms and was gone.
Deciding to euthanize my cat, Tomba, was a difficult decision. He warmed my lap while I studied for every exam during my four years of veterinary school. It was his joints I manipulated to learn anatomy and his eyes I stared into when I tried to understand how pupils dilate and contract.
Like many older pets (he was 16), a combination of health problems diminished his quality of life and I made the difficult decision to end his suffering.
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I brooded and agonized over whether it was the right time, giving me new insight into what many pet owners experience with making end-of-life decisions for their own animals.
Many people consider it a privilege and responsibility as animal owners to have the ability to humanely end suffering, giving the animals in our care a “good death.”
As veterinarians, we have extensive training in disease treatment and pain recognition, but none of this replaces the day-to-day observations of owners. It is the people who have daily interactions with a dog, cat or other animal who can best understand quality of life to know when the time is right.
Quality of life includes freedom from pain and distress, reasonable appetite and interest in enjoyable activities. It can be hard to appreciate subtle changes when you see your animal every day. The respected opinion of someone with a more objective perspective may be helpful.
Euthanasia may not be a choice some people are willing to make. In these instances, humane hospice care is essential. Pet health insurance is worth considering to avoid having to euthanize a pet for financial reasons.
Veterinary clinics often have specific rooms for euthanasias. They tend to book appointments at less busy times and may take payment and handle arrangements ahead of time. For the best service and peace of mind, book with your veterinarian rather than an emergency service. Some veterinarians offer home euthanasia as well.
Dogs and cats are often given a sedative to reduce anxiety and pain. Then an intravenous catheter is usually placed in the front leg vein. Prepare yourself that your veterinarian or technician may want to take your pet away from you to the treatment area to place the IV. While this can be distressing, keep in mind that it allows the veterinarian the best chance to place the IV quickly with fewer distractions and better lighting.
Most pets are given an intravenous overdose of the drug pentobarbital that acts quickly and painlessly to bring about unconsciousness first, then stops the heart. Veterinarians will check with their stethoscope to make sure the heart has stopped.
Sometimes immediately after death, animals will take a very deep breath. This is a normal reflex but can be distressing to see and something to prepare for. After death, the bowels and bladder may empty.
Your level of involvement in the process is a personal decision. Some people leave their pet in the care of the clinic for the euthanasia. Others stay only for the initial sedation. Some are there for the entire process. Whatever you choose, remember there is no wrong decision. If you plan to stay, know that a technician may assist in holding your pet for safety purposes, but do ask where you can stand and pet your animal.
The decision to euthanize a pet based on a medical problem can be especially difficult. While we all want our pets to live to ripe old ages, sometimes illness gets in the way and despite our best efforts, a diagnosis isn’t always apparent.
In these instances, it is worth considering having an autopsy performed. It can usually provide those final answers to what was going wrong and give a sense of closure.
For my cat, it was a relief to learn that his medical problems were real and would not have responded to further treatment. I had made the right choice. Veterinarians learn from autopsies, which may provide knowledge and understanding for treating future patients.
Cremation and burial are the most common arrangements made for the body. Your veterinary clinic can provide information about cremation services. Many municipalities restrict burial so be sure to look into this beforehand.
Grieving the loss of a pet is a personal journey. It can be helpful to know that it may take a while and that there is growing recognition of the role of pets in people’s lives with more and more supports available for this specific type of grief.
Euthanasia is difficult for everyone involved, from the veterinary team to the pet owner but open communication and understanding can go a long way to ease the process.
