HOW IS EUTHANASIA ACTUALLY CARRIED OUT - AND WHAT HAPPENS?
Before we carry out euthanasia, you will always be asked to sign a
consent form. At this time you can discuss whether you would like to be present
or not during the euthanasia.
We will also discuss which method suits your
pet and your wishes best as there are several ways it can be carried out,
depending on your wishes, your pet's personality and his/her possible illness.
We will, of course, advise you from our vast experience in what will make it the
most peaceful and gentle for both your pet and you.
Almost all the euthanasias we have conducted
have been extremely gentle, quick and un-stressful to all parties involved. We
are proud to say we always seem to almost surprise pet owners in just how "nice"
the whole experience was - even given the sadness of the circumstances.
We
usually advise one of the two options listed below for a as gentle and peaceful
euthanasia as possible:
1. With
sedation first: For a very gentle and slow induction suited for very nervous,
anxious or aggressive pets or animals in much pain.
The sedation is a painless injection in the
back of the neck much like giving a vaccination, and it will make your pet
sleepy - on average within 15-20 minutes - in which time you can sit holding
and stroking your pet. After your pet is fully asleep we give the actual
euthanizing injection as described below.
2. Without
sedation: This is an extremely quick method and also usually quite peaceful
and painless way to end your pet's struggles. It is best suited for very calm,
placid animals that don't mind being given treatment (i/v injection) by a vet
(not many animals usually fall in this category - but far more will be eligible
for this when they are kept at home).
Procedure: We will start by
shaving a small patch of fur on your pet's front leg to enable an injection in
the vein (i/v injection). In some very sick, dehydrated or old animals the vein
may have collapsed and therefore be difficult to locate so the injection may be
given painlessly in another area of the body such as a back leg (dogs) or down
the side (cats).
To enable the delicate i/v injection in the
leg, the nurse will have to hold the leg to raise the vein for the vet, while
you can hold his/her head and talk to your pet so he/she hardly notices the
injection with the overdose of a sleeping medication (barbiturate) being given.
Already within 5-10 seconds you pet will feel
very sleepy and lie down- if not already. The breathing and heartbeat stops
almost immediately and once your pet has lost consciousness it is natural to
maybe take a few deep breaths, or even a few gasps.
Occasionally a brief twitch or small muscle
spasm can occur after death - for up to 20 minutes even. This is perfectly
normal and should not be taken as "a sign of life". As the body relaxes so does the
bladder (and sometimes bowel) which we are fully prepared for and will take
care of.
Your pet's eyes will remain open and sometime he
will even slightly stick his tongue out as if to have one last say! The vet
will then check for a heartbeat, reflexes and pulses before putting your pet
into sleeping position - as that is exactly how he will look once deceased - as
if he is just resting peacefully.
Remember
the most important thing: Your pet will hardly feel this last injection
and just feel overwhelmed with tiredness - in his favourite spot at home with
his favourite people surrounding him. Isn't that a truly lovely and dignified
way to end a life??
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For our 24 hour/7 days/365 nights a year
devoted in-home euthanasia line - or whether to just
have a informal chat about your worries with our caring Vet-On-Duty or to make
an actual final arrangement - please call:
24 HOUR Mobile: 07962 423 567
