Vet News DIY pet euthanasia: The shotgun edition

October 11th, 2008  

Add Comment36 Comments

OMG. How horrible.

Although I believe that as you say, if done flawlessly, it may be quick and "humane", as you point out the chances of flawless execution are too poor to even try. And the way this woman did it, there is no doubt that it would not be painless. On top of being cruel, she's obviously chicken -- caring more about not having to see the shots go in than whether or not she gets it right. Otherwise, she would have sat next to him and done it directly to his head, which I certainly don't advocate for hte reasons you stated.

People get all kinds of crazy ideas in their heads about this. A man on the feline diabetes message board once posted, asking if he could humanely euthanize his cat by giving her a massive insulin overdose.

Having held my cat in my arms after his vet's son had given him a massive insulin overdose -- and seen the incredible suffering he went through, seizures, hypothermia, hypokalemia, struggle to survive followed by permanent disability -- I obviously very passionately argued against this totally misguided idea.

In fact, most humans who try to commit suicide by insulin overdose do not suceed, but instead end up permanently brain damaged (unless the OD is very quickly caught and treated by a 3rd party, in which case brain damage can be averted. Unfortunately for my cat, he was given an overdose, and then left alone overnight, according to the vets statements over the course of 4 months).

I believe in euthanasia when needed as well as the Death with Dignity law in Oregon. However, I agonize over the methods wanting them to be as painless and peaceful as possible, which I think all loved ones would. This is why there was so much interest in your earlier post.

Stefani October 11th, 2008 10:46:00 AM

I accompanied my friend and co-worker yesterday when she had to have Maggie, her 15-year-old Border Collie mix euthanized. Maggie was in acute renal failure and she was not even able to walk anymore. I hope I have the strength to do this when it' stime for my boys to pass on. It was one of the most agonizing things I have ever been through. She asked me to be there with her and Maggie and although I didn't want to be in the room, I wanted to support my friend and Maggie.

I've read this blog for some time so thankfully I knew what to expect. The vet used the 2 shot protocol. Maggie was given a sedative, which brought a state of extremely deep sedation. We petted and loved on Maggie as she slipped into a state of deep sedation. About 7 minutes later the vet came back and administered a pink barbiturate intracardialy. Maggie didn't flinch so I don't believe she felt any pain, however I was somewhat shocked he used this method. After a few minutes she still had a strong pulse so he administered a second dose and Maggie passed a few moments later. It truly was a successful "beautiful death" and I know Maggie felt nothing but love, petting and kisses while the procedure took place. The whole process had a profound impact on me and today I’m still pretty shaken up about it.

The only veterinary training I have is from reading this and few other blogs and a few books. I'd like to know from a professional's perspective if the procedure used on Maggie was appropriate for the situation. I don't recall seeing any attempt to locate a peripheral pulse so why did he go straight for the intracardial method. From my limited understanding, I thought this procedure was to be used only as a last ditch method. I probably don’t know what I’m talking about but I thought it would be a good idea to my concern/question here to see what the experts have to say.

Greg October 11th, 2008 10:56:00 AM

Sorry, but I don't entirely agree with this post. This is something we who live in the rural parts of the Northern tier states have to consider as a possibility, though it is certainly NOT my choice of how to euthanize. I live in Wyoming, in an area that only has two livestock practices left; thus, it may take hours or an entire day to get a vet to come out and euthanize a cow, horse or other large animal that is down and can't be gotten into a trailer. Also, from time to time we and the surrounding states are vulnerable to severe blizzards that may stop all traffic for days or even a couple of weeks. There was no law enforcement, fire or ambulance for a week in our area during the blizzard of April 2007 unless it could arrive by snowmachine. I most definitely do think that sedation plus gunshot is more humane than letting an animal die by inches. I should also add that there are plenty of expert marksmen/women in our immediate neighborhood who can be sure to do the job with one bullet.

Maria Shanley October 11th, 2008 11:10:00 AM

I'm glad Maria S. posted a very real situation that calls for an alternative. I am distressed that this CO. woman is brought up on cruelty.

As one that witnessed, inhumane death via saturated potassium chloride administered by a licensed veterinarian, I can only ponder why I wasn't instructed to bring my pet elsewhere or home to die unaided. That would have been MORE humane, and a well-placed gunshot certainly would have too. You "pay" a professional to do what is the best possible method available and within the realm of AVMA guidelines.

I do know of a DIY euthanasia practiced by another that involved valium aided death overe the course of time to acheive "natural" death without distress. Would I attempt it or advocate it? No, but after what I witnessed, it would be hard for me to come down on a pet owner not seeking aided euthanasia, based on fear.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire October 11th, 2008 11:38:00 AM

I too, have a hard time being judgmental about someone who elects to dispatch their animal via firearm. However, I agree they should have someone else do it so that the aim is good and the person who does it should obey the local laws regarding the discharge of firearms.

When it's time for my horse to leave this world, she will go to the local exotic cat sanctuary where she will be dispatched quickly and painlessly by a bullet through the head. After that, she will contribute to the circle of life.

I've seen horses fight euthanasia even when they are very ill or in terrible pain -- the will to live is strong. I want my horse to be here now and gone in an instant when the time comes.

Deanna October 11th, 2008 12:02:00 PM

Greg: The method you describe (intracadiac injection as the second injection in the two-injection protocol) is considered humane. I don't ever use it, though, because 1) 'm not good at it and 2) it doesn't seem to resonate with the average sensibilities of my clientele. They'd be horrified, I think. But it is considered humane by most standards.

Dr. Patty Khuly October 11th, 2008 12:06:00 PM

Thanks for your comments in the negative (pro-shotgun method). I guess at issue is whether there are better alternatives available. My own suburban mores are surely in evidence in this post--and there's little I can do about that but to accept that others will feel differently.

Dr. Patty Khuly October 11th, 2008 12:09:00 PM

Greg, I believe what was at issue with the TN shelter vet, was no administration of sedative prior to the IC injection and no confirmation that the injection was 'successful'.

I have witnessed less than the 'ideal' euthanasia , as Stefani has previously described, but what all had in common is that they were HUMANE. That is something you can hold onto and accept.

It is an entirely different concept and abhorrent to know and witness an intentional, deliberate act of "inhumane" death to a pet or animal or human.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire October 11th, 2008 12:22:00 PM

Thank you Dr. Khuly and Ms. Albright for clarifying this for me. I understand the process was humane under these circumstances. After the sedative was administered IM, the vet came back about 7 to 10 minutes later (seemed like an eternity at the time) and I think he did something to her eyes to check her level of consciousness. She didn't move at all when the IC was given so I feel better knowing she felt no pain. Sorry for the redundancy but I also posted this question in "Killing Me Softly". I was desperate for an answer.

Greg October 11th, 2008 12:29:00 PM

I'm also distressed that the CO woman was charged with cruelty, however incompetant she may have been. Colorado is also a state where weather conditions combined with large rural or generally inaccessible areas mean that there may be many times when an owner must either put an animal out if its misery themselves, or watch it suffer for hours or days before a vet can come. I would hate to think that fear of being fined or imprisoned might make some people too afraid to do "the right thing" if and when needed.
And I don't really think of Colorado as a haven for pet lovers anyway - not as long as the awful pit bull ban is so ruthlessly enforced in Denver.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8644998/
Thousands of sweet dogs have been taken from their owners and killed by the authorities - there is nothing "good" about those deaths, however they were achieved.

Barb October 12th, 2008 12:40:00 PM

We had a pair of puppymillers here in PA elect to shoot 80 mill dogs instead of getting them the medical care the inspectors insisted they must get. People were all kinds of up in arms- protesting, a candlelight vigil, news coverage, etc- but what they did was legal. Distasteful, to be sure, but so is milling dogs in the first place. It makes me sad that nobody cared about those dogs until they were dead.

I could never do it myself, I don't think. I've euthanized my own rats at work (Iso until they're good and asleep, then a heart stick) and I could probably euthanize my own dog with appropriate drugs in a veterinary setting, but a gun is too iffy. And the stakes are too high if you miss.

My heart truly goes out to that poor woman and her dog.

katie October 12th, 2008 12:41:00 PM

My heart goes out to this woman. That she was that upset over her dog's suffering (who wouldn't be?) and that she really, truly felt she had no other option. That said, I do not condone what she did at all. She made a terrible decision, and she's going to have to live with the consequences of that decision.

If I ever found myself in that position, I'd go to my local shelter. It may not be what I want to do, but I really feel it would be a better option than doing nothing or trying to do it myself (I couldn't, anyway.)

Jen M.

Jen M. October 12th, 2008 02:44:00 PM

IF the cause of these incidents truly are cost,(applys to small pets here, obviously not home visits for large animals) then perhaps euthansia is one of those "jobs" vets should do at cost. after all, it's not physically difficult most times, the drugs are not expensive and there is little time involved in the procedure.
certainly the emotional tole can't be equated in the terms of money.
also I've never heard of local shelters offering low cost euthansia, so it's not available here in NJ. Most of the cost I have seen comes from the type of disposal requested for the pet. I've never paid more than $25.00 to have a pet "put down" But I have paid hundreds for them to be cremated and returned.
It is unpleasant business for all involved.I hate having a pet euthanized. I also hate holding them while they die naturally. There is no "beautiful death. There is just the best of a bad situation and a quick end to further suffering. it is a painful emotional experience and leads all of us, even the most logical of us to some desperate thoughts. Add in a money issue and other things...I feel sorry for the poor woman and hope that she gets the help she obviously needs.
I think in all of this, the most profound thing I can't help but think of is how this choice can be made for our pets, but not for suffering family members in many places.
I also find myslef unhappy with some of the reports that have implied that our dead pets are showing up in pet food...but that is a different topic.

LorriM October 12th, 2008 04:07:00 PM

Sorry I have to disagree with you Doctor.

I was born and raised in NYC and lived most of my adult life in San Francisco, I don't own a gun or know how to use one. I'm not part of the gun world. But, when it came time to put my Grizzley down, I would have shot him myself if I could have. The poor thing (a pound rescue) lived in a state of terror with anyone but me and my husband. Going to the Vet's and being muzzled (he really needed it believe me) and being in close quarters with "dangerous" people (the vet staff) was not the kindest way for this poor thing to go.

This woman maybe didn't do the job right, but I think it may sometimes be the best thing to do.

Barbara October 12th, 2008 05:08:00 PM

Barbara had another good example of when DIY euthanasia might be needed. I suppose if I had a pet that was extemely fearful of going to the vet (or of strangers in general) IMO the BEST option would be for my vet to give me some really powerful sedative that I could administer myself at home, while the animal is relaxed. Then when the pet is as nearly unconscious as possible to either have the vet come to the house or take it to the vet for the final injections.
You've got to have a REALLY good relationship with your vet for them to entrust you with something like that, though.

Barb October 12th, 2008 07:22:00 PM

Barb: Some vets will let you administer a tranquilizer "pre-visit".

LorriM: you raise a good point, death is never easy & always full of emotion and profound sadness. Euthanasia is meant to relieve suffering without inflicting pain. I too, think about that option should be available to humans along side of hospice.

I feel so very fortunate that my Mom's passing did not involve pain, was aided by (legal) drugs, and fairly quick. But even so, after we said our goodbyes and sentiments, we were left feeling helpless and hopeless for the remaining days, and hoping for her that there weren't many more to bear---there was nothing beautiful about it.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire October 13th, 2008 12:28:00 AM

Discharging a firearm in a residential area? Book 'em, Danno.

Animal cruelty? Not seeing it.

Let's say one of my animals suffers an injury that requires euthanasia RIGHT NOW because that animal is screaming in pain, and it's a trauma that can't be fixed.

Let's further say that this occurs at 10 pm on Saturday night.

The emergency vet is over an hour away as fast as I can drive.

Does anyone imagine that any owner is going to be a safe DRIVER under these circumstances?

Is it "kind" to make the animal agonize in the back of a moving vehicle for an HOUR in order for a stranger to deliver a "beautiful death" on a steel table in a cold clinic?

You had better believe that I'm going to take five minutes to unlock and load my rifle, do what I have to do, and then probably vomit all over myself.

But I won't have a twinge of guilt for sparing my friend the pain of delay so that his or her death can be more aesthetically pleasing because it is "clinical" rather than "violent."

This strikes me as a political prosecution, not something done with the genuine welfare of the animal in mind.

H Houlahan October 13th, 2008 04:10:00 AM

I stronglly disagree with those of you who don't think what this woman did is cruel.

She did not make a clean shot to the head.

Please re-read.

"A woman in Colorado was arrested by the police last week after she drugged her ailing dog with Xanax (a valium-like drug), dug a hole, placed him in it, and fired a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson five times (connecting only four, even at such close range)…"

Do you want to be shot about your body 4 times as a method of being "euthanized?"

Cruelty charges are COMPLETELY appropriate for this woman.

Stefani October 13th, 2008 11:08:00 AM

IF people are going to use guns to shoot animals under any situation (hunting, euthanasia), don't you think they should take a course and carry some sort of license? I'm no gun control freak (I do support the right to bear arms) but I would tend to think they should hold a license the same way driving a car requires one. That might make me feel better about allowing people to shoot their own pets. Don't you think that would have helped keep this woman from using a small caliber weapon to shoot her pet multiple times? For all we know she'd never shot a gun before in her life.

Dr. Patty Khuly October 13th, 2008 12:21:00 PM

I think that ANYONE who wants to own a gun should be required to take a safety class and qualify on a range every few years -- on the specific gun they own. And I think the qualifications for holding a hunting license should be even tighter.

But neither gun nuts nor gun-control nuts like that idea. Oh well.

One thing that is unclear in the news reports is whether the dog *had to be shot* four times. The first shot may have been what killed her. The owner was clearly not thinking well. She may have emptied her gun into the dog "just in case."

I've never failed to drop a deer with the first shot, but I always follow up with a head shot. It's the least I owe to the animal. As far as I know it has always been unnecessary. It's insurance.

Anyway, it appears as of today that she will not be charged.

H Houlahan October 14th, 2008 06:39:00 PM

H Houlahan: I could be wrong, but I believe my state of NH requires a hunter safety course before issuing permits. And I thought that some states offer same, including pistol safety courses.

Good for you to "ethically" hunt. I've often asked why 'head shots' aren't always done, with the response of taking the head for trophy (I'm not a hunter, but live in a popular area for hunting).
Always makes me nervous, since a hunter cannot always tell where the "houses" are.

The woman was in a bad state, no question, but her motives were not to commit animal cruelty---there lies the difference IMO. And there are lots of times to take this type of action, with wounded wild animals, often suffering incomplete road kills.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire October 14th, 2008 07:24:00 PM

What hypocrites we are these days! City Mouse versus Country Mouse, never the two shall meet. (mixed metaphor)
But of course it is illegal to discharge a firearm in city limits, but it certainly isn't cruelty to shoot your own dying dog.

In our tiny rural town, when extra farm pups are born, everyone knows to "put 'em in a box til the squeakin" stops" Farmers routinely euthanize all of their own animals, dogs included, when the time comes, by bullet. Farmers grow animals for food, what if the farmer's wife had to call a vet to butcher her chickens?

A home kill by a butcher involves shooting the animal in the field. The vet is only called to keep the animal healthy so the butcher can shoot it. I knew a rural vet married to a rural butcher, what a funny combination! Bullets are quick, safe, easy and very humane, if administered by someone who's comfortable with guns.

GrannyJones October 30th, 2008 10:59:00 AM

While I disagree with the use of a gun on a pet, I completely understand the woman's position!  I am currently in the same room with my dying dog.  I am handicapped and on a fixed income.  I DO NOT have the money to get her euthanized!  Everyone wants $100 to $150, except SPCA, and they want $55.  I don't have even that much, and besides, they are across town and I cannot pick up this dog.  Despite her weight drop from the cancer, she's too heavy for arthritic old me, and she is in so much pain in her right front leg that it'd make her screech in horror!  There is bone cancer in that leg, advanced.

So here I sit with a dog who cannot even get up now.  She cannot use her back legs.  I'm controlling her pain with good pain meds, but don't have enough to overdose her with to bring on death.  Not that I beleive I could do that anyways.

What is it with the cost of euthanasia these days?  It's more costly than I would've ever imagined!  What happens to someone like me when they desperately want their beloved dog relieved of its pain, but everyone is more interested in profit than simply helping out the animal.  I can't believe the cost of those drugs is much of a contributing factor to the high cost of euthanasia!

Sure, I have a 9mm, but would I use it on my dog?  Not in a million years.  So what options does someone have in circumstances like mine?  That woman did what she thought needed to be done.  She didn't deserve to be charged.  She deserves the same compassion she was TRYING to give to her dog.  Like me, it had to be eating her alive inside watching her dog suffer and being helpless in trying to get it euthanized without a big pocket full of cash!

Anyone with a suggestion for me can post it here or email me at housemouse@highstream.net

Housemouse December 12th, 2008 10:44:05 PM

I am dying: I have to move in with a relative that has already adopted my mothers dog; after her death. There are already two dogs and a cat in the home. My cat is terrified of dogs and one of the dogs (a terrier) chases cats for fun. The cat living there holds her own with the terrier but mine would not. I have called every pet adoption agency in the area. They will not take my cat because they are overloaded with the pets of people who have lost their homes. I have saved medication so I can choose my own time. I would like to take my cat with me when I go. She has spent the last 18 months in bed with me. On days when I can't make myself get up to eat or drink; she paws me and cries untili take care of myself. I can't bear to think of her ending up at at pound or in a home where she lives a life of terror; hiding from a dog or child. I want her to go in comfort with me. Would a vet put her down on request? Is there a humane wayI could drug her?

hopeless December 14th, 2008 07:45:12 AM

Thanks to everyone who contributed. All good points and personal opinions, which as they say everyone has one. My RR is in failing health and as a family member, loved more than most of my relatives, she is close to death. We have even slept camped out in the family room because she has only one kidney left, no spleen and a football mass in her stomach. She gets up to go out a lot and as But boy that girl will eat until her last breath. We have a lady who will come to our house and I have had the grave dug for two weeks. This whole cancer thing came on quick and we have celebrated her life every day, but as I am in the city limits yet have land, am not able to DIY but if I had no choice I would Man up and do the right thing. There is no cruelty in that. I feel sad for those elderly who's pets are better than their kin. They are so broken hearted yet have little options. Those pets kept these folks alive for years on pet love and they deserve grace. Some cruel idiots deserve to be shot themselves. Dale

Texas Ridgeback December 20th, 2008 12:20:56 PM

I have had 2 beloved Maltese dogs. Mother and son. Never seperated. Like two peas in a pod. The mother "Sally" 16 and suffering from liver failure, seizures and heart conditions was euthenized at my vets office while I held her in my arms not only 8 months ago. Since her passing, her son, "Bug", who was 12 very rapidly declined in health. An enlarged heart, a heart murmer, a cystic growth on his head, a collapsing trachea, hip problems, stopped eating and walking on his own and was hacking all day every day for two weeks. After taking him to the vets for blood work, xrays and an upcoming surgery that advised me he may not survive the anesthesia, I opted to induce a small amount of Xanax crushed up in water and injest it to him. It broke my heart and I wish it were me that had to die, not him. My choice was to have him die on the operating table amongst strangers or, to have him pass peacefully in his sleep next to me. It was the hardest thing I have ever, ever done. It was not about $$$$$ I would have mortgaged the house for him. I made that judgement call because I loved him more then anything in my life and am suffering extreme guilt and grief. I don't know what other think. I know I had to see him at peace. he was dying of a broken heart amongst the other aligaments. He is gone now three days and my heart has been ripped from me.

mimi January 6th, 2009 06:30:56 PM

Thanks as your comments spell the abrogating (pro-shotgun method). I profession at blow in is whether licensed are greater alternatives available. My keep suburban mores are yes control establish consequence this post--and there's plain I constraint close about that but to accept that others bequeath impression differently.

Gary Winnick February 19th, 2009 12:40:06 AM

HELLO ALL

JHON February 19th, 2009 12:41:23 AM

Learn Chinese in China,Study Chinese in China,Mandarin School in China,Study Mandarin in China.Learn Chinese in China's Best tourist city - Hangzhou! Mandarin Capital was and is the first Mandarin School in Hangzhou

asdfasdf June 1st, 2009 03:05:39 AM

دردشة

 

 

منتديات

 

 

يوتيوب

 

tyteyrrty June 26th, 2009 11:24:25 AM

The donkey means one Ugg Sale thing and the driver another ugg bailey button.The benevolent see benevolence and the wise ugg classic cardy see ugg classic tallwisdom.No man is his craft's master the first ugg classic mini day.two dogs fight for a bone coquette, and. A piece of jade unless cut forms no article of vertu.http://www.ladiesugg.com/

ugg boot September 12th, 2009 04:02:29 AM

sale ugg cardy man is not made for defeat. a ugg bailey button man can be destroyed but not defeated.No rational man can die without cheap ugg uneasy apprehension. Better ugg classic mini be unborn than untaught,for ignorance is the root of misfortune.Genius17 without education is like silver in the ugg classic cardy mine. http://www.ugg2you.com/

 

Ugg Boots September 14th, 2009 11:28:50 PM

Thanks for your sharing.Maybe you are interested in Abercrombie and Fitch.

 

AF September 18th, 2009 01:04:24 AM

Your article very interesting, I have introduced a lot of friends look at this article, the content of the articles there will be a lot of attractive people to appreciate, I have to thank you such an article. Khairuddin Syach Weblog and Mengembalikan jati diri bangsa

Mengembalikan jati diri bangsa October 3rd, 2009 03:56:24 PM

[link=http://www.iklanbarisgratis.co.tv]iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.iklangratisbaris.co.tv/]jaringan iklan gratis baris[/link][link=http://www.iklanbaris-gratis.co.tv/]pasang iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.pasangiklanbaris.co.tv/]submit iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.pasangiklanbarisgratis.co.tv/]iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.gratispasangiklan.co.tv/]media pasang iklan gratis[/link][link=hhttp://www.promosigratis.co.tv/]promosi gratis iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.iklan-barisgratis.co.tv/]iklan baris gratis[/link][link=http://www.iklan-baris-gratis.co.tv/]pasang iklan baris gratis[/link]

jhon October 5th, 2009 09:49:51 PM

tiffany jewelry

tiffany cuff links

TIFFANY JEWELRY October 26th, 2009 03:40:25 AM

Add Commment

Your Name:

CAPTCHA Verification