My Toonces was euthanized at home. He was lying on my chest until the first shot put him to sleep.

I've euthanized 3 other animals at the vets. In 2 of these cases the pets were very agitated at the vets. I have come to believe that home euthanasia is best when you have the time to arrange it and when circumstances permit. With the 2-shot protocol.

Stefani February 11th, 2009 08:45:33 AM

We encouraage at home euthanasia. Why have the pet's last experience on the planet be at a place they hate? I go after regular hours, things usually goes smoothly, especailly with sedation preceeding. The owners like to dim the lights and it can be hard to find a vein sometimes. I have found also that some clients are so emotionally distraught that they can no longer come back to my clinic whene the euthanansia is done there, it brings back bad memories. I sometimes have to help elderly folks dig a grave if they insist on home burial vs cremation. Invariably it is under a favorite tree and I end up hacking thru major roots, (get a good workout though.) I cannot fathom not providing this service. I recently euthanised a dog that was on a very restricted diet, the dog would quickly experience major panceatitis if it ate anything else, the dog was euthanised for an unrelated problem, but the owner cooked the dog hamburgers, hot dogs, and fires that she happily gobbled down right before the procedure.

Hobson February 11th, 2009 09:13:48 AM

Our sweet, beloved Rosie passed over the Rainbow Bridge this past Monday night. We brought her to her vet of 14 years in her bed with a blanket...she loved car rides, and in those final hours, I want to believe she was thinking we were off on another adventure...my sweet Taj transitioned at home but the hardest part of that was then driving his body to the emergency vet for cremation. I think the most important thing is to be with your pet every step of the way, always keep a hand on the them and to talk to them and surround them with life. Rosie will be my BFF....

Michele February 11th, 2009 09:21:24 AM

I'm not sure in-home is always more expensive. I had my dog euthanized at home last year when she said she was ready to go. Because my regular vet was on vacation at the time, I used an in-home euthanasia specialist. I ended up saving about $150 over the estimate my vet gave me for in-home, so I think using the vet I did at home would have been roughly the same as in-office for my regular vet. The only difference in service level was that I did have to go pick up her ashes at the crematorium, which was local (the regular vet sends the remains out to a crematorium 2+ hours away). This particular dog would've been okay with in-office because she loved to see the kitties at the vet office (she had evil designs on them), but my current dog dislikes vet offices. If circumstances permit, this one will either be put down at home or in her car, or best (she loves her car somewhat obsessively) in her car at home.

kabbage February 11th, 2009 09:38:56 AM

Having just gone through this with our first dog, I can totally relate. This is an important issue that all pet owners need to consider. Planning ahead definitiely does make it easier. Not depressing, just the facts of life.

We traveled full-time in an RV with our three legged cancer hero Jerry. We always knew the cancer would return. I dreaded that his time might come in an uncomfortable place, at some busy vet's office, on a sterile table. We were fortunate enough to spend our last few weeks with him exploring the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Park. A compasionate vet helped us release him from his broken body under this big Montana sky.

It couldn't have been more beautiful. And preparing for it by understanding the procedure, and our options, made it even more peaceful. We wrote about our difficult decisions and emotional preparations here ... http://tinyurl.com/ccvkcd

Jim & Rene February 11th, 2009 09:44:26 AM

Our vet came out and helped our old dog to cross the bridge. Poor old thing wasn't able to eat or sleep or enjoy life and we knew it was time. When she saw the vet, she wagged her tail for the first time in probably 6 months. She walked into the front room, laid down in the sun pouring in the window, and the vet eased her passage to the next life.

I wish I could have had that choice for the next one. That was one of those panicked, rush to the emergency vet, have her hooked up to I.V.s, didn't do any good scenarios.

Both the loss of loved family members. But the first I would choose any day over the second.

robinsdogs February 11th, 2009 09:56:12 AM

Good article, Dr. K. Everyone should all give this some thought ahead of time. <br><br> When I asked my vet about home euthanasia, she said that her insurance wouldn't cover it. Now, several years later, the practice has changed hands, and I really should ask again. While I do like my current vet (the other vet, an employee, was displaced by the new owner-vets), the last euthanasia I had to have performed there was done in a painfully non-compassionate manner compared to the previous one, and it's not an experience I care to relive ever again.<br><br>

I didn't know that there was such a thing as an "in-home euthanasia specialist." Considering this is a decent sized metropolitan area, I should see if such a service exists here. I do know that none of the in-home vet services will come to my area, an inconvenient quirk of geography.

 

Feline February 11th, 2009 10:14:18 AM

Re: "Invariably it is under a favorite tree and I end up hacking thru major roots"

Hobson, it is very sweet of you to do that. I am sure it is appreciated.

Stefani February 11th, 2009 10:15:28 AM

I only had one dog who was lucky enough to be euthanized at home, a 13-year-old Keeshond. She had gone quite senile and was doing very strange things -- walking in circles,  apparently seeing things that weren't there, at other times acting like she was blind and bumping into things, barking or snapping at nothing; and then she stopped eating. Our vet at the time knew that she got absolutely freaked out at coming to the clinic  (if she were human we would have given her a bag to stop hyperventilating) and agreed that it would be best for her to have her put down at home.

Most other euthanasias happened as emergencies,  or when my vet was out of town so I had to go to an emergency clinic. After we had moved and had to switch vets, it was just regular "bring the dog/cat in the office, we don't offer home euthanasia in your area." Two times I had dogs euthanized in the back of a car. One was a 100-lb. (very arge for the breed) unconscious greyhound dying from bone cancer, the other a 65-lb. Hovawart who also had cancer (I forget what kind;  it was very aggressive and started in his sinuses; he was euthanized only 4 weeks after being diagnosed) who had lost the ability to walk overnight. The vets in both cases came out to the car, but didn't charge any extra for it.

If my vet offered at-home-euthanasia, I would always pay more to have my furry friend comfortable and at home for his/her last moments on earth, no doubt about it. I think it's the kindest thing to do, not allowing them to be scared and in unfamiliar surroundings at the moment of death. I wish more vets offered in-home euthanasia.

Miz Minka February 11th, 2009 10:51:17 AM

We were working on an at-home euthanasia when we knew our beloved dog Chris' time was near. But in the end he got sick at a time when we couldn't arrange it and didn't feel that we could wait to arrange it. So we took him to a 24-hour hospital run by someone who knew us and Chris very well, knew all that we had been through with him. She handled it personally with him in the back of the SUV where he'd had many many hammies, with him lying on his bed, surrounded by all the people who loved him most. I can't begin to thank her for the love she gave Chris in his final moments, kissing him on the forehead and telling him what a good dog he was. As it turned out, having someone who knew him, knew us, knew what Chris had survived, knew how much we loved him... that turned out to be the better experience than I think we would have had with a stranger at home.

Natalie February 11th, 2009 11:01:54 AM

Both my dogs were euthanized at home. One under her favorite tree in the front yard, the other in our family room. We have euthanized dogs in our backyard of our clinic and at various peoples homes. You're right, they do cost more to do but they are worth it.

Kathy February 11th, 2009 11:32:17 AM

I wrote about euthanizing my dog in What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality.

The decision included a series of different things over the week prior to the event and I had my veterinarian who was a clinic associate with me in San Diego drive up to facilitate the process.

Her kindness was beyond the traditional--she drove a couple of hours to help me and loved my dog as well.

On the one hand, it was great because I had family and friends present and we were outside under the pine trees.

On the other hand it was excruitiating (when isn't it?) because my dog was so relaxed that she could not find a vein and the process seemed to take ages.

He expired in my arms and I could not function and had to have help walking--Iwas in bed for over two weeks incompacitated with grief.

It is never an easy decision. In some cases I think being in a clinic can be easier for some since everything is taken care of.

However, for me I felt that having my dog in a familiar environment was the best choice.

There are so many options available today after euthanasia as well--I included those along with ceremonies for such events in my latest work, Blessing of the Animals.

Both of my works were written to help others and share my personal discoveries because I think making the decision to euthanize is a hard one--humane--but painful when you love a creature as much as many of us love our pets.

I agree that euthanizing an animal in a familiar environment where they are comfortable is important--but it is also important to help the pet owner/pet parent be comfortable as well.

Ark Lady February 11th, 2009 12:32:42 PM

This is something I've thought about quite a bit over the past couple of years, as we've had a few close calls.

Ultimately, I've decided that I don't want to associate part of my home with the final injection.. so, when the time comes, I am going to opt for traditional clinic euthanasia. If I had a pet I felt would really benefit from an in-home procedure, I'm sure I would reconsider my stance. However, since the boys are quite comfortable with the clinic and its staff, my personal preference is to have it done there.

Not to mention.. two of my cats are former ferals, and if anything, they would probably be more traumatized by a lot of the non-traditional options anyway. Neither would appreciate having a stranger (I don't believe our vet offers house calls) in the house, and both are petrified of going outside.

I just hope that when their time comes, we'll be able to use our clinic instead of having to go to the e-vet's.. both for their sake and mine.

Ramen Connoisseur February 11th, 2009 12:33:53 PM

Thanks Stefani. My clients really do appreciate it. I am not sure what this means but the great majority of the thank you cards I get are for euthanasias. Is this true for other vets out there? I wonder why I don't as much acknowledgement for the positive outcomes, which fortunately are more numerous. Not complaaining, just curious.

Hobson February 11th, 2009 12:53:36 PM

Hobson you are truly a great person to dig the graves. That is above and beyond the call and you are to be commended.

Euthanasia is something I have never had to go through. Other than Stempy, other dogs that I have lost have passed away peacefully at home due to old age. Invariably, knowing that I will always have dogs, I am sure that someday I will be faced with this very decision. I dread that day.

As I am not a vet, I cannot answer the following question, but how can you euthanize an animal who will still eat? Isn't the fact that the animal will still eat show that the animal still has a will to live? I would really like to know the answer to this question.

I had people (not vets) telling me that I should put down our late Lhasa Apso. She was 17 3/4 years old. I just couldn't do so because she did not seem to be suffering and she still had a will to eat. She passed away in her sleep 10 days after Stempy's passing. (Those were REALLY hard times for us.) Her last day with us, a Sunday, she finally would not eat. I was afraid I would have to make the dreaded decision on Monday. That Sunday afternoon, I picked her up and held her close. I told her that she did not have to stay around for us any longer - we would be ok (I believe in my heart that she survived those 10 days after Stempy's death because she believed we needed her). I told her that she could go on ahead and be with Stempy -and to take care of each other. I told her what a great dog she had been and how much we loved her. She passed away that night in her sleep, sparing me the painful decision of euthanasia. I miss those 2 dogs.

Greg Munson February 11th, 2009 01:33:08 PM

My vet does not offer house calls ( I live in a rural area) and is so swamped with clients she is not taking any new ones. With cats in particular I believe a lot of them are just not happy at the vets especially old feral ones. What my vet did offer to do was give me a pill, a whopping dose she told me, to tranquilze them prior to the ride in. I have done this several times and it has made it so much easier both on me and the cat. I am able to say goodbye slowly as they fall "asleep" or relaxed and they hardly know they are in the car or that the vet is around them. They are able to take their time giving the injection. It beats bringing in a scared struggling cat while the vet tries to keep them steady for the injections. i hate to think their last moments are one of fear and the pill at home does away with that. Of course the vet know the cat ahead of time and trusts me to give it at the right time. I am sure a lot of vets would not do that but I love the option. Barb L

BARB L February 11th, 2009 01:33:21 PM

My 19 year old cat had a tumor in her head that was pressing on her eye, involving the sinus. The clinic vet I was seeing at the time agreed that given her age and the location of the tumor we'd keep her comfortable but not consider surgery. Came the time - she was sharing my pillow that night and I could tell from her breathing that it was time. Also, she was no longer eating, couldn't even tempt her with chicken. Called my vet's office. He was on vacation. Called the covering vet hospital. They were unavailable that day. It was Saturday. I knew if I didn't arrange something it would be Sunday at the emergency clinic, and I'd had a not-so-good experience there. Called a vet hospital chosen out of the telephone book for its convenient location. Brought Ember in, and my husband waited in the car. I was fortunate he was even home as he was working out-of-state at the time. Dr. Smith came in, spoke briefly to me, gave the injection and my sweet cat slipped away so quickly. "Oh, she was ready to go." was what Dr. Smith said. The vet tech asked if I wanted to stay in the room for a while, did I need something to wrap her in - just so compassionate. And this was a place where I wasn't know, where my cats were not patients. Then a few days later I received a condolence card in the mail, from Beverly, the vet tech. Need I add that Dr. Smith, her staff, and Spring Mills Vet Hospital has been where I take my cats ever since then.

Trudy February 11th, 2009 01:50:37 PM

I have only to make that decision once.  My small dog was at U C Davis where she had been operated on for a liver shunt discovered when she was 6 years old.  She came through the operation but was seizuring and would not have been the Hanna she would have wanted to be or even close.  It was a hard decision but the staff were wonderful and supporting.

I think and oh this sounds horrible to just say but my most memorable euthanasia story (my daughter is a veterinarian so I have many stories, just the one expeerience, was the cat that was brought in and euthanized only to have the owner call back in tears and distraught because when she got home, the cat was breathing. A team was sent out to her home to do it again if need be.  Meanwhile the husband came home, stroked the cat lovingly and the cat finally and quietly died.

The owner called back the next day to apologize.  She had forgotten that she promised the cat that she would never take him to the vet to be euthanized but would have it done at home when she and her husband were present. She apologized to the vet and techs for putting them through that and said she had apologized to the cat just before her husband came home.

 

 

Eliza February 11th, 2009 02:54:04 PM

Hobson, You get the cards because at the time of most stress & grief, you are there rock solid in expressing kindness and compassion, both to the pet and the owners. It is a hugely meaningful time, you're a great Vet.

Barbara A. Albright

Pocket's Story from NH February 11th, 2009 03:07:39 PM

Everybody, my eyes are welling up reading about your last moments with your pets. On a slightly (only slightly) happier note, and off-topic, Dr. Khuly, all the best to you with Sophie Sue. I lost my beloved Daisy to cancer two years ago and I can relate. Those final months are so very precious. When Daisy was in surgery to remove her hemangioma (of the liver) I received a phone call, which I will never forget. It was the vet assisting in surgery, saying that they couldn't get the tumor out and that I sould give them my consent to euthanize her before she woke up from anesthesia. I said no. They maneuvered the tumor out and sent it in for a biopsy. When results came back, Daisy was given three to six weeks, and I was advised against chemotherapy because it is known to be almost useless with that type of tumor. Daisy did have chemo-therapy AND nutritional support and lived SEVEN MONTHS. It doesn't sound like very long, but to us it was totally precious. She enjoyed long walks with us around the lake and rolled belly up on the neighbors' front lawn. She got to see the first snow that winter, which she adored. I don't have any scientific proof, but I believe that the nutritional supplements, a low-carb (grain-free) diet, and a regimen of flax-seed oil and cottage cheese made at least some difference. Interestingly, many traditional veterinarians don't resort to non-traditional remedies, but some do combine the two approaches. The way I looked at it was that even if the more holistic approach didn't do any good, it would probably do no harm, and in Daisy's case the result was better than expected. She also took Immpower, which you may have heard of. I think with cancer, it's so crucial to have hope and a will to fight it, whether in people or pets. Best wishes to Sophie Sue.

Natalie Kramer February 11th, 2009 03:08:04 PM

Is it ok to address the other commenters? It can always be deleted. Greg, I have had to euthanize a few that still could eat & wanted to. One had bone cancer & was in horrible pain & discomfort and another was unable to eliminate (stool) because the groin lymph nodes were swollen & rock solid. Both gave the "it's time, this is not fun look" that people often describe.

B. Albright

Pocket's Story from NH February 11th, 2009 03:19:50 PM

Hey Greg, That is a good question. This particular dog was in the end stages of degerative spinal disease, and had exhausted all treatment options. This dog was a labrador retriever and if you are familiar with the breed, you know they have a glutton gene. So despite the appetite, this dog still did not have a good quality of life. It was the right decision.

Hobson February 11th, 2009 03:20:34 PM

Thank you, Barbara & Hobson for your responses. The same vet responsible for Stempy's death had recommended surgery several months prior (Muffy - the Lhasa Apso - had a tumor in her mouth) She wanted to take off half of her jaw at that advanced age. Of course, we said no because we did not think she could handle surgery at that age, but that is a whole other story.

Muffy was blind and pretty much deaf due to age, but I tell you what. That dog never in her life missed the refrigerator door opening....lol. I don't care where in the house she was at, if I opened the refrigerator inevitably she somehow knew.

She was pretty frail when she passed away and I often wonder if I did the right thing in letting her live. Since she would eat, I reasoned that she must still have the will to live. She had lost weight because it was a little bit harder for her to eat with the tumor in her mouth. But she still ate until that last day.

Greg Munson Stempy's Sto February 11th, 2009 03:56:00 PM

Thank you, Stefani. I guess it would have been obvious to me if Muffy had needed to be put down. She slept more than usual those last few months, but never exhibited any obvious signs of suffering. I guess it was a good thing that she passed away on her own because at that point, I don't know if there was ANY vet I would have trusted with the procedure.

Greg - Stempy's Story February 11th, 2009 04:25:11 PM

Thank you, Stefani. I guess it would have been obvious to me if Muffy had needed to be put down. She slept more than usual those last few months, but never exhibited any obvious signs of suffering. I guess it was a good thing that she passed away on her own because at that point, I don't know if there was ANY vet I would have trusted with the procedure.

Greg - Stempy's Story February 11th, 2009 04:25:31 PM

At the present clinic I patronize, the owner had euthanasia in mind when contructing, There is a beautiful end room with daylight windows and a seperate exit door. There are padded multiple chairs, enough for an extended family.

The table is movable. They also offer "at home euthanasia". I have never taken that up, though very attractive & kind. The reason is because I highly doubt my multiple dogs would rise to the "somber" occasion. My mind, at that point, is narrowly focussed on the pet, wanting the best I can do to avoid distress and pain.

I won't rehash the most caring, compassionate euthanasia that my old girl Dottie had within the last year, but suffice to say, the ENTIRE clinic was most gracious.(BF)Bill went with me, as I believe he will never send me alone again, ever, and made Dottie's car ride very special.

Greg, Dottie ate the last morning in her usual manner, surrounded by the "group" crunching on a pear slice. I think when dog's are "super-elderly" as in 15+, they can sort of "fade away" vs. the sad events preceding a younger one. And yes, indeed, I'm sure Dottie was within day(s) of refusing food entirely or perhaps worse.

Barb Albright/NH

Pocket's Story from NH February 11th, 2009 06:00:02 PM

Greg- many of the euthanasias I've been party to have involved pets that were still eating.

In all cases, (internal bleeding due to cancer, end-stage renal failure no longer responsive to treatment, severe wasting in spite of massive food intake associated with cancer, etc.), the pet was terminally ill and suffering. Though in some cases, we probably could have prolonged things somewhat, it was obvious that there was no quality time left. Some of the cases were harder to call than others. (I was given the option of taking the wasting bunny home for a few more days, but declined- I could tell she'd had enough.) Ultimately, though.. I think euthanasia was the right call.

Don't beat yourself up about Muffy. Euthanasia is a very personal decision, and you knew her best. If she didn't let you know it was time, then it probably wasn't. I think Barbara is right. Sometimes, with older pets, you luck out (in a sense), and they just fade. My aunt's 17-year-old Beagle/Shepherd mix passed quietly in her sleep last year after a few months of subtle decline. She went for a nice walk, ate dinner as usual (mixed with a little leftover steak that night), crashed on the bed in front of the TV with 'mom'.. and never woke up. I think they suspected her heart. It was a blessing for my aunt, who had noticed that F was beginning to show her age, and was dreading the day when she would have to make the call.

Ramen Connoisseur February 11th, 2009 07:32:32 PM

Hobson- I'd missed the earlier post where you mentioned helping dig graves for elderly owners. That is exceptionally kind of you. Those thank-you letters are undoubtedly well deserved. :)

 

Ramen Connoisseur February 11th, 2009 07:39:56 PM

Thank you for the kind words. I do understand appreciate the letters. I guess this is where my bedside manner is at its' best. We all die, all of our pets die, and I try to make a difficult experience as easy as posible for the pet and owner. I was just wondering why when I pull a pet from the clutches of death with heroic surgical and/or medical efforts, I rarely get the same acknowledgement.

Hobson February 11th, 2009 08:53:09 PM

Hobson -

That is SO awesome!  I grew up in the country and when we had our dogs or cats put to sleep, we'd bury them there.  I can remember so many times when I was digging, and sobbing... it's a wonder I didn't cut my foot off.

Trudy brought up a great point - giving a client and the pet a good end of life experience makes good practice sense.  I'm NOT being cynical, I know vets truly care about the comfort of their patients and the peace of mind of their clients.  But it's still true... few people would go back to a practice that seemed callous when euthanizing their pet.  But we'll be very faithful to a practice that shows compassion and kindness at that most difficult time.

Another option for those wanting an in-home euthansia, is if there is a mobile vet practice in your area.  I'm not talking about one that specializes in in-home euthanasia, but a practice that does routine vet visits.  They will do in-home euthanasias also.

Barb February 11th, 2009 09:55:06 PM

Oh, and Hobson...

Of course, you SHOULD get the same appreciation for your heroic and successful efforts!  But maybe you've done brilliant work so often that your clients just expect it...

 

Barb February 11th, 2009 09:58:11 PM

I know this has been discussed before, but it's been brought up again here... the problem of knowing when to say goodbye.

You don't want to listen to most friends, neighbors and relatives for this sort of advice - they often seem to recommend premature euthanasia and I think this may be because they are more concerned with YOUR welfare and just want your suffering to end.  Or, they may not be able to comprehend why anyone would go through all the trouble and expense to keep a terminally ill pet comfortable.

But I would recommend that if you have a vet you trust, that you DO listen to their advice.  Vets actually usually are reluctant to recommend euthanasia, and won't if there are viable treatment options.  They are as hopeful as we are, that the animal may recover or the disease may go into remission.  But your vet DOESN'T have your "blind spot" when it comes to your pets.  Sure, you know your pet better than anyone else... but you also lack objectivity.  Which is fine most of the time... there is nothing wrong with you believing that your pet is the most beautiful, the cleverest, the smartest and/or sweetest in the world.  (You're wrong of course because MY pet is the most beautiful, cleverest and sweetest <g>.)

But that same lack of objectivity can make us convince ourselves that our pet is really feeling better than it is.  Sometimes it takes your vet to recognize signs of suffering that can seem very subtle to humans.  So my advice is, if a vet you trust says to you that it's about time to euthanize your pet then most likely the best thing you can do for your pet is to agree.

 

Barb February 11th, 2009 10:11:27 PM

Agreed, Barb. Very good point.

I have, on a number of occasions, had the 'if you see me attempting to prolong something I shouldn't, please tell me, and be blunt' discussion with my vet regarding one of my cats. (He's doing well at the moment, but that could change at any time.. and I fear that when he's not doing well, I may not be able to bring myself to say it.)

This particular cat and I are joined at the hip, and I know letting him go is going to be absolutely excruciating. Compound that with the fact that he's already bounced back from potentially grave circumstances on a number of occasions, and I'm worried that there is very real potential for my holding on to hope when there isn't any. When his time comes, I hope I will be able to be realistic and operate with his best interests in mind.

If not.. I'm counting on her to let me know.

Ramen Connoisseur February 11th, 2009 11:11:08 PM

Amending my last post with one caveat- there's no harm in seeking a second opinion if you don't agree with the initial assessment of your pet's prognosis.

Nick was born developmentally immature, and the vet who delivered him pronounced him a lost cause, ensuring me that anything outside of taking him home and "letting nature run its course" and "being satisfied with the four healthy ones" amounted to an exercise in futility.. and a tremendous waste of time and energy he wanted no part of.

I wasn't comfortable with that assessment. Things didn't look promising for the kitten, but there were no obvious anomalies, and he didn't appear to be suffering. I felt he deserved a chance. When Nick survived the night and the vet still refused to budge, I opted for a second opinion.

Thanks to practice #2, SQ fluids, a few tube-feeding lessons, and several industrial-size tubs of KMR, Nick is now happy, healthy, and huge.. and he will be celebrating his seventh birthday in April.

(I also know a handful of vets I don't use who would have unquestioningly advocated euthanizing Thomas based on his FIV status, despite the fact that he was otherwise healthy. Fortunately, this attitude seems to be on the decline these days.)

That said.. if you're consistently being told that "it's time".. it's probably time.

Ramen Connoisseur February 11th, 2009 11:42:12 PM

My cats don't like going to the vet so at home would be my preference. But my concern would be about the other cat. Maybe this is silly, but would they be more upset by seeing their buddy put to sleep or having the buddy disappear never to return? Any opinions>

2CatMom February 12th, 2009 12:41:42 PM

Chris last meal was two hamburgers from Jack in the Box - his "hammies" and pretty much his favorite thing in the world. But the last 36 hours he was bleeding internally into the upper GI and was so weak that he needed help to go outside and looked panicky when the need arose and he couldn't go out on his own. He was listless and withdrawn and there was nothing to be gained by leaving him in that state until he passed on his own. There was never any question in my mind that it was kinder to release him.

Natalie February 12th, 2009 01:24:25 PM

2CatMom, it depends. I allowed my 12yo dog to choose whether or not she wanted to be present when her older "sister" was euthanized. She chose to stay in the room and watched intently but with no fear or distress. I would make sure the vet uses a 2-shot protocol to make things as peaceful as possible. If she is euthanized in her turn, it will depend on my puppy's age whether or not she's present. If I think she's likely to try to play or jump on the older one, she'll be banned from the room but allowed to see the body afterward. I would, in your circumstances, make sure I explained to the 2nd cat what was happening with the first, wherever the euthanasia was going to take place.

kabbage February 12th, 2009 04:28:16 PM

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on:

- Bagging the pet after euthanasia (a new pet crematory service in our area says this is "undignified" and will pick up the pet from your home/vet office/wherever and take it directly to the crematory, anytime of day or night)

- asking permission to do necropsy, practice advance medical procedures or use the deceased pet for staff training

JCB February 12th, 2009 04:51:36 PM

2CatMom, When my eldest cat died at home quietly in his sleep in my arms, I laid him out in a makeshift coffin for viewing by my other pets.  While the body means nothing to me, I had the same concern for my other pets.  I was surprised that they all visited him much like in a funeral home with humans.  It was clear when they were done paying their respects (or whatever they were doing) over about an hour and then I disposed of him.

PJBoosinger February 12th, 2009 05:47:58 PM

Always found it best to euth at home where the dog / cat is most comfortable. They always get a big meal of something very special, eg a freshly roasted chicken, and as many treats as they'll eat, eg cheese, just prior so they go feeling really full and good.

If they are eating ok, they get this special meal for a couple of days beforehand. Every animal should die feeling as good as possible and with its loved ones present. Also its always better to do it too soon rather than too late. You want to minimise suffering for your critter in its last stages.

Circe February 12th, 2009 06:39:09 PM

JCB: your question is off topic, but I have experience enough to answer. I have been asked twice, in a kind & gracious manner to use my pet's body. I, for one, do not have objection to that in moral principle. I do, however, have a serious problem, with deception or "taking without permission".

Ramen: I would like to commend you for your second opinion re: the weak, undersized kittie. I have also had the same experience. Without detail, one weak undersized pup is now my biggest, heaviest, and healthy.

Barbara A. Albright/NH

Pocket's Story from NH February 12th, 2009 06:44:55 PM

2catMom - none of us really know how animals comprehend death. Personally based on what I have seen if you are having a home euth I would let the other animal sniff the body. I tend to let the body lie intestate for a while. While as far as we can tell they don't have the capacity to comprehend "a euthanasia" as such, animals definitly grieve and respond to loss of a companion / changed environment just as we do. I believe sniffing the dead body helps them adjust to this change.

Circe February 12th, 2009 06:52:41 PM

Greg - "but how can you euthanize an animal who will still eat? Isn't the fact that the animal will still eat show that the animal still has a will to live? I would really like to know the answer to this question. "

There are many times. Many tumours / diseases are incurable. We may be able to alleviate symptoms for a while (even a long length of time in some cases) but we cannot always cure the disease. If they will definitly die, you don't want to allow an animal you love to suffer through the last stages of many conditions when the body is going into 'shut down'. Some diseases can make the pet very uncomfortable, or can be very painful long before the time they stop eating.

Although old age itself is not a disease, many owners will choose to not subject an old animal to potentially painful surgeries /recoveries or risky anaesthetic proceedures. All anaesthetics are risky, particularly in old, sick patients, and it is totally reasonable for an owner to not want to undergoe the risk of the patient dying on the table rather than having a good time with their pet for whatever time is left, so these cases as well are often euthed before they stop eating.

Generally the time to euth is decided by owner / vet looking at a combination of prognosis, appetite, demeanour (how are they in themselves - owner will know this best) and excercise / walking enthusiasm. If your pet has a grave prognosis and starts to rapidly go downhill, the best gift we can give them is a good painfree death before they suffer too much, even though that may be a hard decision on us, it is our duty as their owners / guardians.

Circe February 12th, 2009 07:42:00 PM

Luckily, my old Dixie (10 year-old Lab) was fine the night before, but the next morning was prostrate--hemorrhagic spleen hemangiosarcoma with mets to lungs and spine. We had her euthanized at the vet's, as they did not offer in-home euthanasia (we are fairly rural also). Then we brought her home and allowed the other pets to view and sniff her remains before we buried her under a shady oak. Her "sister" to this day likes to lie under that tree, and someday will also be buried there. There is now a new mobile vet service in the area, and I would consider using them for an at-home euthanasia if necessary in the future.

Hobson, that is so kind of you. Unfortunately, my 85-lb. Labs' graves require the use of our tractor/backhoe/front-end loader to dig the graves. I imagine that if I would lose one of them when the ground is frozen solid, I would choose cremation.

As to "when is it time?"; I try to subscribe to the theory of the "Five things". When the animal is no longer able to enjoy their five favorite things, whether it be eating, playing ball or laser-pointer chasing, or walks in the woods....then it is time. The will let you know. I will always feel guilt for waiting too long with one of my cats and probably allowing her to suffer needlessly. As a very wise and trusted vet once told me "It is better to decide one day too early than one hour too late". I would never again want any of my animals to suffer due to my own selfish desire to keep them around longer.

Shellie February 12th, 2009 07:56:42 PM

<I>Bagging the pet after euthanasia (a new pet crematory service in our area says this is "undignified" and will pick up the pet from your home/vet office/wherever and take it directly to the crematory, anytime of day or night)</I>

I've worked in a clinic before & I know what happens to a body after death, so I have no problem with bagging.

<I>asking permission to do necropsy, practice advance medical procedures or use the deceased pet for staff training</i>

To be perfectly honest, I would have loved to have a necropsy done on my Elroy if it had been offered.   I know there was neurological degeneration going on, and I would have liked to know specifically what was causing it.  I would feel more strongly about this if he had been a breeding animal.

As it was, Elroy spent the last day with me, unable to get up.  It just so happened that I'd pre-scheduled the euth here at home for the very day his legs failed him.  It was almost his way of saying, Yes it's time.  And because he was an incorrigible chocolate lover -- a chip right off the old block! -- he got big chunks of Toblerone just before before the euth.  And he wolfed them down.  =)  I miss the old guy something horrible, but I do know it was the right time.  And it was the right way, too.

Julie in OH February 12th, 2009 08:10:18 PM

All of our small pets (dogs/cats) have been PTS at our vets office. Very quite and subdued. We were lucky to have 2 cats pass at home over the years naturally and pain free. We have had two horses PTS here on our property (where they are also buried) and that was also a very quick and easy process. Our 30+ yr old pony and 28 yr old blind mare had GREAT last days and had tons of treats and extra attention. My large animal vet has a very tender touch and I don't think they even realized what was happening....We raise chickens and ducks and even though we don't butcher our birds (they are for eggs) I have had the occasion to euthanise birds when nessesary. I hate doing it but sometimes it is unavoidable and I do it as quick and as painless as possible.

Tricia February 12th, 2009 11:26:30 PM

On "bagging" pets after death Though we can summon up our rational selves and know that our pet is gone, there's something about putting a pet in a big black garbage-style bag that has always seemed wrong. I had to put one of my pets in a bag one night after euthanizing him (here's the story) and I've never been able to look at the bags dispassionately since.

I would never let pet owners see their pets get placed in a bag...unless they specifically asked (which has never been the case to date). Though it seems so wrong somehow, I see few alternatives--unless owners are willing to arrange for pickup of their pets at home immediately following euthanasia. In a hospital setting, leaving dead pets unbagged until the crematory service arrives is not considered sanitary. The OSHA inspector would definitely have a problem with such a practice. 

 

Dr. Patty Khuly February 13th, 2009 07:50:38 AM

Oops...forgot the link to Bruno's story.

And my take on necropsy is in today's upcoming post. That's another tough one.

Dr. Patty Khuly February 13th, 2009 07:53:44 AM

My "Jazz" was at our vets office, the only one she'd ever seen in 13 years. We all sat on the floor with her head in my lap. Had it not been an emergency situation she would have been at home on her bed with us. But, our vet made it a very peaceful event and he cried with us. And this was only Tuesday, 2/11/09.

Sharon February 13th, 2009 03:50:50 PM

My Cooper was euthanized 4 weeks ago tomorrow.  His body is still at the vet's, in his freezer, because of the deep freeze here in Michigan.  We dug a grave in the fall, so it would be ready, but it was so cold in January that the dirt to fill it in had frozen solid.  The vet offered to let me keep him in the freezer until a thaw.  We got the thaw this week, but when I went to get Cooper, he was at the bottom of a very full freezer (lots of EUs lately).  So our other animals have not had a chance to check out his body.  He just disappeared one day.  Our schnauzer has spent a lot of time watching the door for him.

When another dog was euthanized 6 years ago, we brought him home, and Cooper was with us as we dug the grave and buried him.  I don't know if it brought closure to him, but I didn't see any seeking behavior like I do with Fritz.

As to doing an autopsy, or using the body for staff training, I had asked the doctor, who is also my proctor in my vet tech schooling, if we could do an autopsy when the time came.  So we did.  I learned a lot from seeing internally what lymphoma had done to him, and it helped to confirm to me that it was the right time.  Some friends and family are aghast that I did that, but I feel that it was Cooper's last gift to me - the gift of knowledge.

 

 

 

Sassy February 13th, 2009 05:19:37 PM

Even over thirty years ago, with the two vets I remember with loathing because of the mistakes and laziness that caused my pets unnecessary suffering, when a pet had to be euthanized, they presented the two-shot protocol as "just how it's done," the only option for euthanasia. It's really been a revelation to me to read this blog and discover that there are vets in this world who, for a scheduled euthanasia in the office with everytibng available to them, would do something else. I mean, those clearly didn't even care very much, and they still made sure that death was as peaceful and painless a process as possible!

All but one of my pets has been euthanized in the office. Only my first Maine Coon, Sake, was euthanized at home. Our regular vet at that time was a house-call vet--her "day job" was at the R&D facility where I worked--and she was wonderful. When Sake became ill and needed tests and whatnot she couldn't do at home, she went with me to a vet hospital. And on the awful Sunday morning, when we were still waiting for the last of the results of those tests, and Sake woke me up with what was quite unmistakably a plea that I Make It Stop, I called her and she came over immediately. My friends who lived downstairs came up, and we all agreed that it was time, and...

This is the not quite so good part, though it was done with the best and kindest of intentions. This lovely, caring vet had had enough experiences where the owner became hysterical at the moment of euthanasia, that she had concluded that loving owners just can't handle it and should not be present. She was quite firm and immovable on that point, and I was allowed to be present for the initial shot, but not the actual moment of death. And the more I resisted, the more hysterical I sounded, and I wound up sitting in the living room while my beloved Sake breathed her last breathes in the den, in her favorite chair, with my friends holding her.

It was kindly meant, but I wish it hadn't happened that way.

Every other time, it's been in the vet's office, and I have been able to hold my pets while they died. That's what I expect to opt for in the future--and yes, I know, this was one particular experience with one particular vet who had her own particular backstory to why she came to hold such firm views on the matter, and she'd probably be just as firm in those views if she were working in a veterinary hospital. But still, what happened the one time I had a pet euthanized at home, that was not how I wanted things to go, and I probably won't do that again.

Lis February 14th, 2009 08:15:10 AM

Sassy: How sweet...the gift of knowledge... I was undertook my Agatha's necropsy, too. Knowing she died quickly of hemangiosarcoma was a real blessing...and I learned so much...her last gift, indeed.

Dr. Patty Khuly February 14th, 2009 08:53:18 AM

Re: Lis: "they presented the two-shot protocol as "just how it's done," the only option for euthanasia. It's really been a revelation to me to read this blog and discover that there are vets in this world who, for a scheduled euthanasia in the office with everytibng available to them, would do something else"

The Yorkie I had to euthanize late last summer ended up being rushed into the vets and they did the 1-shot thing. He was premedicated with valium thanks to his regular vet, but it still was more traumatic -- at least for me -- than the 2 shot protocol I'd witnessed a few times. There are vets that believe the first shot is unnecessary, it actually "stings," and they slowly go to sleep and die from just the one shot. But there is more "post death" movement and breathing with 1 shot, and it just seems very abrupt to me.

I am not sure how much difference it makes to the pet, but I've decided for myself having seen it:

a) in the vet's office with 1-shot protocol;
and b) in the vet's office with 2-shot protocol;
and c) at home with 2-shot protocol

My preference in order of priority is c, b, a.

Stefani February 17th, 2009 05:22:40 PM

Stefani: There is not necessarily "more movement or abruptness", with the one-shot protocol. I have seen post-unconscious movement utilizing "either methods". One of my dogs had ketamine, then fatal plus & was "declared dead" with his chest still heaving.

Most with the one shot "sodium pentobarb" (of mine) just easily slipped into a coma-sleep with no post-movement at all.

I don't know what "makes" the difference, time of administration? What the patient is dying of? I would love to know if there has been a detailed study that answers these questions. But I am certain that one or two "shots" has no bearing.

Barbara A. Albright/NH

Pocket's Story from NH February 17th, 2009 06:11:05 PM

Dr. K. could you tell me if there are particular reasons why/how some animals react differently to the one shot protocol? The vet I work for mostly uses the one shot and it almost always causes a quick, painless (I think) death. However, there have been a few dogs and one cat that cried and seemed to fight dying. I knpow that one family might never get another dog (and if they do they probably won't come back to us, even though they liked us before) because of being in the room and witnessing this (it was horrible to hear from outside the room). Although I've had previous pets euthanized with one shot, I don't want to ever risk it happening, so will insist on two shots for my pets in the future.

KateH February 17th, 2009 06:39:24 PM

I would also to hear and learn more about the two vs. one shot protocol - and if, as a commenter mentioned, there is any option to give something in pill form before having to make the trip to the office for euth. My 18 year old kitty has CRF and so this is quite timely information to me. Thank you for this post Dr. Khuly, I hadn't realized how much homework I have yet to do.

Erin February 18th, 2009 05:41:09 PM

Here's a post that may address your Q's, KateH and Erin:

http://www.dolittler.com/2008/09/26/dog.cat.veterinary.veterinarian.euthanasia.lethal%20injection.html

Let me know if it doesn't fully address your questions/issues.

Dr. Patty Khuly February 20th, 2009 07:18:58 AM

This blog has been very interesting to read. My beagle will be 17 in 2 weeks and I know the time is near. He has Cushing's Disease, a heart murmer and arthritis. The function of his back legs come and go and last week he stopped accepting food for 2 days although he bagan eating again when I added (people food) chicken and rice to his dogfood. My experience with my cat was so different. He has cancer and since he was 12 we chose to give him Prednisone to stall the growth of the cancer instead of the more aggressive chemotherapy. The vet said that he would probably live 1-2 years more and he held out for 17 months. When his huge tumor split open, we made the decision to euthanize. The vet had advised us that these kind of wounds are very difficult to keep closed and always become infected. I did not want to have to take a sick cat that was already frightened of vets for wound care when the vet said that it was only a matter of a few weeks anyway. My husband and I were there with him and I asked for some time alone to sing him the songs I always sang to my kids before bedtime (to which he always insisted on being present for) With my dog though, it is so hard to know when to let go. Friends have told me that when he stops enjoying people food then he will probably pass away shortly thereafter. Such a sad thing to try to walk the fine line of making sure they have a quality of life and not wait to long so that they feel substantial pain and discomfort.

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