Introduction

• We have all faced the prospect of animal euthanasia and the decision process for the owners, whether it’s due to ongoing illness, poor quality of life, or emergency situations, it is down to the veterinary team to always undertake a caring and sympathetic manner and make the whole process as smooth and uneventful as possible.
• This starts at the initial contact with the phone call and making of an appointment, using a quiet room for the clients on arrival and seeing them as promptly as possible.
• Some owners will feel the need to explain their whole decision process with you, whereas others may be quite stoic and difficult to talk too.
• The whole procedure should be fully explained to the owner including the possibility of any agonal gasping, expression of bladder or fecal content. Ask the owners whether they want to stay with their pet whilst being euthanized, say goodbye before the procedure or have a few moments after with their pet. It is also best to discuss at this time whether they want to take the body home, have a post-mortem (if needed) or have their pet cremated. This will then help with your decision process on which route to take for carrying out the euthanasia.
• Written consent must then be gained from the owner/responsible person (if the owner is away) before the procedure starts.

Uses

• When a disease has progressed, and medical management cannot prevent the animal from suffering.
• If the welfare of the animal is compromised and the life quality is poor.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• The Humane Society of the Unites States (2013) Euthanasia Reference Manual. 2nd edn. ISBN: 978-1-934785-03-4.
• Girling S J (2013) Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets. 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell, UK. ISBN: 978-0-470659-17-5.
• Varga M & Lumbis R (2012) Eds. BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pet and Wildlife Nursing. BSAVA, UK. ISBN: 978-1-905319-35-0.
• Keeble E & Meredith A (2009) Eds. BSAVA Manual of Rodents and Ferrets. BSAVA, UK. ISBN: 978-1-905319-08-4.
• Longley L A (2008) Anaesthesia of Exotic Pets. Saunders Elsevier, USA. pp 85-95. ISBN: 978-0-702028-88-5.