Euthanasia
by Dr. Keith Ratcliff, D.V.M.

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Pet ownership entails many responsibilities.  We, as owners and guardians, provide food, shelter, socialization and healthcare.  We know this before we ever acquire a new pet.  There is one responsibility that is often overlooked that’s every bit as important – our responsibility to insure our beloved pets a peaceful dignified death when their quality of life is such that it becomes necessary. 

So how do we know that the time has come?  What criteria can we use to determine if an animal’s good days are all behind them?  If only there were a formula that we could just plug numbers into that would make the decision for us!  Unfortunately there’s no easy answer and the burden of decision falls squarely on the shoulders of the owner and the veterinarian.  

Euthanasia decisions at Ratcliff Animal Hospital are made solely by evaluation of the pet’s quality of life.  There are a limited number of situations wherein euthanasia is recommended, including (but not limited to):

1.     Inability to rise due to permanent nerve damage, disabling arthritis    (unresponsive to medical therapy), or grievous trauma.

2.     Chronic intractable and uncontrollable pain (usually associated with cancer).

3.     Complete and permanent loss of bowel or bladder control.

4.     Complete loss of appetite with no hope of resumption.

5.     Total shutdown of an organ system such as the kidneys or liver (usually seen in conjunction with #4 above). 

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In essence, any condition which causes a pet to suffer, physically and/or psychologically, and which in the professional judgment of the doctor is permanent, is sufficient cause for euthanasia.  Pets not meeting these criteria are not euthanized. 

Many clients agonize over whether they should be present at the euthanasia.  This very personal decision should be made prior to arrival at the hospital.  Some clients choose to stay, but most leave after saying their fond farewells, comforted by the knowledge that the staff of Ratcliff Animal Hospital will be compassionate, professional and gentle in the way their pets are cared for in the end. 

Decisions regarding the handling of remains should also be made prior to arrival.  Available options include:

1.     Individual cremation (with return of ashes)

2.     Multiple cremation (no ashes returned)

3.     Burial by owner (check local ordinances)

We at Ratcliff Animal Hospital strive to make the euthanasia procedure as calm and stress-free for the pet as possible.  After the required form is signed, a catheter is gently placed in a leg vein.  An injection of anesthesia is administered first, rendering the pet unconscious and completely unaware.  When satisfied the pet is unconscious, the doctor will then administer the required dose of euthanasia solution, at which time all body functions of the patient will cease. 

Grief is a natural part of loss.  Do not be embarrassed about grieving for the loss of a beloved pet.  They are family members and their loss is deeply felt.  Death is the natural end to life and we believe that all pets have the right to die mercifully, painlessly and with dignity.   

Euthanasia consults are available at Ratcliff Animal Hospital.  The doctor may require testing to insure that at least one of the above stated criteria are met.  If so, the euthanasia is scheduled at the client’s convenience.  If, however, the pet does not meet criteria (i.e. has a treatable condition), only treatment options will be discussed.

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