Home Euthanasia
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of a home euthanasia.
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Unexpected or Unplanned Euthanasia
An unplanned euthanasia can be one of the most challenging for veterinary professionals. The situation becomes even more complex with a new client where trust and rapport need to be established.
Euthanasia under Anaesthetic
It’s the nature of veterinary care that you will lose some of your patients – for example, when you conduct a laparoscopy and discover that the suspected cancer has spread throughout your patient. In these instances, you should obtain verbal consent from the owner to allow euthanasia under anaesthetic or an “on the table euthanasia”.
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Prior to the procedure
- You should outline the potential courses of action, including the possibility of euthanasia.
- Ensure you can contact the owner in an emergency.
During the procedure
- If it becomes apparent that euthanasia is the best option for the pet, record clear and accurate clinical notes confirming that you have gained informed verbal consent for euthanasia.
- Explain that conducting the euthanasia now will stop the pet from needlessly going through a recovery period.
- Ask your client if they have considered how they would like to lay their pet’s body to rest. For example, individual cremation, home burial or burial at a pet cemetery. Asking this now will help with any misunderstandings about the health of the pet.
After the procedure
- Your entire team must know about the death of a patient. This is to ensure that any contact with the client is empathetic and informed.
- If you prepared your client for the possible outcome, they might not be as shocked by the bad news. You should expect a range of emotions that may include anger or denial.
