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Euthanasia - Dr. Bernhard Pukay
Quality Of Life & Whole-Hearted Care
Question:
Could you discuss the reasons for euthanasia of pets aside from the cost of treatment? How much do animals suffer when they are sick, both physically and spiritually? My eleven year old male crossbreed dog stopped eating, drinking and moving as a result of a heart problem. I wanted him euthanized but my husband opposed it and veterinary treatment was started. After five days of treatment, I finally brought our dog in for euthanasia. I felt that my dog and I were suffering unnecessarily. Can caring go too far?
Answer:
It is not always easy to determine when a pet is in pain or suffering. Just because your pet is not moaning or crying out does not mean it is pain-free. Unlike people, most animals are quite long-suffering and not very vocal about their pain.
For these reasons, we must look to other indicators to determine whether a pet is suffering, whether physically or spiritually. Certainly, vocalization (crying out, whimpering, growling, etc.) can be an indication of existing pain. However, it is much more common for a pet to retreat from the family or try to hide and be on its own.
Discomfort and pain can also manifests themselves in the form of pacing, restlessness, and repeatedly assuming different positions. An animal in pain will often pant excessively and/or shiver or tremble. Some may growl or bite if handled, while others may simply grunt or try to get away. There may be a reluctance to move. Frequently, there may be a decrease or lack of appetite, listlessness or lethargy.
When trying to decide on euthanasia, you need to ask some important questions:
* Is your pet free from pain, distress, or serious discomfort which cannot be effectively controlled?
* Is your pet able to walk and balance reasonably well?
* Can it eat and drink enough for normal maintenance without difficulty and without vomiting and/or diarrhoea?
* Is it free from tumours which cause pain or serious discomfort and are judged inoperable?
* Is your pet able to breath without difficulty?
* Can it urinate and defecate reasonably frequently without serious difficulty or incontinence?
* Can you as an owner cope physically and emotionally with any nursing care which may be required?
If the answer to any of the preceding questions is negative, and treatment is likely to be unrewarding, there are strong reasons in favour of euthanasia.
Some other questions that must be given serious consideration are: What is my pet's "quality of life"? Is my pet's sense of dignity still intact, or is there a loss of dignity?
In the final analysis, euthanasia is performed to save the pet from unnecessary pain, as well as from the indignity and distress of a prolonged terminal illness. A pet's life should not be prolonged simply because an owner cannot bear to part with their pet.
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