Number 3 says it all for me, still remember the day 12+ yrs ago (6/1998) when the age and health factor caught up with Jessie. I often wondered if the vet at the emergency clinic was new or if I was "that" emotional but even she had the tears flowing that evening. Thank you DVM T. L.

Although there's no argument at all that euthanasia is a blessing when it comes to suffering, how do you deal with pet owners that want to "get rid of" (I hate that phrase when it comes to living, breathing animals) their pet jut because they don't want to deal with a treatable problem or they don't want to pay for a procedure they could easily afford?

I absolutely agree with everything you said, and my question in life has always been why it doesn't apply to people. I have lost two aunts and an uncle to terminal cancer. Their last days were NOT enjoyable for them or anyone else. In my Aunt's case, I saw her three weeks before she died and she looked horrible. Bloated, black and blue, and swollen everywhere. They knew she was gone. Her last days were not enjoyable. Of course, the medical bills for her four months of hell, from discovery to declaration of death were a tick over 1.2 MILLION dollars.

Yes, every word you posted here, Doc, I feel applies fully to humans. Probably a bit of a hijack of the thread, but I felt I needed to say it.

I don't find it at all odd that you should have this attitude about euthenasia. I've been lucky to have veterinarians who share your feelings. Their attitude helped me each time to remember why this was being done. And to focus on my feelings of love for the animal rather than guilt over not being able to stop the process that precipitated the death of my animal.

After the fact, when I've had time to recover somewhat, I can appreciate that it is, indeed, the best thing I could have done at the time.

As an end to suffering, euthanasia is a blessing and I wish it were available for humans as well. As a Vet tech I was sometimes called upon to cuddle a pet when it's owners could not bear to see it take it's last breaths. Even though they were not my own companions, many of them were familiar as patients, and it always brought tears to my eyes and pain to my heart. As for the pets I have lost over my 62 years, the dogs, the cats, the horses, and even the rodents, I know they are waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge but it has never been easy to make the decision to end the life of a pet that I love. On the other hand it has never been easy to see an animal I love suffer either. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest solution.

As a way to ease overcrowding in shelters, I can't accept it, I can't tolerate it, and it absolutely breaks my heart to even know that it happens. If people would just take the time to have their pets spayed and neutered the shelters would not be over crowded. If more people would get involved in fostering shelter animals euthanasia of healthy, loving, furry creatures would be a thing of the past. It is through no fault of the dog or cat that he or she is "one too many" for a shelter to handle. In my opinion we should put down stupid pet owners that allow the populations to get out of control.

I am an advocate for all animal rights and my prayer every single day is for responsible pet ownership!

I would rather see an animal humanely euthanized than abandoned along a road, abused because the owner resents the responsibility, or suffering for lack of care.

I hated when others told me this. I now understand how much better it is for an animal to go peacefully to sleep than to suffer.

In the past I was always rescuing animals that other people did not want. At one point I had 17 horses. When owners no longer wanted to pay for their horse, and it wasn't saleable, they asked me to take it. Of course they were delighted to pass off their responsibility to me. Not smart on my part.

There are simply not enough owners for all the unwanted pets of all sizes.

OldBroad: Since you asked, here's a post from back in 2006 that offers you my take on that topic.
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2006/november/convenience-euthanasia-hot-topic-du-jour-vet-circles

I am grateful to the kind and feeling vets who, over the years, have eased my companions' suffering and helped them "over the bridge" with dignity and compassion. After watching my father spend his last days in agony, I wish (as a nurse) that we could help our human patients die with such compassion.
@ jobro47--I volunteer at a shelter and have over the years, due to my 30+ years as a nurse, been trained on the job and eased into a veterinary assistant type job rather than cleaning cages. Our shelter is "low-kill", we do not euthanize due to space, but in the case of elderly infirm animals, or those with obvious issues such as advanced mammary or rectal cancers, we do put an end to their suffering. It is sad that these animals have become "strays" probably because their owners didn't want to deal with their health problems. We hold and talk to them as they take their last breaths. (Sad, but oddly rewarding in a way.) We also do low-cost owner-requested euthanasias, but never for "convenience"; again these animals are usually elderly and/or terminally ill. This is a public service for owners who cannot afford the cost at a private vet in this economically depressed semi-rural area. (Better than to be taken out in the fields with a rifle, or worse yet, to be allowed to die "naturally", unable to walk or eat, and left lying in their own excrement). Again, no animal ever passes at our hands without kind words, petting, and even sometimes our own tears.

I think your arguments are all completely sound and your compassion for animals shines through all of them. As a bonafide animal lover who has also had to endure the agony of watching a beloved animal die in pain, I too appreciate the fact that euthanasia is an option that makes dying a simple, painless and profound part of life.

Back in 2001 I had a cat named Storme, who had contracted liver disease. Over the course of a couple of weeks she quit eating and began wasting away to skin and bones. Our wonderful veterinarian had tried several antibiotics and tube feeding her but nothing was working. She had talked to us about euthanasia but we were stubborn and selfish and decided to keep trying to treat her.

One day my wife and I came in from doing yard work to find Storme laying in the hall, convulsing and struggling to breathe. We grabbed her up in a towel and headed for the vet at breakneck speed. About 5 minutes from her office, Storme breathed her last and it was over.

When we got there our vet was amazingly sympathetic and tried to calm our emotions and help us through the pain. I remember her telling me, "It's ok ... she had a great life and was loved and she knew it."
I told the doctor, "I'm not crying because Storme's gone, I'm crying because she had to suffer in the end when it didn't have to be that way!"

That day made a profound impact on me and I vowed it would never happen again to an animal I love. My wife and I have had to have our beloved 10 year old Chihuahua, Teddi, put to sleep last November and as utterly heartbreaking as it was, we both know that he did not suffer the way Storme did ... and that helped us heal faster!

So I know this comment was long-winded, but if anyone else is reading I just wanted you to hear my story and make up your mind that if your pet is suffering, and the end is inevitable, please, please, please consider euthanasia and don't let your animal's wonderful life end horribly!!

Thank You and I LOVE this website!

-todd

I have had many many dogs over the years and most of died of old age. I remember one, a little Yorkie that I had rescued who was diagnosed with Lymphoma. I saw him deteriorate over the weeks and my vet and everyone else told me "you will know when it's time, he will let you know." Every day it just killed me seeing him go downhill but they were right....one day he just didn't want to eat and gave me a look that I'll never forget and I "knew it was time." I only wish we could do the same for humans. I saw that same look in my brother's and my mom's eyes when they were suffering with cancer. They both died a horrible death in the end and I often ask myself 'why?' Thank God for euthanasia for pets!

I've always believed a good ending is as important as a good beginning. Personally I would hate to die alone so have made sure my pets went to sleep in my arms. We tend to torture humans with extraordinary efforts to keep life going but never ask the question "Exactly what is LIFE?" Certainly it's not torment in your last days. In this regard we treat our pet friends better than we do ourselves.

It is so comforting to have a kind, knowledgeable vet when the time is right. Death is a tough subject to talk about but thanks for providing a forum to do so.

Does this make you a bad person? By all means, no! Hopefully your clients see the beauty of your insight.

We help those with cancer dogs prepare for "the end" on a daily basis. And while there is always sadness for their loss, we too feel positive knowing that this final act of kindness is something we all owe our beloved pets. After all, they can't make these final decisions for themselves. We even shared in great detail our experience about how we knew Jerry's time had come, and how we felt before, during and after the procedure.

Euthanasia is only depressing for those who don't (or won't) accept its necessity and yes, beauty.

I would even go so far to say that such understanding and compassion for an appropriate life ending is necessary in many cases to help end human suffering. But people won't have that. We have much to learn about coping with loss from our four – and three – legged friends.

Thank you for one of the best articles on this topic I have ever read! I was a Vet Tech years ago while putting myself thru nursing school, so I've seen the suffering on all sides & totally agree I wish this was an option.

But some of these comments are scary...see, I'm one of those fighting cancer & I certainly don't want to go out like many of the descriptions here! But I digress...hopefully, that's a long way off - I have far too many people left to irritate! :o)

We have a wonderful vet who feels very similar to Dr. Khuly's position. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Thanks to all the veterinarians with hearts!

We have three rescued cats, 8, 10 and 15 and all are healthy and happy. They are strictly indoor cats, so that eliminates some of the more horrific causes of death. Is it true that cats are unlikely to "go in their sleep?" That a cat usually suffers if left to pass on its own of old age? I was advised by a vet that although we all wish for a peaceful passing while they sleep, that it is usually not so. I guess then one must watch for signs of serious decline in a senior but otherwise healthy cat?

I guess this would be the place to admit that euthanasias are actually one of my favourite appointments. I know how weird that seems, even my co-workers look at me funny when I admit it.

I pride myself on my compassion and empathy with the owners. I love that on one of their darkest days I can be a source of reassurance and comfort. Sometimes they are people that I hardly know, and sometimes they are close friends, it never matters in this appointment.

I am also good at the technical aspect- I know I'm bragging but I could hit a vein on a boulder! In that final appointment- getting an IV smoothly on the first stick is SO important! Not to mention I am confident enough to place the IV with the owners in the room (on the floor) if that is what they want.

I advocate for the patient- I am good at assessing their temperment and so able to work out a plan with the owner regarding sedation beforehand etc... Then, I recommend the plan to the doctor. The vets I work for currently are fantastic but there have certainly been times where I have had to stand my ground regarding sedation :(

Being witness to the bond between owner and pet is the icing on the cake. This is the visit where you get to talk about all those special times with the pet, the acts of bravery and mischeif, the 4 legged and furry therapy. That bond is why we got into veterinary medicine isn't it? So it makes sense that this is the stuff we work so hard for! That bond is what makes my job not a job at all, more of a calling, which is why you'll never hear me complaining about a late night, getting called in on a day off, or working through lunch. That bond is the reason why, when my alarm goes off in the morning, I think "yay! time to go to work!"

@colddonkey- I have been teching for almost 8 years. I still cry at some euthanasias. When I do- it is usually for the owners heartache, sometimes it is because the pet reminds be of one of my own.

My love of 27 years was euthanized last Wednesday. Always a brave and proud horse, I thank everything above that his vet of 20 years and his assistant were compassionate and caring when it came time to put that horse to sleep. He went with no trauma, he knew his vet and the assistant, although it was one of the hardest things i've ever done, giving the ok to Euthanize him, it was the best thing for him. My horse had a huge spirit and age and sudden just caught up with him. I thank my vet every day for the kind and compassionate way my horse left this earth. I have seen SO many horse over the years NOT euthanized when they should have been, mostly for the selfishness of the owner. Horses that were old, sick, could no longer get up, sometimes euthanisia is kinder. My vets assistant said to me when I agreed to putting him down "this is the kindest thing you could have done for him" and then SHE cried as well. A special thank you to my equine vet, you were awesome for 20 years and I again appreciate your empathy when my boy was put down.

I agree with you 100%! Thank you for articulating (and having the lady-balls to do so!) what I've been thinking for a while, and for speaking on something on which many people have not understood my perspective.

While I was in college, I watched my grandmother suffer her last days in agony due to pancreatic cancer. She literally wasted away to nothing until she died, alongside dehydration and inadequate pain control. That experience was one of the most formative ones of my career, and really helped shape my perspectives on pain and suffering... as in, no creature should go through either unnecessarily.

We as veterinarians have an honor our MD friends don't get, and I maintain that we should take that duty with respect and some degree of pride, not dread. At least our patients don't *have* to go through what our two-legged loved ones do in the end.

As for the people who say, "I don't know how you can do that, I sure couldn't..." Well, ending suffering is still a part of healing, which is the reason we got into this in the first place.

Meagan

I know others have chimed in on this topic, but when we are talking about honest euthanasia - the ending of needless suffering, at or near that point when the quality of a pet's life is outweighed by its bodily burdens - is a kindness to that pet. The human family often must struggle between its desire to continue their relationship with a loved companion, and its desire to do what is kindest and best. The good vet helps in that decision, does the job well, offers solace (often) and a willing ear.

As wondrous as our pets are, as smart, communicative and loving as they can be, they don't understand enduring great pain for the sake of briefly prolonging life. That's a purely human thing. Pain during treatment and healing is one thing. Pain because we can't bear to part with them is just selfish.

It is the responsibility of owners and vets to be the watchers, the caretakers, right up to the end. To make the right decision even when it tears our hearts out. Real euthanasia is one the gravest responsibilities you bear and the greatest gifts you give as a vet.

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2006/november/convenience-euthanasia-hot-topic-du-jour-vet-circles

I appreciate your care in regard to putting down a pet especially in regard to making sure it is the owner's pet. A vet nearby got in trouble for putting down a dog brought in as a stray. It was not really well and had recently been operated on which should have been a clue. And the vet missed the microchip. As it turned out a neighbor brought the dog in as a stray and had to know it was the neighbor's dog. She had possibly gone into the fenced yard and taken the dog while the owner was at work. When the owner came home from work the dog was nowhere to be found and called animal control. Animal control had a record of this dog being put to sleep by the vet as it was old and sick and stray. When animal control came to take the corpse, they found the microchip and the vet was in trouble. I never heard what happened to the neighbor but the vet situation made the news and of course damaged her reputation.

When I think of all of my pets and all of my years visiting vets, I think that euthanasia and advice regarding the possible suffering of my pets is the best service vets provide. The sadness involved is really a testament to the contribution to my life these pets have made. My life has been fuller for their having been part of it, the bond, the love. And my vets' advice and knowledge about animal suffering has helped to alleviate such suffering, prevented it, and enabled a peaceful end.

And I think the euthanasia of animals healthy or not who need homes and lack them is also sad but a wonderful service to the lives of these unwanted animals. Living a caged life with little interaction, exercise, a life of psychological deprivation can be a kind of torment that is also stopped by euthanasia. A kindness that at times in unfortunately necessary to the circumstances.

recently i had to make plans to euthanise my beloved 13 year old cocker spaniel. she had a history of thyroid problems. my loyal vet kept her enjoying a hearty lifestyle to almost the very end. as we have with our other cockers we decide to put them down when they no longer enjoy everyday things like eating or being petted or just sitting in the yard overseeing thier little acre etc. i took her to the vet on a tue and she had bloodwork ups and she tested for a low grade infection and we treated her for that and she seemed to get a new lease on life but on wed afternoon she took a turn for the worst. thurs morn at 5 am she woke me up and i took her out to potty but she was so weak she could barely walk. i picked her up and took her out and she seemed to totally give up. i called the vet and told him my girl was in distress and he asked if she was in pain and i said no. he told me to bring her in an hour before his office normaly opened and i did. he was rushing about and forgot his office keys but had his office girl bring some right down as she lived in the small town otherwise he would have had to go home and get his keys. she was only 3 to 5 minutes away but in that time my baby passed in my arms and ........it was the worst best thing that ever happened to me. she laid her head on my chest looking up at me and i was the last thing she ever saw and its the way she wanted it. the spasams jolted me beyond belief. in that brief encounter she made me look at life a lot differently. i hope i can be the kind of person she taught me to be. before this incident i had always got my dogs to the vet so they could be euthanised and we always stayed with them until the very end as they would have done with us. this is how it should be but i feel i learned a valuable lesson from her that morning that i would not have had the opportunity to witness had our vet not forgot his keys. ( before we took her to the vet that morning she gathered up enough strength to go to every room in the housse to her favorite spot and sit amoment and then outside she walked to her favorite sitting places as if saying goodbye to her little acre of happiness.) she is one of the 4 shelter animals we have had over the years and they have all been ever so wonderful, brighting our lives with humor and love.

I agree with your post. I always thank our vets when they take the time to put down one of our foster, or one of my personal, cats. They do it with compassion and always give me a big, and loving, hug as they reassure me that it was the right thing to do. We often times talk afterwards about what a wonderful cat that was and how much I did to take care of him.

It is a sad time, but also a very loving time for all involved. The vet techs often stop by to give me hugs.

Keep on writing.

Melinie
www.WhenCatsTalk.com

Everyone has said what I would have, there are many reasons for a vet to think well of herself for providing euthanasia and doing it well.

My preference, if either SmartCat or PrettyCat need to go before I do, is to do it myself. I'm not exactly sure why I think I should turn my decision into my actions though, perhaps it's some imprint from too old many Westerns watched when I was a child.

And why shouldn't any compassionate vet be proud of offering this service? First in line as the most important skill that can only be achieved by a professional, qualified Vet (in the majority of states that do not have specially licensed euth techs)--- to peacefully & kindly relieve suffering of animals.

Though most states do not recognize legal euthanasia, they DO recognize hospice care, thankfully---to aid kind and painless death through drugs and not prolonging death.

I have been fortunate to experience many wonderful, compassionate vets--each with their own style of compassion prior and during euthanasia. From the first, that spent gobs of time discussing degrees of pain and quality of life, to one that just said it like it was & be watchful and prepared, to one that told me she goes into a different mental plain to concentrate on achieving smoothness. I've been lucky, albeit not all euthanasias have been a perfect 10.

And then there was the solitary veterinarian that choose a 10 on the scale of cruelty, 1 being kind and 10 being the most egregious and cruelest, painful method to "kill a companion pet".

As with all of the above posters, including "lily" who felt that natural death was ok , although not preferable, we all share the memory for decades, perhaps our lifetime of this meaningful moment at the end of our beloved companions life.

Barbara "Pocket's Story from NH"
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