That is a hard-one, one shot and it is over, For the Doctor, No our Pet Doctors have feeling too.....Money?...After 18 years of love,my Daisy, had a tumor, in her brain. I was told, no hope. One shot, my Baby was gone, but not in my Heart....No I could not do your job, But I Thank God, for Doctors, like you, who really care......PS....ENJOY...your time off, with your Son, they are only young once.

I hope you use the sedation shot first as it is cruel with just the final dose.

I cannot imagine the emotional toll that euthanasia takes on the doctor.

It must be terribly frustrating to deal with overwrought humans. It must be doubly frustrating when the critter could have recovered from whatever-it-was if the owner had brought the critter to the doctor earlier for diagnosis and treatment. It must tear you up inside when recommended treatment is affordable, but the human opts for euthanasia instead.

I'm curious, do you see a difference in burnout rates between men and women?

The two veterinarians in my area known for avoiding euthanasias are both male. One is honest and refuses outright, while one avoids, avoids, avoids until the client finally calls another veterinarian. Hey, when I'm not willing to euthanize a horse, I tell the owner directly: call someone else.

All of my friends hate doing this. This fall and winter has been especially brutal for every large animal veterinarian I know. Not only did we have the usual complement of failing horses euthanized before the ground froze, many more of our clients can't afford to send their horses for colic surgery or nurse them through expensive chronic issues like lameness, uveitis and laminitis. So we kill them. Last year I set a record for ordering Fatal Plus.

What do we charge? Much, much less than the cost of a backhoe, burial or cremation, and no, we don't get a cut of any of that (nor do I think we should).

For many of us, it's not one shot and done. Some of these cases haunt us, especially when the horse is worthless and the owner just doesn't want him anymore. Even though it's sad, I'd rather euthanize a well-loved patient for medically justifiable reasons owned by a client with whom I have a long-term relationship than kill an essentially unwanted horse for a stranger who nonetheless expects my sympathy, when giving it feels whorish.

"Some of these cases haunt us, especially when the horse is worthless and the owner just doesn't want him anymore."

That breaks my heart. Even more so because the horse probably know it isn't loved.

Do they elect to euthanize because you can't take a horse to a shelter? Are there no rescue organizations?

Most of the shelters are over capacity. Those that are still accepting horses won't take older, lame, and/or chronically ill horses because they can't place them. They tell owners they'll euthanize them the day they arrive.

To Whom It May Concern:

I enjoyed reading your post. I am a horse owner and would have a devastating time euthanizing my horse. She is a beloved family pet. Originally a rescue from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, she has filled out and grown into a gorgeous (and very sweet) 7-year-old. I have a question that has bothered me for some time, in regards to putting a horse down.
A few years ago, one of the show horses colicked at the facility where my horse is boarded. Anyway, I have never seen an animal (or human) suffering like this. Instead, of having him suffer, the owner made the decision to put him to sleep (the owner and everyone present cried). The animal was worth about $50,000 fully insured, etc. Once an autopsy was performed they found that even with surgery, the horse would have been euthanized on the table due to compilications from the colic.
Now after all of that, here is my question: Did the owner do the right thing in your opinion? If my horse was screaming in pain I would probably do the same thing. I just can't see letting an animal suffer no matter how much they are (or aren't) worth money-wise. Please note, that I would definately spend the money if surgery or other treatments are warranted. But, there comes a time (I believe), that we as responsible (and kind) owners need to let them go.

Sincerely,

Dgiaqui

In my experience, younger male veterinarians have been less willing to perform euthanasia, deferring to the women in the practice. I've seen tat twice. I've never met a woman who declined routinely. Odd, right?

That is odd. Even though this might sound a bit like stereotyping, I would think that gals would be more emotional and/or sorrowful about it.

Do you think that women have a deeper compassion about alleviating a critter's suffering, not matter how hard it is on them?

Or maybe the younger male vets don't know how to handle grieving owners and their knees shake at the sight of tears?

I think men are just as compassionate as women. I think many male veterinarians simply don't know what to do when a client starts to cry, especially if the client is a big, tough guy. Thus they avoid performing euthanasias.

This is the primary reason I choose privacy when I can for my guy clients, especially at the racetrack: sometimes guys cry, and sob, and freak out, and most don't want anyone to watch them do this. When guys cry they don't want any special comfort from me, BTW, just company. So I sit with the horse until the guy is done. It's okay; people need to grieve.

Guys generally don't want hugs, or snippets of braided mane, or talk about the Rainbow Bridge. Not a problem. I can adapt.

You are a vet so you've seen more horses put down then me. But honestly, I've never seen any horseman, male or female not mist up when watching a horse put down. Perhaps not cry but gah it's horrifying to watch, I don't care whose horse it is. My husband openly grieved when his beloved jumper was put down, and he cut his tail and a snippet of his mane. I give you kudos for allowing your clients to deal with their horses deaths privately. Personally I was SO THANKFUL NO ONE but my vet and his assistant was there when my hunter was put down. Also, I totally agree on the Rainbow Bridge....I could smack whoever wrote that. PS: I think you must keep peppermints in your pocket if you patients nicker...peppermints I tell you!!. Although I will admit, my horse did nicker for his Chiropractor so you might be right...I still think it's peppermints....admit it equinemd...peppermints.

It all starts with mints. :-)

Think about it: many of my patients live in boarding barns. I visit many of these barns several times a month, so I'm no stranger to the horses. Most horses encounter me in my veterinary capacity only 2-3x a year, usually briefly for routine things like vaccinations and dentistry. During other barn visits, I'm a pleasant visitor who says hello and maybe offers a scratch (BTW no mint if the owner isn't present and I'm not there to do something veterinary... I don't want to create land sharks).

In contrast, most owners show up at the barn wanting to ride, clip, groom, bath, sheath cleaning or generally thwart their horses' efforts to do what horses really want to do: eat, sleep and hang out in turnout.

Horses are a remarkably tolerant species.

There is nothing wrong with a 'Peppermint Land-Shark'

PS: I almost spit my coffee out my nose at that...peppermint land shark....hahahhahhaha! You made my boring cube life morning.

I've had one direct experience of having to euthanaise a much loved pet. Almost 2 years ago I was told that my much loved golden retriever, Molly, had an inoperable brain tumor at the far too early age of 8 1/2. My vet advised me that eventually I would have to make a decision - the tumor wouldn't be fatal. It would just gradually deprive Molly of her quality of life.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful, caring vet - when any of my dogs go for a consult he sits on the floor with them rather than lifting them onto the examination table. All of my dogs are happy to see him. I talked with him at some length about how I would know that it was time to let Molly go. I asked if my other dog, Ghillie, could be present & if he would come to my home to do it. I wanted Molly to be in a familiar environment & besides I couldn't face driving home without her. He answered my questions with empathy & an endless supply of tissues.

Finally the dreaded day came,& he arrived at the house with his most experienced vet nurse. Molly left us gently & quietly, surrounded by her family & with her fur soaked by my tears. We were left for a while to say our goodbyes & then he took Molly away for cremation.

A week later, I went to collect her ashes & he was at the counter when I arrived. I asked him to give me an itemised account since Molly's pet insurance allowed me to claim for her euthanasia although not the cremation expenses. His response? "Oh I wasn't going to charge you for that".

I could never do your job - it would tear me apart to give that one shot. However, I am so thankful for people like you & my vet for being there to help our sick, or injured or pain-ridden pets take their final journeys with dignity & love. Thank you for doing what you do.

I meant to add in my original post that I fully expected to pay for my vet coming to my house to put Molly to sleep. In the end he gave me an account which billed me $100 for the euthanasia & reduced the cremation cost by $100. I also received a card from the practice saying how sorry they were at Molly's passing. Needless to say I sent them a note telling them how much I appreciated everything they did & you can bet your boots I recommend the practice to everyone I know.

One thing I wonder - this practice is a non-corporate owned practice. The owner is the vet who attends my dogs. I wonder if the coporate owned practices are less likely to provide this personalised service due to the fact it wouldn't be cost effective & clients are likely to resent paying for a premium service? Just a thought.

Another thought - I think it's a real shame that people here can't discuss even a sensitive subject like this without resorting to personal slanging. Vets are businesses like any other & deserve to be paid for their services - especially if they go "above & beyond" in providing an at-home or out of ours service. But then again you get back what you put in - I treat my vet & all of his staff with respect & courtesy & that is what I get from them.

Corporate practices are governed by more strict rules. Can't do home euthanasias because there's no way in the system to charge for it, can't do it on your own time and charge for a normal euthanasia because you're not allowed to take hospital supplies out of the hospital or bring a technician to help. And you can't say "oh no charge for this euthanasia" or "we'll only charge you for the drugs" because it is seen as stealing from the company to not charge appropriately. In order to adjust prices, there are multiple layers of approval which must be obtained BEFORE the adjustment.

Not saying this is how it should be, but a corporation is a corporation and just like the people at a big box store can't give me a break on the price without a damn good reason and approval, the doctors at a corporate practice need corporate approval and a damn good reason first.

I agree & this is why I LOVE my vet. He owns his practice & makes his own rules!

First off Iwant to say that as a pet owner I have paid the ultimate cost, the loss of my young healthy dog because I was decieved by a vet. I never gave permission to use a certain drug that killed my dog. I also have had to put my beloved senior dog down after 4 1/2 years of thousands of dollars to keep him alive so he wouldn't suffer. He had mitral valve heart disease, a heriditory condition that was unavoidable but that was not detected by a veterinariandespite taking him all of his 15 years of his life. I detected it by holding him on my chest when he slept and hearing, feeling a loud thud of his heart beats. I spared no money nor did I ask why so much I just paid. I want to mention that his medication alone monthly were more than $200. a month. He was happy and loved life until the last coupleof months. You all may know that it is like watching a large icecube slowly melt away, as they loss weight over time and deteriorate. In the end I called on a Sunday his specialist 24 hour care facility and told them that he was crying and it was time. I was made to wait even though I called45 mins to get there , they had his records and were very familiar with him as we had gone for 4 yrs. for treatment, but they wanted to do an exam and take him away from me into the dreaded BACK. At that point he washaving breathing difficulty and they could see that. I said NO he will not leave me as he was a sensitive dog that had been pooked and prooded most of his life and it was time. I with a heavy heart knew I would need to do this not for me but for him. I know if you love them you have to know when to let go. It was an ordeal which should have been handled better. I told them we would leave if they conntinued and seek another vet to help, they finally did what he needed. I wanted the seditive first however he passed away with only the seditive, they did the second shot to make sure which was still hard for me to ubderstand. He had no heart beat. I had to go through this being put through more than I should have. I left with my buddy in my arms, I was shown the back door like anembarassment. I will never return there. I was charged for an exam, cathorization and emergency over $300. Is that fair when I had paid close to $10,000. in 4 yrs? I didn't realize it until a month later when going over the bill. I called the vet and he did return $100. for the things that I had been charged for that were not even done. I believe that a long term client should not be charged except for the medication in the end of life. Long term pet owners should be given this as a courtesy. It does not cost that much in the cost factor of the medication. That part is cheap considering amounts that we spend long term. Don'tforget all of the referrals you are given. I do feel that many pet owners are taken advantage of because of their love for their pets and the veterinarian' see this. Again for you vets that will be ready to defend yourselves, I am talking about SOME not all vets. I see it and I get calls about this as well. I have true stories that I can share if you wantthem. No one is talking about FREE vet care so don;t even start that. We only want to be told about the procedure, the medications being used, their side effect, and the RISK factor. We do not wantsurprises. I can tell you I have researched to find a vet that will talk to me about my beloved pets so that we can work together. I don't want medications that will help for a short time, I want to know what they have and how to cure it. I am not saying that this is easy to do but you all knew this in vet school, You all chose this profession. I can tell you that it is much worse for the pet owner than for you. We have the emotional attachment that you don't have. It is part of our family that has died. While you may never forget certain cases and sometimes think about them, WE NEVER FORGET. This is part of the jobs that you chose. Inn the end it is US, the pet owner who has the greatest effect , impact on our lives. Many because of going through this can't even go through it again. Just like you have bad clients generally speakig MOST are dedicated, devoted pet owners. I know my life has been greatly affected from the death of my healthy dog from an non caring vet. This should never happen.

>>I don't want medications that will help for a short time, I want to know what they have and how to cure it.>>

That's the problem, in both human and veterinary medicine: we can't cure most chronic problems, but we can manage them for a while.

Just out of interest, what, to you, would be a fair price to charge for euthanasia?

Did you read my comment? If they are LONG term clients, then I think that they should pay for your cost of the medication. Just out of interest , What about the client that sends you referals (many) referrals? Do you take that into consideration. I know I refer alot of people because I have confidence in that vet to do the best, not for a discount. I am not talking about cremation . But you also have to take into remember that thir next pet may be yours as well. It would impress me if I knew that my vet was compassioate towards my pet and my feelings during the loss process. I would be more likely to want to feel that they cared and not just the money aspect of it. I want safe and caring connservative care for my pet. I want to avoid pain, suffering for my pet, such as maybe holistic when possible. My dog recently had an ear infection, 4th time returning to the vet. I needed to know why, the treatment was not working despite my strict compliance. Finally I used a holistic ear wash daily and we cured it, over a 3 month constant cleaning. I though it might be the dogfood, not the case. Fungal infections seem to be my dog's problem but now over a year no infection. I currently have a dog with a struvite bladder stone, we are trying to dissolve this, the vet says he would suggest surgery, so we are working together to try to dissolve this. His first recommendation was surgery even knowing the stone type. I sent the two stones that she disposited for a test. I am told that the stone is the size of a large grape. I also asked if she is in danger if we try, he said no, but if she were an male we would be in surgery. I just like many other pet owners is safe alternatives, communication and to work together to try to resolve problems. Remember I lost a dog because I was not told or even asked about drugs. I have respect for your profession but we need respect as clients, we need to be part of the treatment. Veterinarian's seem to lose sight of this. Please don't classify ALL pet owners in your generalization. I do think in alot of these posts that you are about yourself , you need to take a different approach and focus on pets and treatments, not disrespect due to "THE BAD CLEINTS" After all WE BAD or GOOD are why you are still in business.

>>If they are LONG term clients, then I think that they should pay for your cost of the medication.>>

Even when the client calls after hours, on a weekend?

As an aside, I'm struck by how many of the poor euthanasia experiences of which I'm aware involve pets with chronic illnesses experiencing an acute crisis who are seeing a veterinarian on an emergency basis.

>>maybe holistic when possible

If you want holistic, don't ever visit most specialty practices or 24-hour emergency clinics, unless that's the advertised specialty.

>>you need to take a different approach and focus on pets and treatments>>

You don't know me, or my practice. I'll continue to do what is best for my patients and clients, as this seems to have been a successful approach thus far.

I stated that I think they should pay for the medication. I don't go to specialithy hospitals except for my dog's cardiologist.His condition needed to be watched so he wouldn't drown in fluid, it was to keep him comfortable until it worsened. I want holostic when possible. Don't be surprised with your attitude that vet care may decline. You are right I don't know you or your practice but you don't know the vast majority of most pet owners so don't generalize them. You attack in your articles the BAD clients, what about the BAD vets? Again whether BAD or GOOD they pay for your livelyhood. I don;t believe good veterinarians's talk about their clients no matter what. I have no doubt that this is a hard profession but through out all professions it goes with the terrritory. You chose this profession and you knew the ups and downs. While you deal with it daily we live with it forever. You asked for opinions you just don't want to hear them I guess.

>>I don't go to specialithy hospitals except for my dog's cardiologist.>>

I'd be surprised if your cardiologist was the one who actually euthanized your dog, though. It sounds like you went through the emergency service, which is an entirely different department.

Because the emergency department was aware you had been a long-term client of the cardiologist, they examined your dog before euthanasia because they didn't want you to have regrets if the dog could have been treated. They assumed you would want to treat if it was reasonable to do so, because that is what you had done in the past. They could not tell if it would not be reasonable to treat the dog without examining him first. More than likely, they at least administered oxygen, so the dog would be stable and relatively comfortable while they talked to you.

It is not reasonable to expect euthanasia on demand without prior arrangements. Kinda like a DNR order for a person, but more extreme.

>>His condition needed to be watched so he wouldn't drown in fluid, it was to keep him comfortable until it worsened.>>

Yes, and with conventional treatment, your dog survived for over 4 years.

Out of curiosity, as your dog began to decline, did you ever discuss scheduling euthanasia, either with your cardiologist or regular veterinarian?

Yes, I more so than he discused it. And YES it was the cardiologist that owned and saw my dog. I am the one who made the decision to take my dog to a cardiologist for treatment. My dog was declining,and his vet knew as we discissed the possibility that it would be sooner than later, I discussed with him as he did not offer any info. He did get oxygen. They wanted to take him from me to put him to sleep, I wanted him to be in my arms as I always do so they feel safe and I do not wnat to have a stranger, and that is what vets are to our pets. He was relaxed in my arms and I kissed him and told him I was there. He still cried. I was not going to force any more drugs into him when he did not want to eat anymore. It was a sudden turn, collaspe for him, I was told that normally they do not cry like he did, I know in my heart he didn't not want to leave me. I had been with him since his birth in rescue and we knew each other even by looks, the look he gave me when he knew what I was going to do,I can't explain it but we were bonded extremely. I called him my white shadow. I didn't even have to speak. He knew. I was told that we couldn't do anything more with the weight loss and he was eating until the morning suddenly he collasped. I chose to treat him because it was treatable and in order for him not to suffer through this I made the decision, to do what I could for him as he was part of my family. If medication and all of those x rays and ultrasounds could help I did it. His mother died because her heart valve ruptured and I made the decision, the vet wouldn't even suggest or guide me, to put her down, he wanted to treat her, the cardiologist said she was so bad , again missed by the vet on exams. That I could go on but she was going to fail soon. She was only 12. This should have according to cardiologist been detected since it took time to occur. So who failed me, my dog? Was it my fault, they went in if they breathed wrong every year if not two or three times. Did they listen correctly to the heart? They just continued to vaccinate my sick dog , unknown to me at that time. I wouldn't give any vaccinations to my last dog with the heart condition, and they still wanted to do the vaccinations. So what is an owner to do if the vets won't communicate with us? I have done a lot of searching for information so that my dog will be safe. We should be told. And as for my heart dog, I asked for help the vets didn;t offer nor did they find the heart disease, I requested an x ray, even when I took him in they said he didn;t have a heat murmur. They were wrong. So I attribute his longer life to my attention and concern for my dog.

It was as probably is with most dogs, an Emergency for the euthanasia. He was suffering. So we are supposed to wait and we are supposed to put them down on a scheduled appointment when they are ok previous? Not in my dogs case. You are missing the fact that they knew my dog by name, and had 45 minutes before I got there to be ready, or at least be trying to get ready. You are not prepared to have to do this and you don't just say oh well I won;t try anymore after you spend years trying. I don;t give up until the end. I won;t let my dog suffer. A pet owner in that situation doesn;t need time to suffer themsrelves knowing this is traumatizing in the first place. I feel like you are patting yourself on the back that his life was prolonged due to vet care. You fail to realize, I caught the problem or at least requested an x ray, He had just had an exam one month before with vaccinations, and it was missed. I suggested I wanted a specialist for him. I took care of him, I gave him his meds, I did everything possible to prolong his life. I went out fifty times every day and night even in the middle of the night to let him urinate from the effects of lasix. I cared enough not to give up for a managable disease. There was no reaso to put him down prematurely. I didn;t want his valve to rupture like his mother's did. I was totally lost when she died as I was with my boy. But when my healthy dog died because of a vet that really was trying to save money ,as evident in his statement to the vet board, when asked why he used this drug he said "Because it was cheap" Or that"It was just a dog" How do you think that makes a grieving owner feel??

>>It was as probably is with most dogs, an Emergency for the euthanasia. He was suffering. So we are supposed to wait and we are supposed to put them down on a scheduled appointment when they are ok previous?...You are not prepared to have to do this and you don't just say oh well I won;t try anymore after you spend years trying. I don;t give up until the end. I won;t let my dog suffer. A pet owner in that situation doesn;t need time to suffer themsrelves knowing this is traumatizing in the first place.>>

That's about what I thought you'd say.

Most of the owners of chronically ill horses plan for euthanasia; it's NOT an emergency. This ensures a dignified, respectful, peaceful death, and minimizes the chance of a horse suffering one last crisis. It also allows the owner some measure of control. Some owners plan for euthanasia 6 months in advance, or more. They accept that while their horse may be stable, he is not "ok".

Those owners who choose the route you did, who "don't give up until the end" frequently have unsatisfactory euthanasia experiences.

I also take exception with your saying that veterinarians are strangers to their patients. Baloney. My patients know, like and trust me. How do I know? They greet me. They go through my pockets. I can catch them in the pasture by myself when the owner isn't home. I've removed sutures, pulled blood and even radiographed (aka taken x-rays) by myself, with no one holding the horse. Even at the racetrack, I see many more heads than tails when I make my rounds. Some seriously ill and painful horses lay their heads on my arm or body while I'm checking them out as if to say, it's you, and I'm glad you're here with me. This is one other reason my clients plan for euthanasia, by the way: to ensure it's going to be me, because their horses trust me. If my patients hated and feared me, I'd have left this profession long ago.

When an owner tells me her horse doesn't like me, I encourage her to use a different veterinary practice. I don't want those clients.

Honestly, I care for my patients much more than I care for my clients. Not that I don't care about my clients - I do - but most are astute enough to realize I'm there for the horse first, then for them. That may be one reason they chose me as their veterinarian.

So, do you want a veterinarian who cares more about your pet, or more about your needs?

Ok my apologies in advance but this post just made me giggle. I have been riding all my life. In addition to being very familiar with both backyard horses, A circuit show horses and racehorses. I have never in my horse life EVER watched a horse nicker to a horse vet. My sincere apologies to any vet reading this, but seriously...I'm not doubting you were able to treat your patients without assistance but really lets be honest. Horses do not get vets called for treats and pets. Horse vets come for (aside from the yearly shots etc..) horse vets come for "i'm in trouble help me" now...although I do believe horses know their personal vets of course they do, but "like" their vets? I don't think so. I changed vets once not becuase my horse "disliked" his vet, but because he had to treat a rather traumatic injury that was painful, thus the horse remembered that particular vet. I waited for my vet because yes, I wanted my horse put down by someone he was familiar with, someone he trusted. Not someone he didn't know. Now did my horse know that his vet would help him? Of course he did, but I can honestly say that in my entire life....although a horse may stand for his vet with the vet alone, I highly doubt ANY horse doesn't warily watch you from the corner of his eye...just a bit. I know the horses were always just a bit relieved when the equine doctors would come round with nothing more than a treat. Did my horse love his vet as he loved me? No...did my horse know he was there to help him? maybe. Was is more helpful for me to have his personal vet their in his final moments? Yes.

Do you know which of my patients like me the most, and yes, nicker when they see me? Horses that know me really, really well. Why do they know me so well? Because at some point, they've seen a lot of me (IV antibiotics, bandage changes, lameness, laminitis, Lasix, etc.). Many horses in my practice who originally did not like veterinarians have learned to like me, even the needle-phobes.

Why do they like me? I'm predictable. I move fast but take my time. I'm not loud. I do nothing suddenly. I'm not afraid, and I'm good at calming down nervous owners - which relaxes the horse. I remember that every time I do something to a horse, I'm teaching him something, and I want it to be a positive experience. And I carry mints.

So yeah, some of my patients nicker. It may be cupboard love, but I'll take it.

I meant the cardiologist owned the (speciality) practice.

Several points:

1-If the end is so important, why does it not get the respect it deserves by virtue of a high price tag?

2-Free drugs? Because you spent $10,000 we worked hard for and deserved? Where's the cutoff? If you spend $5,000 the euth is free?

3-Perhaps emergency hospital had even bigger emergencies to attend to at the time of your pet's presentation? And how were they supposed to know what your relationship you had with the owner? That's why e-clinics get such a bad rap: They're seen as heartless when really they're just trying to handle of a lot of moving parts and because they don't know you well enough to know how best to handle your needs. Makes sense, right?

4-Referrals? I never paid for one and I never will. It should be freely given. I never got freebies for referring to my hairdresser, my butcher, my trainer or to my favorite restaurants. Do you expect your dentist to discount your services because you sent them a patient? I once received a fruit basket from a restaurant after writing a good review for their place. Never since have I received a thing for my loyal patronage (and I am a loyal customer). Why should veterinarians be any different?

5-I do feel for your loss. And I apologize if any of this sounds harsh. But I do believe you've made my point: You simply don't recognize how valuable the service is. Otherwise, I'd think you'd be willing to pay whatever your trusted veterinarian's hospital believes the service is worth.

Dr Khuly,

I think you know from previous posts, that I certainly value this service. Particularly more than ever, after witnessing a very cruel, horrible, and always unforgettable euthanasia in my presence with MY OWN pet.

That said, I would hate to see this service climb out of reach to average pet owners. I shudder to think of the less economically well that might consider taking matters into their own "hands" or means.

Actually, this is probably happening already, when a pet-owner calls around (not being a regular client anywhere) and is quoted 100's of dollars for the whole works, including exam.

I think it fair to say, when you bring in a dying animal, how much beyond your "eyeballs" do you really need to do--old, dying, and sick are pretty obvious.

It's a conundrum, to be sure.

It really is---because it is the dying animal's needs that should be of priority and "relief of suffering" as quoted in the Veterinarians Oath.

And although I have never seen any actual "laws" in print (state to state) , I really do think it does appear in some states or is part of the AVMA Code as "understood".

Is it or not, to your knowledge of ethics and law? Anywhere?

I have NEVER suggested this should be a "free" service, despite many that I know that are good, faithful, paying clients (to the tune of big $$$ for regular care), that in fact, do resent this "one final bill".

I do however, as stated above, believe fully, that it should be "affordable" and not a very profitable-making service. (charge an extra buck for routine services to keep this one down, and you'll still be way ahead!

Last May, May 12 to be exact at 10:30 am, I put my horse of 29 years to sleep. I thank the stars that his personal vet of 18 years was the one to put him down. I was absolutely floored by his professionalism, his demeaner and truely touched as his assistant (who had been his assistant for 18 years) genuinely cried when my boy finally laid down and breathed his last.

I told my vet "I don't want to be one of those owners...who keeps their super sick and suffering 30 year old horse alive for selfish reasons" My vet answered "if he was mine...i'd put him down" and they NEVER SAY THAT...never. I thank him for his honesty, I thank him for his patience. And I will always thank him for being with me when I had to do to the most important horrifying thing ever.

RIP Noodle! You were an awesome horse! and he had a more awesome vet.

>>I told my vet "I don't want to be one of those owners...who keeps their super sick and suffering 30 year old horse alive for selfish reasons">>

You helped your veterinarian help your horse by clearly stating your wishes for your horse. Your horse was a lucky boy.

I had a horse I'd had for 11 years that foundered. After about 4 months with a farrier and my wonderful vet, my vet came by one day and said, "We've done everything we could and he's not getting better. It's time to let him go."
She was right of course, but it helped me to make that final decision, and let him go.
We both cried when it was over. She was a great vet.

I'm so sorry, founder just sucks rocks. I had my horse for 28 of his 29 years. I never really knew what happened to him, some random infection that just ravaged his poor little body. Over the years I'd watched many MANY older horses just suffering, barely able to get up, eat, owners refusing to put them down...I swore i'd never do that to mine. And the rather funny thing is he'd do something stupid like roll in the mud and throw his stifle out and i'd be standing there going "really? is this how you're going out?" My fantasy was he'd just be galloping around the arena (ok fast hitchy canter at his age) and just drop dead of a heart attack. I watched him doing it 2 summer ago and I said out loud "NOW..just drop dead right now!! galloping and whinneying your heart out" I had dreaded the day I had to say "lets do this" But the interesting thing was, whenever someone would say "he'll tell you when he's done" they were right. The ability to say to his vet "lets put him down" was amazingly crystal clear and easy. But more fair to him, he was a proud, arrogant horse, he went out with total dignity. Had his vet thought he could have made his quality of life any better or longer, I know he'd have said something. But if something had to take his life, I'm thankful it was the vet who knew him best.

It's funny that you mentioned people telling you they will let you know that it's time. After my vet and I had the conversation I mentioned above, I asked her for an extra day so I could give him his favorite treats, and baby him just one day more. I spent about 3 hours with him, brushing him and telling him it was okay to let go (like you, I was hoping he would save me the agony of having to euthanize him). The next morning, I found him laying down in the pasture, and it looked like he'd had some sort of stroke. His face on one side was droopy, his tongue was half hanging out of his mouth, and he was able to stand, but couldn't eat.
The vet came by and she only had to use about half of the injection to euthanize him, he went down quickly and it was over in a few seconds. So I think he heard me when I told him it was okay to let go.

Wow, I did almost the same thing, I kissed his star and the tips of both his ears and told him not to stay for me and it was ok to go. He was too sick to wait another day. ACK! making me cry at work.... :-) but with some awesome memories as well. Again, i'm sorry for your loss, yours probably was hanging around for you, I believe mine did many times. Sometimes he'd be napping in the sand flat out on his side and i'd have to really look to see if he was breathing...and I'd yell acros the arena just to make sure, and his ears would prick up still laying in the dirt...and he'd be like "shut up....i'm getting a suntan"...there we go, better memory!

You both made me cry at work too. Lovely stories you shared, and i am glad your horses had you as owners.

I think euthanasia is the hardest job as a pet owner so can't imagine it's any less difficult on the vets who provide the "service." I am so very glad that it's different today, that vets allow families to be present on their beloved pet's journey, because as hard as it is I feel it is so important. I have never sent a loved pet on to the Bridge without sending a bit of my heart with him or her. April 1 will be one year since my Blue Dog has gone; there is not a day that I don't think of him and cry over the missing of him but I also celebrate the wonderful times we spent together.

My favorite card for sending to friends who have lost beloved pets has this quote from Rita Mae Brown:

I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss.

When I first moved to south Florida, I had yet to build up my dog training business and I still needed to pay the bills.
I started working as an office manager/head tech/jack of all trades at an animal hospital in NE Broward County.

One day, a client, who had been a client with the previous vet, brought in their 15 yr old Min. Schnauzer to be put to sleep.

I had been at the clinic about 4 yrs at this time, and was very attached to these owners and their dogs(Fauve was the dog who was being put to sleep} Before I started working there, these people hadn't had a vacation in over 8 yrs----Fauve came first. She was diabetic(insulin shots daily), had pancreatic issues, and a whole host of other ailments. Once they got to know me, I began dog sitting for them, and pretty much they were my family down here. I had no one else.

So, anyway, I knew that they couldn't stay for the "procedure". So, I promised them that I would be the tech, and that I would hold her and care for her after. They left.
As the vet(Owner of the practice) was inserting the needle(He never IV'd) a tear slid down my cheek. I wasn't overtly crying, I wasn't sobbing, just a single tear. He said, in a snide voice "Well, that's what you get for getting attached...."
"NO, Dr. C, that's because your clients love me, and I care about them.

The final straw there, was over a euthanasia. My own dog.
I had had Hawke for a year. 150lb Male Rottie, trained to pull a wheelchair, open doors, pick up dropped objects, etc...He was a rescue, whose history we didn't know....About 10 months after I got him, he started snapping at people whom he knew well, and whom had never, ever harmed him.
Final point, where I decided to euthanize, I flew a fellow trainer out from Kansas City to evaluate him----I didn't want mine to be the only one---she was the person who rescued him----He put 38 stitches in her arm and hand while she was petting him. (Yes, we did all medical work-ups, including an MRI and a CAT scan)(nothing physically wrong). I took him to the clinic the next day, were....

I was told I could euthanize him myself. Dr. C refused to help.

So, as I was sitting in the back room, holding him in my lap, sobbing, I had to heart stick my dog in order to get the job done, because there was no way I could have hit a vein in that condition.

As I stood up and picked up my dog, I walked to my truck, turned and looked at Dr. C, and said "I quit. You are a heartless jerk, and I hope you rot." I left with my dog.

I am so sorry you experienced that and just as "Devastated" above, you will never forget those acts of brutal cruelty.

If only---if only, the profession would take the licenses away from the sadistic, uncaring, and not-at-all professionals, the public and the animal patients would be so much safer.

Recent examples: the Ohio shelter veterinarian allowing use of "succinyl chloride" for euthanasia

the KC, MO. shelter delegating to others and performing heart sticks on fully conscious animals, actually throwing ones still alive in the incinerator. (amongst the list of atrocities)

Add: the mentally and dangerously ill, the substance impaired,the ones that don't care about any semblance of "medicine". Surely they could use their degrees in other areas of benefit.

What a d---! Even if that's what he has to do to sleep at night, that doesn't mean he's got to foist it on his employees. I'll bet he never said the same thing to a *paying* client.

Not quite....but close.

Some Examples:
I was doing a board and train with a 6 month old pit bull puppy. I convinced the owners to neuter him. Told them the cost was 118.00. He had all vaccines and fecals done prior to coming to me. We didn't do IV's or pain meds at that time. It was done right before July 4th. He would have gone home July 4th, but being a holiday.....When I got back on Thursday to pick him up, the bill was $275.00 When questioned, the response was: Well, if they can afford to pay you a grand for a month of boarding/training then they can afford for me to pad the bill on the neutering.

Example:
Aginal 17 yr old cornish rex comes in prior to opening. I just happen to be there. I was "moonlighting" at the er clinic on Powerline and Hillsboro at the time. I put the cat on O2, started and IV(almost impossible for one person to do, especially with a nasty temperted cat. Drew Blood, started the IV and did all bloodwork. Cat was dehydrated, so I got 150cc into him pretty quickly, then slowed down the rate of IV. Cat was old. Took a deposit, and sent the owner home. Told them we would call them when we knew more. Couldn't get ahold of VMD owner, so I called the ER. Told them the situtation---cat would have not have made it to them. Vet on duty, said I did everything correctly, and just to wait, but the bloodwork did show a severe potassium difficiency. Finally got ahold of Dr.C(Owner of the practice.) He said, "Well, You did everything I can do, so I am going back to bed for a few hours.).
When he got in he loaded a syringe of potassium chloride and injected it FULL FORCE into the cat. Well, of course, the cat seized and died. Even I knew that PC must go in slowly over at least 10-20 minutes depending on the doasage. He called the owners and told them it had passed away. I called the owner and suggest a necropsy. I was furious. I call Dr> Fayman at the ER Clinic to verify iwas correct....


Example:
12 yr old Sheltie. Pyometria----you could smell her from the street----yes she was dyding. Owners weren't ready to euthanize. THey paid extra for me to spend the night in the clinic to observe the dog. Prior to his leaving, Dr. C told me, about midnight, the dog is going to have a seizure. You are going to give a dose of valium. Syringe is laid out. Dog is going to pass away.
NOw, granted, in this situation, I do beleive it was the right thing to do, but the worng way to go about it.

Example:
Couple with 2 Collies. Spent about 10,000 in the clinic in one year. 1 dog passes. The part time DVM says, by all means, bring the meds back in, we will credit your account. I am not allowed to "contradict" a DR., But I know that controlled substances are not allowed to be returned----all others fine, but not controlled. So, the next day they brought in the drugs. I am in a rock and a hard place. I say no, I make Glickman and myself look like idiots. I say yes, I break DEA/Clinic rules. So, I take the drugs back, credit the account, and set the drugs on my counter to flush.
Dr. C comes in, friends of client are standing to they can hear him screaming at me,not allowing me to explain. Finally, I reach in my pocked, and pull out the 15.00 that the meds cost and slammed it on the table and said, there's your damn money back, since that is really what the issue is, put the drugs in my pocket(I knew and indigent ffamily with a dog on the same med) and walked away. The whole clinic heard the screaming. The client who was friends wit the orignial client went and told them. THey came in and had a "discussion" with Dr. C about how he treated me, the office manager/head tech, whom his clients loved for her compassion, humor and love of animals, and respect. They said, if the didnt' give me the 15.000 back, they would take their records and leave. As well, they would suggest that all their friends get their records and leave. He didn't, they found out.(I might not answer, but I dont lie)

45 clients pulled their records and left. OVer 15.00 and an idiot.

Sad part of all this? This man was an awesome surgereon and an excellent diagnostition. He could do a spay on a 100lb dog with a 1 inch incission. After about 3 moths, you would never know the dog had been spayed..

PS, he has since sold the practice, and gone into semi-retirement.

"loaded a syringe of potassium chloride and injected it FULL FORCE into the cat"

Of course that would kill the cat. How horrifying and what an awful way for the cat to die. And to tell the owners (that paid extra to have someone stay with the kitty) that the cat "passed away". Egads. He probably also made them pay the bill. If he claimed it was "euthanasia", doesn't the client have to sign a form agreeing to it? That smacks of fraud.

This certainly sounds like something that should be turned in to the authorities. It's not only bad medicine, it's just plain cruel.

I wouldn't care how great a surgeon this guy is/was or even his diagnostic abilities, I wouldn't want him in the same state as one of my cats.

To be dishonest with clients and to outright kill pets is beyond reprehensible.

You say this person is in semi-retirement. He should be stopped from practicing at all and quite honestly, charges should be brought against him and he should lose his license. Just losing clients isn't enough because he didn't lose all his clients so he was still treating pets.

Report it to the authorities? Which ones? Who do you think will take action?

Certainly not the Veterinary Board--there are cases all over the country just as bad, the authorities DO NOTHING!

badvetdaily.blogspot.com

I am currently dealing with my 16 yr old labrador retriever not eating after have a back "episode".
She has had a few episodes over the years with an old back injury, but this last one about did her in. I took her in to the vet yesterday and he gave her some pain meds, which certainly made her feel better, but she's still not eating.
I guess she's trying to tell me as gently as she can it's time.

skoslabs: Oh boy, I am sorry for you. A wonderful 16 years?? That is pretty terrific.

Are you sure that it is due to the "back"? Perhaps organs are not doing well. I have been told that "valium" can be an appetite stimulator.

Many prayers,

Thank you for the services you provide. Both my small animal vet and large animal vet have had to euthanize animals for me. They have been nothing but compassionate, empathetic, professional and just plain wonderful about what they were doing. When I had my elderly pony put to sleep the vet was great about letting my gelding be with her. They were very attached and I wanted to make sure that he could say goodbye in his own horsey way. We did not bury her until he walked away. She is buried in the pasture and it's funny because where she is buried is one of his favorite places to stand. We did get another pony, but he's not nearly as attached to her as he was that Shetland.

I don't get it....I consider euthanasia to be the last loving act we do for our animals.....

I love my furry kids, and have spent lots on them....in fact next week I'm taking Beaner, my pittie, to the U of I for a consult and tooth extraction.....

But when it comes time, I wouldn't hesitate to let them go...and I will be there and hold them while they pass.

I held both my parents' as they died....slowly and painfully. If only we would be as humane to people as we are to our pets....

I swear if there's ever a hospice for pets, I'm there.....what an honor to make sure the last days of our beloved animals are painless and full of dignity...

There is pet hospice! It isn't available everywhere but is catching on in many parts of the country, as it should!

And I suppose, it is unofficially offered at many clinics. Your pet has a terminal, serious illness, and your Vet works with you to make the last months, days, weeks comfortable and pain-free to the appropriate time.

I wish that this would become common and "publicized" more. Especially in lieu of the: death=type scam where all physical symptoms, diagnostics, etc. clearly indicate irreversible death--yet fruitless treatments are suggested and imposed , while the poor beloved companion sits in a barren cage, frightened and dying.

Every animal that man takes stewardship, deserves a kind and peaceful death, every one of them.

This is one of the most important things you can do for your patients if not the most important! Being a veterinarian ISN'T all about money, I know because my husband is a vet. You have to accept the good and the not-so-good in every occupation there is! I am so tired of your whining. You chose this profession. Support your clients emotionally PLEASE when they are losing our precious best friends!! If you want more money then raise your prices and stop complaining.

Whining? Maybe sometimes. Pointing out what most people don't understand or haven't thought about? It's what my blog is all about. So don't criticize this one if you don't like the opinions offered. Best just to click over to a sweeter, less whiny blog where all the veterinarians are angels and all the pets have wings.

"Best just to click over to a sweeter, less whiny blog where all the veterinarians are angels and all the pets have wings."

You can sure dish it out -- all the complaining and whining - FIND ANOTHER OCCUPATION.

Your comment about angels etc was heartless. Trust me, I know the up side AND the down side of having pets. I have tried THREE times to unsubscribe yet I still get your *poor me* crap in my email box. I'll try yet again!

By the way -- you welcome comments remember? You don't bite. No? You are not an MD. Your ego has transcended your occupation. Take the good with the bad! That's what everyone else does in their chosen occupation without having to whine about it in a blog. Bye!

Support our clients emotionally???

Sweetie, if you're telling the truth, your husband is a veterinarian, not a psychologist, social worker, or priest.

It's my job to be professional and kind. It's my job to be there during and in the immediate aftermath of a horse's death. Beyond that, I often suggest my clients call on their families, friends, and even clergy for support if they're having a hard time coping with euthanasia or loss in general. Normal clients experiencing normal grief do well with this approach.

Some pet owners, however, are bottomless pits of need, and neither I - nor any veterinarian - can help them. They require professional help. Not my area of expertise.

And I wonder if YOU are really an 'Equine DVM'? It's quite
easy to call me a liar from a distance isn't it? Oh, no, you just kind of danced around the statement.

I didn't think the discussion here was "some pet owners, however, are bottomless pits of need". I'm sorry I didn't think that was the topic. Of course SOME are just as some vets are bottomless pits of greed.

If your husband is a vet, why did you just post this a month ago:
My vet choice
by DebsSweet on 03/04/2011 06:48pm

I prefer #1. I found the vet of my dreams. After a move to another city in NC I made an appointment with a new vet. This visit was to discuss my 4 dogs and 1 amazon parrot and their individual needs.

Yup. As I thought.

You think you are so clever. I left my husband which is why I moved to Winston Salem NC and started interviewing vets. So thanks.

@DebsMean: Your posts are inconsistent, and, well, you’re just mean. Why not try having a civil discussion here if you want to be taken seriously. If you can’t deal with your divorce, then seek help. Not my issue, and no need to *thank* me.

Today and in the past RealityCheck, your comments have been less than civil. And quite frankly, you have just stooped to "personal attacks"--

We tend to not like it when our opinions are challenged, because the prospect of being proven wrong is unpalatable when our self-esteem is all wrapped up in being right.

You can rejoice - I won't be posting any more.

I struggle with euthanasia every single time, but every single time I end up doing it. Well, I guess its been 4 times, and 3 of those 4 times in an emergency situation.

Since I have had to watch a human loved one die, in a hospital, I always question whether it is necessary to euthanize our animals. Humans manage to make it through dying without euthanasia. But is that a good thing?

I never have known whether I was euthanizing them for them, or because it was at the point where they were clearly dying and it was I who could not bear to watch. In each case though, suffering either had begun or was about to begin.

I have paid between $100 and $350 for services around euthanasia, and all prices seemed fair. I dread the fact that my current vet does not do home euthanasias. Now that they've been bought by VCA, I wonder whether they are even allowed to do that kind of thing. With 3 aging cats all 11-12, I'm holding my breathe. It would be cruel to two of them, who are very skittish at the vets, to take them in for euthanasia unless they were so far gone that they really didn't know where they were. The third would be OK. So, a lot of dread. A lot of wondering if things will play out so that I can just "let them go." But it never has worked out that way, so I doubt it ever will.

I think if you have a long term relationship with the client, you hopefully have the empathy to realize it is a LOT harder for them than it is for you. A lucky few are un-ambivalent about euthanizng their beloved fur family members. Most afterwards question themselves -- either worrying that they waited too long, worrying that they did it when they didn't have to, worrying that it was betrayal, or replaying the euthanasia and tormenting themselves that it didn't go perfectly. Most are fraught with guilt. On top of the heavy heart and grief that go with such a loss.

Having the ability to euthanize our pets is a very heavy burden. I'm not minimizing the psychological burden vets accrue from doing these over and over and over, but it is part of your job. For a long time client, who's probably paid you thousands over years for your services, being as kind as possible at that time is appropriate, not worrying about whether your fee adequately recompenses you for the psychological toll.

With that said, as an owner, I am never really thinking much about my pocketbook at that moment, so I suppose you could charge me whatever, I'd be too busy crying and shaking to be outraged. Till later.

You said it better than I ever could. Thank you!

*I never have known whether I was euthanizing them for them, or because it was at the point where they were clearly dying and it was I who could not bear to watch.*

Stefanio,

There is nothing selfish about euthanizing a terminally ill animal because you cannot bear to watch. We do not know for sure how ill they have to be to stop feeling any pain, but chances are they are suffering to some extent, on some level, till the end. Even if they were completely beyond pain, your feeling and your perception would still matter. I treat the person's connection to their animal as well as the animal itself, and if that connection is suffering - it deserves help.

DrV: I like your response. I wonder if you truly believe a pet goes "beyond pain & suffering" though.

After all, they give pain and anxiety drugs to humans that are dying, all the way to the end.

Just because animals are stoic by nature to hide pain and suffering, there are many articles that describe "endpoint" characteristics that clearly do indicate suffering.

If a pet goes beyond this, then "euthanasia" or the humane administration of pain medication wouldn't be needed.

Decades ago, I was advised by a kind and older Veterinarian that told me of the "different degrees" of suffering for a pet with terminal disease, and it always stuck with me.

Barbara,

I don't believe animals reach a point beyond which they feel nothing at all. We don't have studies in terminally ill small animals where pain or stress are measured in terms of brain waves (we do for large animals just prior to slaughter). It is safe to assume they feel something, and that something is bad. That's what I meant in my above post, sorry if it wasn't clear. And even if such a state were reachable in theory, it would be after a long period of prior suffering, so it becomes a moot point.

I often wonder about this as I think of the many animals who die on their own, without the benefit of euthanasia or even painkillers. Most animals in the wild do not live very long if they fall ill or become disabled through injury - predation will likely end their life very soon. Exceptions are large predators like lions, guarded and provided for by their pride until they eventually fade away. It is obvious that they suffer. But either way, our goal in pain control is not to imitate what's "natural" but to transcend it.

Dr. V, Thank you for responding to this comment.

I absolutely "cringe" when someone says "I want my pet to die naturally". I know that rarely there is that quick, unexpected death that may cause little pain or distress, but how common is that?

Just as Stefanio, I could not bear to let that happen and even imagine the pet's pain (that is with the exception of being misled once for my dear Pocket, and even then I begged for pain medication and was told it was unnecessary as she was improving and doing so well ---:( ).

I truly believe that there are still many Vets out there that discount pain OR could careless about suffering of an animal, or even people shamefully.

As far as euthanasia? If you cannot provide true "hospice", then one should be most courageous to do the best by their beloved pet when suffering has overcome the quality of their living.

Barbara, re: ". . .if you cannot provide true hospice care" and suffering overcoming quality of living.

The problem for me in using these milestones is definitions. What is true hospice care? Where does each person draw the line on quality of life? I talk to friends all of whom clearly love their pets, and the line seems to often be different, although we all seem to have that point at which we feel compelled to euthanize.

I seem to do my best to provide as close to real hospice care as possible. My pets are pretty much the most important thing to me, so I don't have much of a problem making personal sacrifices to be home playing nurse. Except for the harsh reality that I must work and support us all, and I do have family obligations to one human that rank up with the pets.

I also seem to be inclined to being a "late" euthanizer compared to many of my friends. Some people will euthanize as soon as the pet can no longer engage in their usual activities. For example: A dog who can no longer run. A cat who can no longer jump to a window perch. This is not the point at which I feel I can do it.

I tend to wait until it is obvious to me that the chronic illness (it almost always is a chronic illness like kidney failure, cancer, or in Toonces case acute worsening of symptoms from an iatrogenically-induced neurological impairment) has now progressed into the beginning of the dying process. As soon as I feel that the dying process has begun, I tend to become desperate to spare the pet the suffering I fear he or she might experience on the way.

In other words, I have no problem nursing a terminally ill pet even if the activities that they are able to engage in have gotten very narrow and they are experiencing symptoms from their illness. As long as they still take some joy in the last things left --eating, petting, warmth, getting to go out even if they can't walk well -- as long as they are not chronically suffering but can be given drugs that minimize symptoms to allow a "new normal" -- I don't feel right depriving them of that last patch of sun. For me, to kill them "early" would feel like . . . well, killing.

But I have friends that think this is nuts, and euthanize as soon as they know the pet has terminal cancer while it still seems to feel close to normal. The pet never has to endure the loss of those capacities. Some consider that gradual loss of capacity a horrible loss of dignity. And because I know some people who feel that way, and am confident that they LOVE their animals, I can't say that's wrong either.

I guess we tend to apply (or I'd hope we do) the standard that we would want applied for ourselves.

My observation of people aging is that as they get very old, they take joy in less. The list of things they can do gets very short, but it's almost as though they take increasing joy in ever fewer things. Savor them. Like a meal. A favorite TV show. A good conversation. The sight of a sparrow singing on a sunny day or the feel of the wind. Even if they feel ill, they often can overcome that for the joy of these simple pleasures, knowing they are the precious last and few. I think I will be like that, and so, I am a "late euthanizer." But some folks can't stand the thought of knowing they will feel ill every remaining day, even if they can still enjoy a meal, and just wish they could "die in their sleep" BEFORE the sad downhill slide. I guess those are the "early euthanizers."

And I think as long as the choice we make is out of love, both groups should respect and not judge. I do see people sometimes judge each other -- the late euthanizers judging the early euthanizers and vice versa -- and I've come to believe that there is not much good to come out of that.

The only thing that really upsets me is when someone just doesn't want to deal with treatment and isn't willing to provide care for their pet, and therefore becomes an "early euthanizer" only for convenience. That does bother me. But if you have pragmatic reasons why you can't be home enough to do a good job nursing, and your absence means inadequate care for a sick (terminally ill) animal, that's a different story and you may be forced to euthanize early.

I think about animals in the wild too. We have had to end misery for a few wild animals that were beyond hope & suffering, mainly due to hit by cars, and certainly not within the means of medical help.

No one could ever hope to truly compensate caring vets for what they experience while performing euthanasias. Even the positive ones, where you are clearly doing the kindest and most merciful thing possible, take a piece of you when you truly care about your patients. I found this to be true simply working in a clinic, even though I was never the one to actually provide the injection. I can only imagine what some of the vets went through.

As for the monetary cost of euthanasia, I believe this is also worthy of discussion.

Home arranged euthanasias should be billed at the vet's discretion. This is clearly a "premium" service, and should be charged accordingly.

Personally, I like the new set up that my vet has. A carpeted room with natural light, comfy sofas, soothing decor and ample boxes of tissue. A very large square coffee table sits in the center of the room, and pets can be euthanized either on the table or on the floor to the side. People are encouraged to bring the pet's favourite blanket or bed, toys or anything else they may wish to have present. The room comfortably fits 12-15 people, and is at the farthest end of the hospital, which is open 24/7. This allows people to say goodbye without the cold hospital surroundings, and to take as much time as they need pre- and post-procedure, without the veterinarian having to be constantly present. I haven't had the un-fortune to use the facility yet, but I am comforted that it is there. There is no surcharge for using the room, although pets with communicable diseases are not permitted.

While I've never complained about the cost of a euthanasia I do believe that this should be a minimally priced service. I shudder to think of the dogs who have suffered horribly at home because their owners couldn't afford to euthanize. In my area, costs are high, and before you suggest local animal control or the SPCA, their costs are equal to or higher than many clinics. The explanation is that it's to avoid "convenience killing", which is fine, but this can easily be avoided with a waiver of ownership that allows the facility to treat and adopt out the animal if they see fit.

I've also been extremely lucky that our local cremation service charges very reasonable prices, and at least my vet does not charge a markup on these services.

I think that if people really want to pay their veterinarian for euthanasia services, they can take the time to write them a note, send them a card, or send flowers to their office. Take a moment and let them know that you understand it affected them too, and how grateful you are for their part in a peaceful end to a beloved life. Otherwise, this service should be charged as low as possible.

Some of you may disagree with me, which is understandable, but the worst thing I have ever seen was a woman who loved a dog with lyme disease and kidney failure so much that she couldn't let go. She allowed the dog to die, a miserable shell of itself, on her kitchen floor while she tried to spoon feed it. This didn't occur due to financial concerns - this occurred because her veterinarian didn't have the lady balls to tell her that very morning that the dog was suffering severely. In fact, euthanasia wasn't even discussed. Afterward, the vet said "what did you want me to do, tell her her dog was dying?"

Different circumstances, obviously - but in my opinion anything that would increase the chances of that happening to another animal needs to be addressed. I believe that everyone should have the right to choose whether or not to euthanize their pet, but mercy shouldn't be a financial decision.

I just wanted to clarify that I meant whether or not to euthanize an ill pet should be the final decision of the owner. I did not mean to suggest that perfectly healthy pets should suffer "convenience euthanasia."

How could any one disagree with HONESTY, babysweet? Let a pet-owner walk away with a TERMINALLY ill pet without offering compassionate & humane ending?

That is FRAUD, false hope, cruel to the pet and the person!

How would people feel if a loved human was told by the MD , in their last days of terminal illness "oh, just keep taking this medicine and I know you'll get 'better'" And the person AND the family members believe it! (Because they think---well this is the educated professional speaking!)

It is sheer betrayal of confidence & trust.

You utterly misunderstood my comment, Barbara.

I did not once defend the actions of the veterinarian in question. In fact, I did everything in my power to have the dog's owner file a formal complaint - but she was convinced that this vet was manna from heaven and refused to even consider that she wasn't perfect.

When I said "some of you may disagree with me," I was referring to my previous comments regarding keeping euthanasia costs as low as possible. I shared my experience of watching a dog die a slow painful death and while I don't think that this is a humane way to treat any animal, I think that we should do what we can to prevent it - including taking financial considerations out of the equation.

It's possible that I misspoke, which caused you to misunderstand, but it appears that no one else came to the same conclusion you did. I suggest you re-read a comment post if you believe it suggests something as outrageous as defending a veterinarian who committed such an egregious sin against a client and a patient.

well, it must be me that is unclear. Because I agree with you wholeheartedly and never once occurred to me you were defending the Vet's actions of with-holding very impotant information.

I defend your point in entirety. I did not misunderstand but may have responded as if I did. Sorry---

Barbara, you may have misunderstood what I was referring to when I said "some may disagree" (meaning that euthanasia decisions should never be avoided due to lack of finances, not that the situation with the ill dog was a tragedy and a crime), but I misunderstood your entire comment.

My apologies. :O)

Nope, just echoed your point for the benefit of readers. There are only two services that I dread becoming out of financial reach: spay & neuter and euthanasia. Both I feel are important to a pet's life.

And to quote the AVMA guidelines on euthanasia and how the professional is so important in helping this decision:

""The first of these is the veterinary clinical setting where owners have to make decisions about whether and when to euthanize. Although many owners rely heavily on their veterinarian’s judgment, others may have misgivings about making their own decision. This is particularly likely if an owner feels responsible for allowing an animal’s medical or behavioral problem to go unattended so that euthanasia becomes necessary."

This partial quote (from pages & pages) tells the Veterinarian how much "their" judgment is relied upon to make informed decisions and kindly help a pet-owner to decide (or at least contemplate) this option.

I got you "loud & clear", babysweet. Just wanted to echo your comment.

I can understand it being difficult when an animal is being euthanized at a young age or due to lack of money for treatment. But is it really that hard for vets to put down an old animal who has lived a rich, good life?

With four of the five dogs I have had to put down, they were elderly and told me in their own ways that they were ready to go. They were calm, I was fairly calm, and I hope that the vets (2 at home, 2 at office) weren't very sad.

The fifth one broke my heart because he had been dying of undiagnosed cancer in the pound, came to me just barely alive, and so I could not keep him comfortable long enough even to get a good meal into him. I regret so much that I could do nothing for him besides end his pain. I am sorry for the dear vet who helped him, because I was a sobbing mess for that one.

My gratitude to the kind souls who ended these dogs' lives is beyond measure. Although I paid them well, they gave me something priceless.

It depends on the vet. It's certainly easier to do when the pet is old and well-loved than when it is young and relatively healthy but has a problem that is expensive to fix. For many of us, each life we take is hard in its own way. Each time I perform a euthanasia, the controlled substance log comes out and I read and remember each pet in the log before I move on to the new entry. Some make me smile and remember an older pet who I once knew in good health but just was beyond help. Some make me wistful - they were clearly at the end but I wish I'd met them in better circumstances and known the "real" Fluffy. At this time, I'm lucky that there is only one that still makes me sad and angry, a sweet young boy whose last words from his owners were "well, then kill him, he's just a dog" and left this world with just me and my technician to hold him and cry for him.

Every single pet on the list "needed" to be put to sleep in some way, or I wouldn't have done it. And for most of them my pain doesn't begin to touch that of the pet's family, but that doesn't mean they don't leave their mark on me. There is and should be a sense of gravity and sorrow in ending any life, at least for me.

This is an excellent article. It makes me think of my vet and what he must go through when euthanizing a horse. So far I haven't had to put any of my horses down, but that possibility always exists for an individual who has (and loves) their animals. In the long run, pets become beloved family members and even our children in some cases. Even though the choice to have a pet put to sleep can be devastating, it is selfish to keep them here and suffer. With all the joy that our animals give us, the best (and kindest) thing we can do is let them go when the quality of their lives is nonexistent.