Dr. Coates,

I appreciate this article and yes, I do read vet blogs lol! I'm not sure I get your point though? Are you saying that the absence of 'pain' is reason to not euthanize? I'm just trying to understand your point. Thanks much,
Judy

The doctor is saying in the above related story that the animal may not be feeling and/or screaming from physical anguishing pain,however still may be suffering from the lack of not eating for a week and not being able to get out of its bed and not being able to enjoy its surroundings,and so the pet should be still euthanized to put it out of its misery because it is for the animals well being.
So it is necessary some times for a loving responsible owner to see the whole picture when an animal is feeling ill.

Thanks for that, Chris. I couldn't tell which side of the fence she was taking.
Purreverly,
Judy

I always go by Jasmine's eyes. They tell me whether she's happy or not. And yes, her eyes can get excited even when she is in pain. For example, when she busted her second cruciate, she must have been in a bunch of pain. But when we told her we were going to see Dr. Rae, she was hobbling head over heels, excited that she's going to see him and that she's going somewhere. She was in pain but she was "happy."

When she is under "house arrest" in order to heal from some injury, she might be OK with that for a day or two, but then, even if the pain is treated, she gets very sad.

There was only one time when she was so miserable, she looked like she wanted to throw in the towel - that was after her drug-induced hyperthermia, abdominal surgery, week-long hospitalization, big mobility issues AND episodes back-to-back. We were sitting there, wondering whether we're just prolonging her suffering.

Interestingly, we were supposed to go camping at that time but were afraid to ... her vet told us to go, though. The moment we arrived there, her body must have been in exactly the same condition as the few hours earlier back at home, but she was happy again. The moment she set her foot on the ground, she made a 180 degree turn and began improving before our eyes.

My old girl (and soul-mate) Sadie is a 13 1/2 year-old Lab...pretty old for her breed. She has multiple medical problems that I've been managing for quite some time. Some would be treated surgically if she were younger and not have other issues that make her a poor surgical risk. Laryngeal paralysis which we manage with activity restrictions and avoiding extremes of heat/cold. (She also has several neuro-muscular issues that also accompany it, such as intermittent rear-leg weakness and mega-esophagus). Hip dysplasia and arthritis which we manage with monthly Adequan injections and pain meds (mostly tramadol, since she has been intolerant to anti-inflammatory meds such as Rimadyl, Previcox, and Derramax). And she now has a tumor at the base of her tail which is too close to her rectum for excision without causing incontinence, coupled with her other issuesl agian, not a goor risk for surgery.

At her age, and with these problems, I realize that our remaining time together is growing short; probably now measured not in years, but months. I always use the "3 things your dog loves" as partial criteria for when it is time to let go. She still loves a short, slow paced walk, she eats heartily, goes outsite with much happiness to sniff around the yard, plays briefly and snuggles with my other dog and my cats, and always greets me enthusiastically at the door.

Many mornings I can tell she has pain...and I medicate appropriately. But is she "suffering"...I don't think so.
On many occasions on her bad days, I look into her eyes and ask "Is it time"?
So far the answer has always been "Not yet".
But on the day that her eyes say "Please...." then I will know that it is finally time.

"any distress that results from a declining quality of life also needs to be addressed."

That's so true.

In my opinion, suffering should be part of the equation. Is there a chance the critter will get better? If so, can the doctor estimate if it's a big chance or slim chance?

If it's a slim chance, a decision should be made whether to put the critter through any more suffering.

However, it there's a good chance the suffering can be relieved, that's not even a decision for me.

My Winston was truly miserable when we were starting him on the "regular" protocol of chemotherapy. He just laid around looking sad and miserable. Even his tail was limp.

I had a heart-to-heart with the doctor, thinking it was probably time to let Winston go. The vet suggested cutting the Leukeran in half and giving Winston a chance to bounce back. (I trust the doctor's opinion because he's never led me down an incorrect path.)

We tried it. It worked! I have no doubt that decreasing the chemo medication shorted Winston's remission, but he was happy and energetic until it was obvious he was out of remission and subsequently feeling crummy.

As a veterinarian for almost 30 years, it still surprises me that pet owners do not generally understand that pain is not the only thing that causes suffering. Intense suffering is terrible in end stage pets, yet, owners feel that since they are not painful, euthanasia should not be an option. Thank you Dr Coates for your succinct thoughts on the issue.

Wonderful article doctor. I do hospice care for senior and disabled animals.

This is what I want to do as well. I am working very hard trying to get my patented pet health product manufactured and on the shelves, so that I will be able to afford to open a beautiful sanctuary for our beloved, deserving furry friends :) as well as save lives with the product :). I am not adding the link to my website as I am often accused of shameful promotion which is sad because don't we all want the same thing for our babies? Oh well, I am glad to share if anyone is interested :)
Purreverly,
Judy