How is Euthanasia actually
carried out - and what happens?
Before we carry out the euthanasia, you will always be asked to
sign a consent form as this allows us time to discuss the procedure. We discuss
issues such as whether you would like to be present or not during the
euthanasia and not least what to expect from the actual procedure (only if you
would like this information more in-depth).
We will also discuss (and recommend) which method may suit your pet and your wishes best as there are several ways this can be carried out,
depending on your wishes, your pet's personality and his/her possible illness.
We will, of course, advise you from our vast experience in what will make it
the most peaceful and gentle - for both your pet and you.
Almost all the euthanasias we have conducted have been extremely
gentle, quick and un-stressful to all parties involved. We are proud to say we
always seem to almost surprise pet owners in just how "nice" the whole
experience was - even given the sadness of the circumstances.
We usually advise - after
careful individual consideration - one of the options listed below for an as
gentle and peaceful euthanasia as possible:
CATS:
Cats are very individual
and as such the circumstances surrounding their need for euthanasia are always
taken into consideration when deciding on how to put them to sleep in the gentlest
way - often without moving them at all from the position they are comfortably
in - at home. Cats will usually only need one
injection (pain-free) when we do it this way.
The injection - containing
sleeping medication - works initially as a sedation and is given painlessly in
the side (depending on your cat's circumstances and illness) or can be given as
a quick intravenous injection in the front leg though we do not usually
recommend this method for cats. Usually the side injection starts working
immediately but sometimes with a very ill animal it will work as a sedation
first gradually making your cat sleepy.
The single most important
issue with cats is to give the single injection without your cat hardly
noticing being given an injection. This
is a very special skill and something we are very experienced in.
DOGS:
1. With
sedation first (dogs only): For a very gentle and slow induction suited for very nervous,
anxious or aggressive dogs or animals in much pain (cats get a bit sick when
given this).
The sedation is a painless injection in the back of the neck much like
giving a vaccination and it will make your pet sleepy - on average within 5-15
minutes - in which time you can sit holding and stroking your pet. After your
pet is fully asleep we give the actual euthanizing intravenous injection as
described below.
2. Without
sedation: This is an extremely quick method and also usually quite peaceful
and painless way to end your pet's struggles. It is best suited for very calm,
placid animals that don't mind being given treatment (I/v injection) by a vet
(not many animals usually fall in this category - but far more will be eligible
for this when they are treated at home).
Procedure: We will start by
shaving a small patch of fur on your pet's front leg to enable an injection in
the vein (I/v injection). In some very sick, dehydrated or old animals the vein
may have collapsed and therefore be difficult to locate so the injection may be
given painlessly in another area of the body such as a back leg (dogs) or down
the side (cats).
To enable the delicate i/v injection in the leg, the nurse will have
to hold the leg to raise the vein for the vet, while you can hold his/her head
and talk to your pet so he/she hardly notices the injection with the overdose
of a sleeping medication (barbiturate) being given.
Already within 5-10 seconds you pet will feel very sleepy and lie
down- if not already. The breathing and heartbeat stops almost immediately and
once your pet has lost consciousness it is natural to maybe take a few deep
breaths, or even a few gasps.
Occasionally a brief twitch or small muscle spasm can occur after
death - for up to 20 minutes even. This is perfectly normal and should not be taken as "a sign of
life". As the body relaxes so does the bladder (and sometimes bowel) which we
are fully prepared for and will take care of.
Your pet's eyes will remain open but the vet will then always check
for a heartbeat, reflexes and pulses before putting your pet into sleeping
position - as that is exactly how he will look once deceased - as if he is just
resting peacefully.
Remember the most important thing: Your pet will hardly feel
this last injection and just feel overwhelmed with tiredness - in his/her
favourite spot at home with his/her favourite people surrounding him/her. Isn't
that a truly lovely and dignified way to end a good life?
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For our 24 hour/7 days/365 nights a year devoted in-home
euthanasia line - or whether to just have an informal chat about your worries
with our caring staff or to make an actual final arrangement - please call:
24-HOUR
MOBILE: 07717 858885
