Posts by Dr. Kathleen Cooney
Special Update: Pentobarbital alternatives
While pentobarbital shortages are lessening in some parts of the world, many are still without and seeking safe and reliable alternatives. Pentobarbital is the #1 go-to drug for animal euthanasia in many countries. It is reliable with consistent dosing, with minimal side effects leading to a peaceful death when performed properly. Proceeding without this familiar…
Read MoreDeceased Pet Care; Beyond the basics for ideal pet owner support
To go beyond the basics, we’d best start with them so everyone is on the same page.For generations, the go-to plan at most vet hospitals has been the following…~ Pet owner chooses euthanasia~ Hospital asks if they want private or communal cremation~ Pet passes, owner departs~ Hospital places the pet in a cadaver transport bag…
Read MoreSir Henry’s Law
I’ll begin by saying I try to remove myself from politics whenever possible. There are inner powers at play that go beyond my comprehension, and when you know little of the mechanisms, it’s best to steer clear until you do. However, there are times to explore something deeper to understand why it exists and what…
Read MorePentobarbital Shortage Concerns 2021; Have no fear
Pentobarbital is almost back. Where has it been you ask? If you perform many euthanasias in your line of work, you know it’s been scarce for months, in the US and other parts of the world. Due to complications from COVID at one overseas factory (affecting the US supply), and a reported explosion at another…
Read MoreOral Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals for Euthanasia; Go big
I’ll be the first to tell you I like my patients calm and peaceful before euthanasia. Who wouldn’t? Relaxed pets are safer to work with and this leads to a better experience for everyone, especially the pet who may otherwise be experiencing stress. Serenity of mind and body before euthanasia is always welcomed. This is…
Read MoreTaking a Deeper Look at Intrarenal Euthanasia Injections in Cats
In the coming days, a group of authors including myself are about to finally submit an academic paper on intrarenal euthanasia injections in cats. This study, first started in 2011, looks at the reliability of this technique in felines and the methodology to carry it out. What we found when following the American Veterinary Medical…
Read MoreTelehealth and Euthanasia; How they fit together
Telehealth is a hot topic these days. COVID has opened our eyes to what’s possible in the modern tech era. Vet med has been utilizing telehealth since the invention of the telegraph, but these days it includes text, phone call, video chat, emails, and every digital communication platform you can think of. While euthanasia requires…
Read MoreRetiring the CAETA Commitment to Excellence Seal
Since the inception of the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy in 2017, the Commitment to Excellence Seal has been offered to graduates of the 10-hour Master Certificate Program for use in their business profiles; to show their commitment to gentle and skilled euthanasia. CAETA wanted to create something that would be a constant reminder for…
Read MorePet Euthanasia During COVID; a 2021 update
With the COVID pandemic continuing on, CAETA would like to take a moment to address a bit of the new normal around pet euthanasia during this unique time. In a blog post from spring 2020, we reviewed some of the ways veterinary teams (including home euthanasia providers) can adjust and safely continue the work. Provide,…
Read MorePet Euthanasia Holds Legacies
The very first home euthanasia appointment I facilitated was a bit of a debacle. The dog’s name was Sage and she was an old, beautiful Golden Retriever. While she ultimately did have a peaceful passing, the technical challenges I faced in those 60 minutes stuck with me for years. Looking back, it would have been…
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