Euthanasia Techniques
Pointers on Controlled Substances
I’ve written before about how confusing controlled substance ordering and handling can be. It takes a village to sort through all the rules and regs to play the game correctly and keep the overseers satisfied. In the United States (US), veterinarians can be licensed to obtain controlled substances (drugs) through the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). …
Read MoreSelf Care for End-of-Life Professionals
Summer Brooks MS, RVT A few months ago, a member of the Companion Animal Euthanasia Discussion Group on Facebook asked what others do to honor the memory of their patients and how to process a stressful or emotional day. There were many great ideas, both for honoring rituals and for self-care. I covered honoring and…
Read MoreWhy the Use of Intravenous Catheters are Gold Standard in Companion Animal Euthanasia
If you take a moment to reflect on the most dangerous substances we inject into the body, you may come up with the same answer as I did. Chemotherapy. These drugs by nature destroy cells, and cause considerable damage to tissue in areas of accidental contact such as extravasation outside of the venous system. They…
Read MoreEuthanasia Drugs; Administration rates matter
If euthanasia becomes necessary to relieve suffering, it should be handled with respect and skill. The speed at which euthanasia solution is administered effects two main things; potential pain and active signs of death. For the most part, veterinarians are taught to inject quickly but it turns out this is only correct part of the…
Read MoreStress + Symptoms = Euthanasia?
The effects of stress on both animals and humans has been well documented, showing how stress can weaken the immune system, trigger the onset of cancer, increase inflammation, upset the gastrointestinal tract, and leave the body in a general poor state of health. It can look like the end of days for many pets, especially…
Read MorePet Loss Support Groups and Resources; Caring for pet owners after euthanasia
Grieving pet owners benefit when they have access to pet loss support information. There are a variety of resources on the internet, however many of them are out of date and no longer in service. The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) has created this list of mainly US-based pet loss support groups, with some…
Read More7 Steps to Begin Your Euthanasia-Specialty House Call Veterinary Practice
This is a blog for veterinarians interested in starting house call or mobile practices incorporating in-home euthanasia (IHE), at-home euthanasia (AHE), or end-of-life (EOL) services. This includes 7 steps to help with the basics of licensing, legalities, business, as well as the practical, financial, & emotional aspects of starting or building a house call veterinary practice.
Read MoreEuthanasia Comfort Rooms
A pet owner once asked me what the most important thing in my euthanasia comfort rooms was. Kleenex was my response. The floor could be dirt and the room cold; as long as we keep compassion and the bond front and center, nothing else matters. I believe this for sure; however, having special touches to…
Read MoreA Message to Pet Owners; It’s your decision when to euthanize
Written by Dr. Kari Trotsky with Peaceful Endings for Pets. Being a veterinarian, it may surprise you to know I’ve been on the receiving end of a family member and later, a friend, telling me that it was time to euthanize my own pet. I felt angry and hurt they would imply that I’m holding…
Read MoreSpecial 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…
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