End of life - introduction

Giving clients and their families a positive euthanasia experience is essential for all veterinary practices and veterinary professionals. Getting the euthanasia process wrong may impact a practice’s reputation but getting it right will lead to the bond between client and practice being stronger than ever. This chapter considers the decision to euthanize, the bereavement process, psychological responses to grief, client support, how to give your client a positive euthanasia experience, post-mortem examinations, how to assist grieving clients, supporting bonded animals, supporting veterinary professionals and training.

Euthanasia brings with it many different responsibilities and considerations for veterinary professionals. Consequently, this common procedure can be difficult and stressful for those performing it. The resources in this collection are aimed at supporting the veterinary team through this process.

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For many people, making the decision about when to euthanize a pet is the hardest part of their ownership experience. This lecture works through case-based scenarios to illustrate how challenging these decisions can be for both owners and veterinary staff. It highlights recent research and new guidelines that can help support us and our clients before, during and after companion animal euthanasia.

As a vocation, the drive for those entering the veterinary profession is to diagnose illness in animals, successfully treat them and make them well. However, in the course of their training, students become increasingly aware that this is not always possible, nor always practical for the owner. This chapter considers decision-making and consent, preparation for euthanasia, euthanasia techniques, bereavement and after euthanasia.