Comfort Rooms
 
Checklist for Euthanasia Procedure

Preparing for Large Animal Euthanasia

Explaining Body Care Options

Condolences

Five Minutes of Grief Education

Assessing Children's Needs

Tips for Supporting Grieving Pet Owners

Helping Clients with Decision Making

Copyright Information

Printing Instructions

In order to decide whether or not to be present, clients usually need information about what the actual euthanasia procedure entails. The veterinarian's role during this time is to provide detailed information about the process of euthanasia and to demonstrate non-judgmental support during the decision-making process. Altogether, these explanations take about ten minutes. It should be emphasized that this information is not delivered in a dry, continuous monologue as, during the veterinarians' explanations, it is not uncommon for owners to cry or to interrupt with questions.

"Mary, we know that Pepper is very important to you and to your family. Therefore, we are committed to making this experience as meaningful and as positive for you as possible. In order to decide whether or not you want to be with Pepper when he dies, you need accurate information about euthanasia. Would you like me to explain the procedure to you now?" With the owner's permission, the veterinarian continues.

"The first thing we may do in preparation for Pepper's euthanasia is to take him back to our treatment area, shave a small area of fur, and place an intravenous catheter in a vein, most likely in one of his rear legs. The use of a catheter simply means that we can administer the euthanasia solution more smoothly. It also means that we can accomplish what we need to accomplish without interfering with your desire to pet or to hold Pepper's head and front paws.

After this, Pepper will be brought back to you and you will be given time to spend with him, if you so desire. Then, when all of us agree that it is time to proceed, we will begin the euthanasia process. The method we prefer to use involves three injections. The first is merely a saline solution flush. This insures that the catheter is working. The second is a barbiturate, usually thiopental, which places Pepper into a soothing state of relaxation. The third injection is the euthanasia solution, usually pentobarbital sodium. This injection will actually stop Pepper's heart, brain activity, and other bodily functions, and ultimately cause his death. Many people are surprised by how quickly death takes place as it occurs within a matter of seconds.

You should also know that, although humane death by euthanasia is painless and peaceful, Pepper may urinate, defecate, twitch, or even sigh a bit. He will not be aware of any of this, though, and he will not feel any kind of pain. In addition, Pepper's eyes may not close. Do you have any questions about any of this?" If the owner expresses understanding, the veterinarian concludes with, "Mary, after Pepper has died, you can stay with his body for as long as possible."

This explanation is greatly enhanced when the conversation is conducted in a private, quiet setting with both owners and veterinarians sitting or standing at the same eye level. It is also enhanced when veterinarians demonstrate their sense of compassion by offering tissues or gentle touches to owners who cry or openly express their feelings.

© Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital