Euthanasia: What To Expect

The veterinary world is blessed with the ability to identify suffering in an animal and be able to end that suffering.  Euthanasia is derived from Greek which translates to "Good Death."  Well, obviously death is not a good thing, but it describes a death that is quick, painless, with little (if any) struggle.  There is nothing worse in the world than watching a living being struggle just to breathe, or swallow, or lift its head to look at you.  Every creature should be aloud to die without suffering.

So, you have made the decision to euthanize your pet.
Here are a couple of things that might ease the discomfort this decision can bring:

Imagine you are at home with your sick, beloved, suffering pet.  You have made the decision to euthanize him, so you've called the vet's office to make the appointment for the next morning.  It never fails, that as soon as you arrive at the vet, your pet will appear to feel better.  It never fails.  You walk in with your pet and start to have second thoughts.  This is totally natural.  You will wonder if it's really the right time.  However, the reaction to appear better when going to the vet is an instinct that unconsciously occurs in your pet.

Lesson #1: Do not stress when your pet seems better upon arriving at the vet's office.

Upon arrival, the receptionist, a technician, or the veterinarian will probably have you sign a form that gives them permission to perform the euthanasia.  If this is agreed upon over the phone, you will usually state the directive to two separate people to avoid confusion.  No one wants to be caught in the position of euthanizing a pet when it should not have been euthanized.  Sometimes, this euthanasia request form will have other information such as instructions on what is to happen after the euthanasia.  Something to think about ahead of time is whether you would like to have a burial at your home (if allowed in your area), have the body cremated, or have the body cremated separately and receive the cremains (ashes) to keep.

Lesson #2: Expect to sign a consent form and give directions on what you would like to do with the body after the euthanasia is performed.

Once in the examination room, the veterinarian may ask you a few questions about what has been happening over the last couple of days and may perform a quick once-over.  Then, an injection will be given.  Usually, this is some kind of sedative or tranquilizer to make your pet sleepy.  This is not the final injection.  Some hospitals may take your pet to "the back" to place in intravenous catheter.  This just ensures that intravenous access is available when the final injection is given.  Your loving pet is back with you, feeling a little droopy from the sedative.  The veterinarian might give you a little time alone to be with your pet and to let the sedative take its full effect.  The veterinarian will come in for the final injection.  The euthanasia solution is usually a blue, purple, or bright pink color - this is so that it is not accidentally mixed up with any other drug.  The solution is a barbiturate which is an anesthetic.  In the correct dosage, this could be used to anesthetize an animal for surgery, however in this instance the vet is intentionally overdosing to cause death.  There is almost no motion.  Sometimes, there might be a shiver, a sharp or prolonged exhalation, slight twitching, or a moan.  These are all perfectly normal.  At this point the pet will be limp and will not be alive any longer.  The veterinarian will listen for a heartbeat with a stethoscope to insure that your pet is no longer alive.

Lesson #3: Do not be alarmed if there is a moan, slight shaking, or a loud exhalation after the final injection is administered.

Once a living creature - human or animal - dies, the eyelids do not close.  Muscles keep eyelids closed and once the muscles have no tone, the eyes stay open.  Veterinarians can glue the eyes closed for you if you are taking him home for burial.

Lesson #4: The eyes of your pet will not close upon death.

And one more tip:  If you are able to, pay for the procedure beforehand so that you can leave when everything is over.

Euthanasia is never an easy decision even when it seems like an obvious one.  

Your veterinarian and their staff are there to make the process as painless as possible.