November 12, 2024

Episode 16 - Knowing when to say Goodbye - Hannah, Nicki and Amy

1 hour 16 minutes

This episode focuses on the difficult decision of knowing when it’s time to euthanize a beloved pet. Hannah, Amy, and Nicki discuss the emotional toll, how to assess quality of life, and the subjective nature of this decision. They share personal experiences as vets and pet owners, offer advice on preparing for the decision, and suggest resources and tools to help pet owners navigate this tough process. The episode emphasizes being prepared, talking with your vet, and creating a plan for end-of-life care. (Recorded July 2021 - https://youtu.be/kw8LtpyCYmg )

Biographies:

• Amy: Veterinary professional with significant experience in managing the euthanasia process and counseling pet owners on end-of-life care. She shares her own experiences with her pets to guide listeners through emotional aspects of pet loss.
• Nicki: A veterinarian involved in CAM with expertise in pain management and quality-of-life assessments for animals. She brings both professional insights and personal stories of handling euthanasia decisions.

Key Takeaways:

Euthanasia is common: Around 90% of dogs are euthanized rather than dying naturally, and many times chronic pain plays into the decision to euthanize, making it important to be prepared for this possibility.

Quality of life is subjective: Each dog’s quality of life is unique, and it’s vital to define what happiness means for your pet before they reach their final days.

Prepare early: Discuss options and preferences with your vet early, including where the euthanasia will take place and post-euthanasia decisions like cremation.

Support networks are crucial: Having a support system of vets, friends, and family, as well as bereavement services, can help make the process easier.

Monitor behavior changes: Tools like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory or quality-of-life scales can help track when a dog may no longer be living happily.

Relevant Links:

Canine Brief Pain Inventory: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/clinical-trials-vcic/our-services/pennchart/cbpi-tool
Quality of Life Scale: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/quality-of-life-scale/
Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Helpline: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
CAM End of Life Care Booklet: CAM Shop - https://www.camonlineshop.com/end-life-care-booklet/
CAM’s Owner Support Group (Holly’s Army): A Facebook group for support in making difficult decisions - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2161091580843717/

Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Learn more about CARE: https://caninearthritis.org

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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By Dr. Hannah Capon

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