Euthanasia and End-of-Life Techniques in Small Animal Medicine

Vocabulary flashcards covering core bioethics, hospice vs. palliative care, Quality-of-Life scales, and euthanasia methods/routes from small animal medicine.

Beneficence

A core principle of medical bioethics defined as the duty to do good.

Non-Maleficence

A core principle of medical bioethics defined as the duty to do no harm.

Respect for Autonomy

A core principle of medical bioethics defined as giving the client or patient choice.

Justice

A core principle of medical bioethics defined as ensuring fairness.

What happens to the respiratory in natural death

Variable duration of breathing patterns, sounds, and congestions, vocalizations

What happens to the cardiovascular system in natural death

Variability of heart rate, rhythm, sufficiency and blood pressure & perfusion

What happens to the brain/neuromuscular system in natural death

Atypical behavior, fatigue, strength, and mentation

What happens to the GI tract in natural death

Decreased function, efficiency and corresponding changes in intake/excretion

What happens to organs - skin, kidney, liver, etc - in natural death

Dehydration, poor perfusion, toxin buildup, compromised structure & function

What would a pet have to experience for us to tell a client the timeline of months to weeks

progressive slowing and changes in multiple systems

What would a pet have to experience for us to tell a client the timeline of weeks-days-hours

Coalescing Changes, Respiratory and Cardiovascular abnormalities with Behavior or disease-specific changes

What would a pet have to experience for us to tell a client the timeline of final hours-minutes

Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental depression

What happens in the continuation of the death processes

respiratory and cardiac arrest

What changes happen to the body after death (timeline-wise)

muscle changes, microbial behavior in the body

Natural Death is often ________-supported. it'‘s dominant medicalized death in humans, but still a viable choice for pets. culturally it may be the only choice

hospice

euthanasia in Greek means

Good Death

euthanasia is the control of the dying process by

terminating life prior to natural death

euthanasia is also the deliberate hastening of death through human means in order to:

alleviate suffering

mitigate lack of resources

protect public health

Hospice Care

Care designed for a terminal diagnosis during the final 6 months of life, focusing on pain management without curative treatment.

Palliative Care

Care provided anytime for serious conditions that are not necessarily terminal, combining pain management with curative treatment.

What are some QOL scales to recommend

○ Journey’s Quality of Life

○ Villalobos’s HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale

○ Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale

○ OSU - How will I know Inventory

○ Small Door Veterinary QOL Assessment and Activity Chart

what are pain or parameters we can use for coaching clients on euthanasia/end-of-life care

cardalis

feline grimace scale

what are personal tools to give clients for euthanasia coachng

Grey Muzzle App

reflection journaling

activity comparison list

happy/sad days

Intravenous (IV) Euthanasia Injection

The most common route for administering euthanasia solutions, made up of barbiturates or barbiturate derivatives

what is the injectable-euthanasia protocol for medium-large dogs

• IV barbiturate (± premed)

• deep sedation/anesthesia - unconscious + intraorgan barbiturate injection

what is the injectable-euthanasia protocol for small dogs and cats

• IV barbiturate (± premed)

• deep sedation/anesthesia - unconscious + intraorgan barbiturate injection

• IP barbiturate (± premed)

intraorgan considerations

• appropriate level of sedation or unconsciousness

• administer slowly to start

• have a good amount of supplies

• approach from caudual aspect

Intracardiac (IC) Euthanasia Injection

An intraorgan injection route requiring the animal to be unconscious and in lateral recumbency, targeting intercostal spaces 3–6 at the point of maximal intensity (PMI), perpendicular to the body wall.

Intrarenal (IR) Euthanasia Injection

An intraorgan injection route requiring deep sedation or anesthesia, administered directly into a palpated kidney preferably along its longitudinal axis while pinning it caudally and dorsally.

Intrahepatic (IH) Euthanasia Injection

An intraorgan injection route requiring deep sedation or anesthesia, using the xiphoid process as a landmark and aiming cranially at a 45 degree angle into the caudal ventral lobes of the liver.

Intraperitoneal (IP) Euthanasia Injection

An injection route into the peritoneal space on midline caudal to the umbilicus through the linea alba, requiring longer time and larger volumes but not requiring prior sedation.

AVMA Euthanasia Decision Tree

A structured decision-making framework outlined in the AVMA Guidelines to help veterinarians determine whether euthanasia is warranted when the proper course of action is unclear.

Anatomic Site for Gunshot in Dogs

Located midway between the level of the eyes and base of the ears, slightly off midline with aim directed across the dog toward the spine.

Anatomic Site for Gunshot in Cats

Located a point slightly ventral to a line drawn between the medial bases of the ears, or at the intersection of lines drawn between lateral canthi of the eyes and medial bases of the ears.

Penetrating Captive Bolt

A physical method of euthanasia that is atypical in small animal practice, but preferred over firearms when available.

Confirmation of Death

The final mandatory procedure in euthanasia consisting of auscultation, evaluating reflexes, and articulating a verbal confirmation of death to the owner.

aftercare includes:

Honoring & Memorializing

If removing, respectfully handle remains

If leaving, prepare them for changes

Provide affirmations, grief resources, condolences

Care of Remains

Cremation, Aquamation

Compost, Burial*