Today's Veterinary Practice provides comprehensive information to keep every small animal practitioner up to date on companion animal medicine and surgery as well as practice building and management.
Issue link: http://todaysveterinarypractice.epubxp.com/i/619503
tvpjournal.com | January/February 2016 | Today's VeTerinary PracTice PracTice BUiLdinG 131 means "good death" and that the medication is an overdose of anesthesia, in which the pet goes to sleep and doesn't wake back up. do not describe every horror that can occur in the dying process. We recommend only saying, "The two things I will prepare you for are that her eyes won't close all the way and her bladder may relax. If anything else happens, I'll explain it at that time." Giving Them Space offer owners some time alone with their pet. if they want time alone, hand them the "ringer" portion of a wireless doorbell. Have the bell portion in the treatment room or give it to the technician assigned to the case. That way, the owners do not have to leave the pet to fnd someone when they're ready. The human–animal bond should never be broken (Figure 2). The Procedure Sedation. intramuscular or sc sedation is crucial for the client's experience, and we are always discouraged to learn how many veterinarians do not sedate pets before euthanasia or provide only iV sedation (in which the pet rapidly goes from consciousness to unconsciousness, appearing dead). Having 5 minutes for the pet to slowly relax gives owners time to watch their pet get comfortable. Euthanasia. When it comes time for the fnal medication, let the owner know you are proceeding. They should be told that the pet will pass in 30 to 60 seconds. Whether you use an indwelling catheter, butterfy catheter, or straight needle, do your best to stay out of the way of the owner. Let them hold the pet and instruct them to, "keep talking to her; she can hear you." Giving the owners something to do keeps their focus off you and this surreal moment for them. After Administration. after administration, listen to the patient's heart and remain silent unless the owner speaks. This is an important moment and must be honored. The statement we like to use when confrming death is, "She has her wings." s tay present in the room for a few minutes as you gather the syringe and supplies. Watch for agonal breath(s), twitching, or any other movements, which generally happen within 1 to 5 minutes postmortem. s ince we do not recommend warning about these side effects before FIGURE 3. Veterinarians can help provide owners with cherished memorials for their beloved pets. 71% of clients research cost and fi nancing before they make a decision. When clients know you accept the CareCredit healthcare credit card, it helps them move forward with care for their pets. Sooner rather than later. www.carecredit.com * Path to Purchase Research-Veterinary category conducted for CareCredit by Rothstein Tauber Inc., 2014. Mention off er code TVP2016VA Be ready. ENROLL NOW by calling 844-812-8109 Ask for the special off er: FREE Eric Garcia Digital Strategy Tips Sheets. tvpjournal.com | January/February 2016 PracTice BUiLdinG 131