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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My sweet dog Bertie has advanced cancer and is suffering greatly, and so I will soon have to make the sad decision to put him to sleep. After talking with his veterinarian, I was left wondering: Why does an examination need to be performed by the vet before an animal is euthanized? – Devoted Doggie Mom in New Hampshire
DEAR DEVOTED: I’m so sorry to hear about Bertie’s illness and that he must leave you soon. And I’m glad that you’re carefully planning the process so that his exit will be peaceful.
The exam the vet may have referred to is not the same as an exam performed on a healthy pet. Rather, when a pet is very ill and euthanasia is being considered, the vet will do an evaluation and decide if it’s time to recommend euthanasia, or if the pet still has a good quality of life for several weeks or months to come.
“There is not one perfect moment in time in which to make that ultimate choice,” says veterinary hospice service Lap of Love. Vets will evaluate pets on the scheduled day of euthanasia, and they may refuse to perform it if they believe it isn’t yet necessary.
Putting pets to sleep is tough on veterinarians, too, and many struggle to talk with their patients about it as it causes them as much anxiety and sadness as it does for pet owners. This can sometimes lead to communication issues and misunderstandings. That may be the case here.
I recommend calling the vet’s office to go over the process again and learn more about what the exam entails. A well-trained staff will answer your questions with compassion and professionalism.
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© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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