{"id":5848,"date":"2021-09-03T10:45:45","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T14:45:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?post_type=articles&p=5848"},"modified":"2022-03-23T18:17:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T18:17:17","slug":"the-euthanasia-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/personal-professional-development\/the-euthanasia-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"The Euthanasia Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

She walked calmly through the door.<\/span> An Irish wolfhound, his head hanging, walked slowly and miserably at her side. This was around 1 o\u2019clock in the morning at a 24-hour emergency\/specialty practice. I went up to triage, already having a heads up that a possible bloat was on its way. One look at this dog told me the possibility was more likely a probability.<\/p>\n

It was policy with a suspected GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus) case to immediately place an IV catheter, give something for pain, and take a radiograph. I needed the owner\u2019s permission to do this. When I told her what I thought the problem was, she agreed with me. I said a radiograph would give the veterinarian quite a bit of information and that her dog was in a great deal of distress and would benefit from pain medication. \u201cCould I take him to the back to see the doctor, give the pain meds, and take the radiograph?\u201d I asked. She firmly said no. I tried again, repeating that we would have information for her in minutes. She was firm when she repeated, \u201cNo.\u201d I moved quickly to get them both into an exam room, where the veterinarian spoke with her right away. It was then she allowed us to give pain meds and proceed with euthanizing her dog as she requested.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She knew before she left her house what was going on with her dog. And she knew what she was going to do when she got to us. She had no doubts and no need for counsel. That dog was not going to leave her side until she walked out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

As she gathered up his collar and leash to leave the hospital, she quietly expressed her gratitude. This was one story among many different tales of euthanasia that <\/span>night at any given emergency facility across the country.<\/p>\n

What can any veterinary nurse tell you about the euthanasia experience? A story. Actually, many stories. Because once we get past the policies and procedures, what is left is the story. The scope of euthanasia evokes stories of mind, body, and soul. In fact, this service has progressed exponentially in recent years. There are many resources and opportunities for veterinary nurses to expand their communication skills and play an active role in this service.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regulatory Considerations<\/h3>\n

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) established the first euthanasia guidelines in 1963. These guidelines have gone through many revisions, with the latest in 2020.1<\/sup> This most recent version is reflective of the growth within the scope of euthanasia we realize today. Every veterinary professional should familiarize themselves with these guidelines. It is also important to review individual state laws regarding euthanasia. States have similar, yet somewhat different, laws regulating the veterinary nurse\u2019s role.<\/span><\/p>\n

Euthanasia\u2019s Emotional Backdrop<\/h3>\n

We tend to think about euthanasia as a single monochromatic event. But the explosion of 24-hour emergency practices over the past 25 years changed the landscape of euthanasia greatly. Emergency cases surrounding euthanasia can involve:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n