Sedation

[RebelGSD]

I cannot imagine that a vet can be so cruel to kill a dog without sedation, especially when it is a paying client ofmany years. I think that a veterinarian like that should be reported to the veterinary board.

[3K9Mom]

Glad you bumped this.

Zamboni died in August. My vet had me give her ace an hour ahead of time, so by the time the vet and tech arrived at our house, she was pretty loopy. I took her into my arms; my vet still gave her the injectable sedative, then a few minutes later, the euthanasia drug.

It was one of the the most peaceful things I've ever witnessed --EXACTLY the way I wanted my lifelong companion to leave this world, never feeling any pain, just falling asleep in her mom's arms (with her tummy fulll of her favorite foods) with Dh right there next to her, rubbing her chest.

When I use a new specialist or e-vet, I specifically bring up how they do euthanasias. It's a quick two or three sentence conversation and I hate to have to do so, but having lost 3 dogs in less than 3 years (and two via euthanasia), I know anything can happen at any time. I'd rather know ahead of time what their procedures are. This way, if they don't agree to use sedatives, I can take my dog and find someone who is willing to use humane procedures.

It is the last gift we may ever give our dogs.

[shilohsmom]

I really wanted to contact this Vet and give him a piece of my mind... unfortunately, there are only two Vets in the town even remotely close to Anne, so I will keep my silence. From what I remember Anne saying, Ebony fought it for some seven min's before they gave her another injection. By that time the veins had already begun collapsing so getting that second injection was screwed up too ....I can't imagine the terror they both must of felt.

I've already talked to my Vets and their charts noted, even though this is the only way my Vet does it (with sedation)....Please think about this. I can't imagine a worse case scenario. I just don't get why all Vets don't do this.

[WiscTiger]

Rosa,

I know what I am going to say is going to be upsetting for you, but this isn't really a bad thing when needed.

The Vet after the first shot and the veins starting to collapse should have done the heart stick. At that point it is the fastest least painful treatment for the dog. The drug gets injected right where it need to be and in a quick amount of time. Heart Stick verses a dog suffering, I would at that point go with the heart stick.

To me that is the last ditch effort if every thing else has gone bad, the dog needs peace and doesn't need to be terrified and struggling.

Just a note to people. I when I talk with my Vet I am going to ask what happens if things go bad. Do they or will they use the heart stick and when.

Val

[shilohsmom]

Thats ok Val. In a case like this I tend to think you are right. Anne and Ebony NEVER should have had to suffer for so long. I asked if they finally used the heartstick but they did not, they continued to try to get the drugs into her collaped veins. Now that upsets me!

[RebelGSD]

If it had been my dog, I would have reported the vet. And would drive whatever it takes to see a vet that is humane. Most animal control facilities do a better job. This is a disgrace. I think that if people stood up to vets like this, they would be more careful about the way they treat clients. If should have never gone bad to begin with. I agree with the heartsick if the dog is suffering, the sad fact is that the suffering was caused by the vet.
I hope that what comes around goes around and that the vet gets treated equally humanely by his human counterparts.

[shilohsmom]

I'm so with you RebelGSD. I know that Anne is going to switch to the other Vet in town. I can't even begin to tell you how angry I am at this person and how I so want to get on the phone and tell him off. I've been to where Anne lives...it is quiet frankly in the middle of nowhere in North Dakota. The closest town is 50 plus min's away. The town after that is a lot further away but I don't offhand remember how far. I do think this jerk needs to be accountable and am hoping Anne calls him on it. I will talk to her some more about it soon and express the concern I have that this matter needs to be addressed, that this is an unacceptable way to euthanize a dog, and the 'Vet' needs to be called on it.

I do wish Anne had more choices in Vet care and hope the other Vet in town is a little more skilled and compassionate.

[3K9Mom]

Rebel, Animal Control is a good idea that we never consider.

Often in areas where vet selection is limited, there may be AC nearby. They are experienced, often charge a lot less, and just as compassionate as any vet.

[RebelGSD]

I don't think shooting an animal is humane euthanasia, but even that is better and faster than what the vet did. And he will do it again if nobody stands up for the animals. I he lacks compassion to this extent, I would not trust him to provide proper care for an animal in case of illness either.

[AndreaG]

Shouldn't we have a sticky on this topic about proper euthanasia procedures? I think it's a very common question and one we all have to face sooner or later.
I had no idea that pre-sedation wasn't common practice, and you had to ask for it. I came here when Yoda's time was near and asked, and BOY am I glad I did! Turns out our vet only sedated if the owners asked for it. But I knew what to request, and Yoda's passing was as peaceful as it gets. So can we make it a sticky?