Lets Talk Euthanasia
It is often an unpleasant and usually avoided topic.
But it is of the upmost importance that we discuss and
understand it.
Because almost every animal owner will have to make the decision
and have their animal humanely euthanised.
Now, I am very black and white when it comes to death.
It’s going to happen, it’s inevitable, therefore it’s easier
to accept it.
But being accepting of death certainly doesn’t make the loss
of a beloved pet any easier.
Yet, it’s often so much harder in the days and weeks leading
up to the realisation that they’re nearing the end and may require you to make
the decision of euthanasia.
And it’s the uncertainty that makes it hard.
How do you know you’re doing the right thing?
How do you know when it’s time?
What if they somehow got better?
And I have no magical answer for you, the truth is what most
people say – they will tell you when it’s time.
And you’ll just know that they’re ready.
The biggest thing with this, it that you’ll have to be
honest with yourself. And with them.
You have to accept that they’re ready to go, and you can
help make that as easy and pain free as possible.
Now, that’s all quite idyllic. And typically, the case with
an older, or severely unwell animal.
But what about when its much greyer?
What about euthanasia for behavioural problems, for example?
This certainly is not a straightforward topic, and very much
depends on this individual.
Lets have the example of a dangerous animal, a horse or dog
who has seriously hurt people.
They may act this way because they are afraid, they are in
pain, or they have been mistreated.
Sadly, with a dangerous animal it’s often all 3 combined.
Assuming that they have had every opportunity to
rehabilitate them:
-
A vet for their pain
-
A trainer for their fear
-
Patience and compassion for their mistreatment
And they are not showing signs of improvement, then
euthanasia is likely the best course.
And not just for the humans who have been, and will likely
further be, injured by the animal.
But for the animal themselves.
They will be living everyday in fear and pain. Constantly
believing they are fighting for their survival, and every human interaction is
an extreme threat.
And that’s no way to live.
Especially as domestic animals need human intervention and
attention for their welfare and survival.
Sure, some horses could be turned to pasture if they’re too
dangerous to handle.
But they still require their hooves to be maintained, their
teeth checked, and vaccinations. All of which require handling and restraining.
Not to mention if they injured themselves in the field and
require medical attention – they could be the most dangerous versions of
themselves when they are hurt.
There’s also the other grey patch of euthanasia, with horses
especially - when they’re no longer ‘fit for purpose’.
I would absolutely love it if every horse could be retired
and live out their days in a gorgeous field, with lots of other horses, and a
nice big barn for shelter, and all the feed, supplements, and medication they
could ever possibly need to keep them comfortable for the rest of their days.
However, this is often just not feasible for so many horse
owners, and the question of welfare comes into play.
Many owners keep their horses on a livery yard, which are
expensive!
And if their horse no longer fits their needs, and cannot be
sold (i.e., due to injury or illness), then possibly euthanasia is best.
Because often, the alternative is much worse.
Lets say a horse has severe kissing spines, and cannot be
ridden or exercised, but they’re a kind soul and never showed any extreme
behaviour changes when ridden or exercised.
The owner cannot afford any kind of surgery, nor justify the
cost of livery if she cannot ride.
There are no retirement liveries nearby, and the horse does
not cope well with being out 24/7.
What is she to do?
She could sell, or loan him out as a companion – and this
can be a great alternative!
But.
There are some awful horror stories of people who will get a
horse for cheap that is being sold as a non-ridden companion. And will have
every intention of riding it.
This is especially dangerous if the horse does not outwardly
appear lame or does not display any extreme negative behaviour under saddle.
Don’t forget – there are plenty of people who will label a ‘misbehaving’
horse as ‘quirky’ or ‘fresh’ without any further investigation. And will likely
‘ride them through it’ or punish them for it.
Now the horse is being ridden 5+ times a week, unbeknownst
to his old owner who believed he now has a perfect life as a companion horse.
I understand that these are all specific scenarios. But the
examples can be applied to other cases.
There is no correct answer for when euthanasia is absolutely
necessary, save for extreme cases.
But my thought would be that it is better for euthanasia to
be a little early, rather than a little late.
And I can say this from experience of my two old cats:
-
Meeko became very unwell quickly, I was young
and stupid and didn’t have her insured and could not pay for treatment. The
vets didn’t know exactly what was wrong with her, yet she was deteriorating
daily, despite the few medicines we tried that were within my budget.
Eventually the choice was made to euthanise. I hated myself for it for months,
years probably, as I felt it was my fault. Yet, as I’ve got older, I understand
that it was better for her to go too early, than too late.
-
This was reaffirmed to me 7 years later when I
lost Ratty, Meeko’s brother. He had suffered with on-and-off GI tract issues
for years. I got him insured after Meeko died, so I was able to pay for
treatment for him. When I was going through a relationship break up, Ratty when
to stay with family and I only saw him every few weeks. I realised initially
that he’d been losing weight, but I assumed this was the stress of being apart
from me & in a new place. Eventually I clocked that this weight loss wasn’t
stress related, apparently he was eating fine & it was only when my family
member casually mentioned that he'd been having bloody diarrhoea that I rushed
him to the vet. Turned out he had a large tumour amongst his intestines. It had
a strong vascular supply, and was likely too dangerous to operate on,
especially as he was underweight. I thought I’ll give him some medicine &
some high-calorie food and he’ll be okay! And maybe even we can try the surgery.
I got as much as I possibly could for him, he was on a course of pain killers,
anti-inflammatories, and other drugs from the vet. I really thought he’d come
right. Then I had the call: ‘I’m so sorry, but Ratty died last night’. I was absolutely
crushed. I should have seen how ill he really was, the vet and I had set a date
for 2 weeks time for euthanasia in case he didn’t come right, but even that was
too long. A perfect example of too late.
Although euthanasia is so painful for us humans, the thing
that comforts me is this simple fact:
They do not know what is happening.
They do not understand that they’ll soon be dead. They will
not be frightened of it.
All they know is that you’re with them, and they’re so loved.
And that hopefully you’ve had the luxury of time to spoil them rotten for your
last few days together.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog.
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments about
topics you’d like me to write about, or any suggestions to improve my blogs.
For any other information, or to book a veterinary
physiotherapy appointment, please contact me directly.
All the best,
Emma, The Biomechanic.
BSc(Hons), FdSc, MIRVAP, RAMP
07861195709
emma@the-biomechanic.co.uk
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