The Euthanasia Procedure
-About Us
-Hospice Care
-Euthanasia
-Aftercare
-Pricing
-FAQs
-Testimonials
-Memorials
-Resources
Do you need to place an IV catheter in my pet for this procedure?
The placement of an IV catheter makes giving the final injection simpler, however, we feel that placing a catheter can be stressful and/or uncomfortable for the pet. So, we do not use one, unless the pet has already had one placed for another procedure. We generally prefer to provide heavy sedation and the use of alternate injection techniques to ensure that the final injection is smooth and pain free for your pet.Why do you do the procedure differently than my veterinarian?
Every veterinarian approaches the euthanasia procedure differently and each uses his or her own best judgement when performing this difficult task. At Rainbow Bridge, we are constantly working on refining our procedures and techniques to ensure that this procedure is as comfortable and peaceful as possible for both you and your pet. After performing literally thousands of procedures, I am confident that the procedures we use provide your pet with the easiest and most comfortable transition. While I do have a relatively "standard" approach that I use for most patients, we can frequently adjust the technique and medications used to suit a variety of pets and circumstances. If you have any questions or special requests, please feel free to discuss this with us and we will make every effort to accomodate your needs..
Back
to FAQ Page
Back to Euthanasia Page
Why do my pet's eyes
remain open during sedation (and after death)?
Interestingly enough, it actually requires muscular effort in order to close our eyelids - the same is true for animals. So, when a person or animal is in a very deep sleep, their eyes usually remain open. You may notice that some animals normally sleep with their eyes open. Or, you may have seen that when people are under anesthesia for surgery, they have tape placed on their eyelids to keep them closed. You may also have heard that in the "olden days" people used to put pennies on the eyelids of those who had passed away. This was to keep the eyelids closed. Regardless of whether your pet's eyes are open or closed, we will check the pet's other responses to make sure that they are in a very deep sleep and feel nothing prior to proceeding with the final step in the euthanasia procedure. Similarly, once your pet has passed, we will listen to the chest with a stethoscope to ensure that the heart has stopped and that your pet is finally at peace.
Interestingly enough, it actually requires muscular effort in order to close our eyelids - the same is true for animals. So, when a person or animal is in a very deep sleep, their eyes usually remain open. You may notice that some animals normally sleep with their eyes open. Or, you may have seen that when people are under anesthesia for surgery, they have tape placed on their eyelids to keep them closed. You may also have heard that in the "olden days" people used to put pennies on the eyelids of those who had passed away. This was to keep the eyelids closed. Regardless of whether your pet's eyes are open or closed, we will check the pet's other responses to make sure that they are in a very deep sleep and feel nothing prior to proceeding with the final step in the euthanasia procedure. Similarly, once your pet has passed, we will listen to the chest with a stethoscope to ensure that the heart has stopped and that your pet is finally at peace.
What difference does it
make where the final injection is given?
The "final" injection is an overdose of a barbiturate anesthetic. In order to be effective, it must be given either directly into a vein or into a body cavity (i.e. the chest or abdomen). Both routes are quick and painless for the animal (assuming that the pet has received proper sedation prior to this injection). A lot of veterinarians typically use one of the peripheral veins (e.g. a leg vein) to give this final injection, whereas I most commonly give the injection into a central vein in the chest or directly into a body cavity. Using this approach, provides several advantages. First, it allows your pet to be wherever it is most comfortable (e.g. in your lap, on the floor, etc.) and you to position yourself more comfortably with your pet. Secondly, there is no need to shave the fur, use a tourniquet, or put the pet into a particular position. Finally, it avoids the technical difficulty of locating and using a peripheral vein in pets for whom this might be a problem (e.g. those who are very dehydrated, thin, or have had these veins used for other procedures). However, some people are just not comfortable with this approach and prefer the traditional peripheral vein injection. If this is the case, just let me know and I will be happy to adjust my technique if possible.
The "final" injection is an overdose of a barbiturate anesthetic. In order to be effective, it must be given either directly into a vein or into a body cavity (i.e. the chest or abdomen). Both routes are quick and painless for the animal (assuming that the pet has received proper sedation prior to this injection). A lot of veterinarians typically use one of the peripheral veins (e.g. a leg vein) to give this final injection, whereas I most commonly give the injection into a central vein in the chest or directly into a body cavity. Using this approach, provides several advantages. First, it allows your pet to be wherever it is most comfortable (e.g. in your lap, on the floor, etc.) and you to position yourself more comfortably with your pet. Secondly, there is no need to shave the fur, use a tourniquet, or put the pet into a particular position. Finally, it avoids the technical difficulty of locating and using a peripheral vein in pets for whom this might be a problem (e.g. those who are very dehydrated, thin, or have had these veins used for other procedures). However, some people are just not comfortable with this approach and prefer the traditional peripheral vein injection. If this is the case, just let me know and I will be happy to adjust my technique if possible.
Contact Us
Dr. Anthony J. Smith, DVM
PO Box 5386, Hercules, CA 94547
Phone:510-381-3389
info@rainbowbridgevet.com or drajsmith@hotmail.com
Dr. Anthony J. Smith, DVM
PO Box 5386, Hercules, CA 94547
Phone:510-381-3389
info@rainbowbridgevet.com or drajsmith@hotmail.com
-Providing Compassionate In Home End of Life Care for Pets-