Conversation overheard at the vet's

[Pam]

I was at the vet's office yesterday picking up Trevor's special kitty food when I overheard two vet techs talking. It seems that a woman with a terminally ill cat had just called in. The woman wanted a prescription for a narcotic for her cat to administer to her in her own home to put her cat out of misery. She didn't want to bring her into the vet's to be put to sleep in an *alien, sterile* environment. The one tech told the other tech that this would be totally illegal. Of course one can see the possibility for obtaining drugs illegally this way, but other than that do you see anything wrong with this? At first I thought the woman on the phone might be a little "off the wall" but as I pondered it on the way home I had some other thoughts. Perhaps she may be a little eccentric but probably no doubt loves her kitty very much. I'm not saying this would ever be my choice, but what do you think of this whole idea?

[captain]

I would have to say I agree with the lady and her cat! ....... presuming there is something wrong with the kitty (terminally ill, etc.)

But of course, she would want to be totally certain that the "drugs" would work and not have to rush her kitty to the vet anyway ...

[Twisterdog]

I personally think death ought to be looked upon much as life is for our pets. We ought to do what we can to make their deaths comfortable, secure and peaceful ... just as we try to make their lives that way.

I hate the thought of having to take my dogs to the vet to be euthanized, when and if that time comes. Fortunately, there is a vet here that will come to your home and euthanize your pet. That is definately what I will do if I ever have to have one of my dogs euthanized. It seems the least I can do, to allow them to die at home, secure and comfortable, with some dignity. That's really the best any of us can hope for in the end, isn't it?

I agree that a vet should never just send the drug home with the pet owner. Too much can go wrong, and too much potential for danger exists. But I feel strongly that vets ought to make house calls for euthanasia.

[Uabassoon]

I kind of agree with the lady, however I'm not sure that I would be able to do it myself. But if it were possible for a vet to come to my house and do it I would much prefer that. I think it would be much more comfortable and easier on the cat.

[Cheshirekatt]

I worked as a vet tech for 5 years and any of our clients that we had a good relationship with had the option of having the vet come to their house for the euthanasia.

There was an extra charge for that, but no one ever complained.

[CathyBogart]

Most vets do house calls, as Cheshire said, for a small extra charge. This would be the appropriate solution in the situation I think.

[curiosityrats]

Of course, certain substances should only be handled by lisenced vets (otherwise "peaceful release" can be uncertain or actually quite painful...). Some people do feel the same way this lady does about euthanisia being done at their homes. Many vets will do housecalls for this sort of thing.

This article has a section on "home euthanasia" (done by a vet).

http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.htm

All pet owners want their pet's last moments to be as comfortable as possible and as stress free for themselves and their pet as the situation can be. The natural question is "Can the veterinarian come to our home to administer the euthanasia solution?" The answer is Yes. However, there are a number of things for you to consider.
...
There are veterinarians who have made it a policy never to euthanize a pet outside of the animal hospital setting. They have some very good reasons for this policy. However, if you must have your pet euthanized at home, don't be reluctant to make some phone calls and you will be able to find a veterinarian who will accommodate your wishes.

[Tonya]

I agree with the lady. When I put my childhood dog Christy asleep, and then again when I put Rosco down, I hated it. They were confused because they were going to the vet. They had no idea what was going on.

It would have been much better if they passed away on my lap in their own home. They would have thought that they were just falling asleep.

[stacwase]

That's an option which I wish was available for animals and people alike. I'm a nurse - so I see so many people who are brought in to the hospital by their families during their final hours, because the families don't have the necessary medications at home to make the death peaceful and comfortable. But it's not peaceful or comfortable to be at the hospital during death either - it's a sterile, unfamiliar environment and it's noisy.

It's too bad that there are people out there who would abuse the drugs. They spoil the possibilities for everybody else.

[2kitties]

A friend's kitty (22 years old) crossed the bridge this year. Her vet came to her home to administer the drugs. I think the vet could make some exception house calls, but I do not believe the drugs should be prescribed. It opens too many doors for less responsible pet owners.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I also agree with the lady, somewhat. I'm not sure it should be done by her, but like others have mentioned, by having the vet come to her home.

I have every intention of doing just this if/when it comes time for T & P. Tubby doesn't mind going to the vet, but Peanut is terrified, and I can't see putting her through the car ride, waiting to be called, being torn from the safety of her carrier - just to be PTS. Seems awfully cruel and inhumane. I would rather she be at home where she feels safe and I can hold her and be with her 'til she's gone. Same goes for Tubby. At home he is more than happy just to be near me, and even better to be on my lap. When he's at the vet's, he just wants to explore and sniff all the new stuff, so I'd rather have him relaxed and comfy - on my lap, where he belongs.

Ok, I gotta stop thinking about this now.....

[ramanth]

I don't think the vet should give the drug to the owner to administer... too much risk factor, even if the vet knows there is a sick animal.

But I have no problems with vets making the house call and coming to the home to ease the pain of the animal.

I hope if I have to make that aweful decision that the vet can come to my house.

[Logan]

Originally posted by ramanth
I don't think the vet should give the drug to the owner to administer... too much risk factor, even if the vet knows there is a sick animal.

But I have no problems with vets making the house call and coming to the home to ease the pain of the animal.

I hope if I have to make that aweful decision that the vet can come to my house.

Veterinarians are highly regulated in regards to narcotics, just as a medical doctor is. I'm sure this is the reason they a vet wouldn't consider sending medication home. My vet's office has been broken into at least 3 times since we have been going there, and the perpetrator always goes straight for the locked cabinet with the narcotic drugs. I am certain this must be the reason. But I can completely understand why the woman would prefer to have her cat die in her own home, rather than in the vet's office. I have only had to do this once, but I was a wreck when it was over and had to sit in my car for a long time before I could even think about driving away.

[slick]

I'm with Debbie on this one. If given the chance I would rather administer it at home and have kitty die in my arms wrapped up in a favourite blankie.

but....

I know I would not have the strength to carry out such a task so when the time comes, I'll be off to the vet. Besides, the girls that work at the vet's office love my cats and I'm sure they would like the opportunity to say good-bye.

[curiosityrats]

I had to have a baby rat euthanized (she was born with megacolon and she had just stopped playing and eating). I actually prefered going to the vet with her. I think my other rats would have been stressed/confused by a vet coming to our home. And I didn't even want to be present for the actual euthanasia. The car trip home let me think and helped me feel better. And my other pets were waiting there for me to hug and cry on. That was the only time I had to have euthanasia. (I didn't feel the guilt or regret I've heard people often feel, but maybe it was because I knew the nature of the disease, and she gave me every sign that she could no longer live with any kind of quality...)

But I think it is highly a personal matter, and you should do what feels right for you. Only a vet should administer/handle the drugs. But the time, place, and whether you are present or not is up to you. If your vet won't do a housecall, just ask around.