Is There A Doctor In The House?, reliable information required Options

[Miss Mew]

After reading posts from Kat and Punky's Mom, I am feeling serioulsly panicked and paranoid about euthanasia. I was with Miss Mew when she passed on October 1st-she was over 21 years old. The vet administered gas first via a mask, then the injection. She could not find a vein in her paw and had to use the jugular vein at her throat, but because she was so heavily sedated it was quick and peaceful. When I asked the vet why not use this approach for all feline euthanasia, she said because it was more expensive???? Prior to the procedure I had asked her, " if this was your cat how would you proceed? " I beleive it added $35.00 to my bill, a very, very small price to ensure that Miss Mew had an easy passing.
Now we have 3 other cats, all teenagers, but an elderly German Shepherd named Mik who is 14 years old. He has been battling Degenerative Myelopathy for the last 2 years but eventually this disease will win. He is alert, aware, healthy other than this degeneration of his spinal chord that is slowly but surely paralysing his hind quarters. He also weighs approx. 100 pounds. My husband and I have had to discuss final arrangements for him and we thought that we had all the bases covered, but now I am not so sure. We both want him to be sedated first because whether it happens at home or in a clinic, he will be anxious. What type of sedation is recommended? After what I have read here, it seems that sometimes sedation produces more problems than it solves. My husband's pharmacist told him that 2 Nytol tablets given a half hour before the appointment would be adequate- could this be the answer? Others have described how the euthanasia solution is given through an IV catheteror by syringe. Is one procedure easier for the animal than the other?
Please , I don't wish to inflict fresh pain on anyone, but many of us at LS are owned by surviving members of our animal family and we will have to face the god awful prospect of euthanasia again and again. So are there any Vets out there who read our posts or can give us some guidelines?
A couple of months ago, in an e-mail to one of the members here, I admitted to wishing that there was a legal barbituate that we could safely give our pets that would garantee them a peaceful and painless passing, and I felt somewhat ashamed of expressing that thought. Since we don't have that miracle potion, then are we not entitled to better information so that can make the best possible decision for our Furkids? I feel that we are their caretakers during their earthly existence and we owe it to them.
I apologize to anyone who may find this post macabre, but I am so worried about Mik now and feeling very anxious about how we should proceed when the time comes. Any advice or insight would be most welcome.
Nicole

[dietersmom]

Nicole,
I can only share our experience with you and tell you that after reading other posts here, I feel we were very fortunate to have a most difficult experience not be as bad as some. We did not have the option to have Dieter euthanised at home and had to take him to the vet. We made an appointment and they were ready for us when we arrived. The vet took Dieter to the back and told us he would be giving him an injection of something like valium and inserting an IV catheter into the vein to insure ease of administering the injection and then he would bring him to the room with us. When he brought Dieter back to the room, he was very calm and almost out and we just loved on him and said our goodbyes. The vet came back in when we were ready, as if you ever really are, and administered the injection into the catheter and Dieter took maybe one breath as we held him and then he was gone. There was no anxiety for him and it appeared very painless and helped ease our pain some. I asked the vet before, exactly what would take place and he said it is much like when they put you to sleep for surgery and he would feel no pain. I hope this helps you in some way.
Libby

[Punky's Mommy]

I'm glad you asked this because I had been wanting to share my recommendations based on what I have experienced. If any vets read this and disagree, please please say something. Cuz I'm not a vet.

1) Make sure your baby is properly hydrated. If he's not drinking normally, the easiest way is to get a bag of I.V. fluid (Sodium chloride) from your vet and a place the needle under his skin between his shoulderblades. Don't let them tell you that they can't send you home with it. His body will absorb the fluid, but give it a few hours. Alternately, your vet can place a catheter in his arm and the fluid can be administered that way. This same cathetor can be later used to inject the euthanasia. So that is the first and last time he is poked.

2) Definitely sedate him with pills your vet recommends. He might be loopy or limp when its time for him to go, but that is better than risking even the slightest possibility that he might be fully aware, crying and scared.

3) If possible, make the vet use a topical anesthetic on his arm, if he is not already wearing a catheter. It won't numb his arm completely (only yet another shot can do that), but it might be enough to take the bite off the needle.

4) I would recommend gas or other anesthetic first, as if he is going to undergo surgery.

5) Only after all these precautions should the euthanasia be injected.

Keep in mind that my situation with Punky was extremely rare and unusual. The vet who did it said she'd never seen anything like it. Most pets slip away peacefully without a single one of these precautions. So its up to you. I just wanted to pass on what I would do if I could do it over again.

[Kat]

I am so sorry that my post frightened you. Please know that that was not my intention. I should have put a warning on my post about it being upsetting like Punky's Mommy did. I too believe that Punky's and Whisker's situations were rare. In one of my posts I said I was suprised how many others had bad euthanasia experiences. I guess what I should have said is I was suprised I wasn't totally alone. There were only 4 I believe - and there are so many of us here. I am so so sorry to cause you the added stress at this already emotional time.
I do not regret putting Whiskers to sleep 2 weeks ago now - looking back with more clarity, I can clearly see that she was telling me as best she could, that she wanted to go - by refusing to eat, to drink, walk, speak...I am glad that I took her pain on myself, to set her free.
To some degree, this may be a chance we all take - a ending different than our expectations - however that chance is so small, and maybe it doesn't matter weather Whisker's end was easy or not, if it got her to a better place? That sounds like it might have came out wrong. What I'm trying to say is Those last moments couldn't have hurt worse than that last week for her, and I feel so bad that my post affected you, and probably others so. Please don't let our rare experiences stop you from doing what you need to do, if it does turn out that you need to do it. And if it does, we will all be here for you...
Perhaps you could discuss your concerns about the sedative in advance with your vet, maybe even by phone? My vets assistants ofen gave good phone advice for free. I may not have read your post correctly - I am sorry for that as well if I did misunderstand about your concern of the sedatives or anything else.
My thoughts are with you!
Apologies again,
Kat

[Miss Mew]

Dear Libby, Punky's Mom and Kat,
Thank you all for your responses. Kat, please don't feel the need to apologize. Although in my initial post I asked if any vets might have advice, I think I trust the opinions and the counsel of LS members more at this moment. Libby, your experience sounded like mine with Miss Mew, the best outcome under the worst cir%%stances. I don't wish to become a vet's worst nightmare customer, I just wish to be informed so that we can make the right decisions for Mik, when and if the time comes. There may exist a standard protocol for euthanasia that is taught during veterinary courses, but our furbabies are all unique and we have to consider age, temperament, state of health and their own personality before having to make that excrutiating decision on their behalf.
Nicole

[BabyHannahsMom]

I think it is good that you brought up the subject. It can save a lot of people a lot of pain. The vets do use different protocol or whatever, and there are lots of vet articles about it on the Internet and places you can ask questions and they will answer. You should definitely talk to the vet who will be doing it though.

They tried to put the catheter into Hannah's little leg, and that was the first time she screamed. Then, when I screamed (like Punky's momma), and made them stop, the vet gave her a shot of valium, at which she screamed again and tried to jump out of my arms, and then immediately went right to sleep, snoring. She was totally "out." I subsequently (unfortunately) read that some vets will actually give you the valium or something like it in tablet form or they can give them a shot that doesn't cause them to pass out but just be calm like Dieter. The "solution" should be administered through a catheter.

I do so wish he hadn't made Hannah go totally out because then I think we could have had some time together without everything being a total panic.

Oh, and I think I read that with larger dogs, they need to be even more careful -- not to worry or scare you anymore than you already are. I would definitely do some research on it, Nicole, if I were you.

[Ann H]

I am so thankful when the vet put Chili Bean to sleep it went very well. He told me the first injection would put her into a sleep like when they do surgery and the second one would put her to sleep. She did not cry out or need to be sedated before he gave the first one to her. She relaxed in my arms and then in a few seconds she was gone. I could not believe how quick it was. Maybe it all depends on the vet and the amount they use. I am thankful that Snookie went on her own.
Ann

[DJ - Edgar, Jess...]

Jesse went fairly calmly... And, he was looking in my direction when he passed - I was the last thing he saw. Some day I hope someone I love is the last thing I see.

I think that each individual needs to ask what makes them more comfortable - and then do it. I, personally, don't know which decision - drugging or not - is best. I remember Jesse struggle slightly, then fade away - but he was a calm, passive cat.

God this brings back horrible memories - but thank you anyway for bringing up the subject so that people can be aware that euthanasia is not always the peaceful "fading off to sleep" that many people think it is.

[BabyHannahsMom]

Here's the link to a good article by Dr. Wallace Sife. It is already posted in the Links and Support Resources section on this site, but here it is -
http://www.aplb.org/services/euthanasia.shtml
Maybe this will help too. I hope so.

[Romeo's_daddy]

Thank you so much for that link. It was very helpful. I've pictured myself saying goodbye to Elvis when the time comes. I'm so afraid I'll lose it when I say what I have to say before the procedure. I don't want to upset him so I hope I can be strong enough to keep my emotions under control until after the procedure. I do know without a doubt that I will ask to have him sedated so that he is asleep when they do it. I also know that I'll be taking a sedative or 2. I hope that time doesn't come for a few more years, but when it does I also know you'll all be here to help me. Thank you for that.

Steve

[Miss Mew]

Dear Hannah's Mom,
Thank you so much for that link. Mik does not have a single vicious bone in his body, however during his few appointments at the clinic, he has shown his formidable teeth and that has resulted in most vets muzzling him before continuing the examination. I simply refuse to have him muzzled if we have to resort to euthanasia so I will find a vet ready to prescribe a sedative that we can administer orally at home before the procedure. Also I will insist that the solution be administered via a catheter. I don't feel so helpless now, thanks again.

To everyone here at LS- despite our sadness and the pain, I wish you all a Happy New Year. I will toast Miss Mew tonight and all your furkids as well, the ones at Rainbow Bridge and the ones still gracing our lives.

[Rusty's Mom]

Dear Nicole,

First, my sympathy to you on the loss of Miss Mew.

Many years ago, when we had to have our 17 yr. old terrier mix put to sleep, the vet prescribed a sedative which we gave to him at home. (He was great with our family but never did like going to the vet and they always muzzled him there.) Now we are "owned" by a beautiful German shepherd so I do feel for you, as you worry about Mik .

Thinking of you,

Lynn

[BabyHannahsMom]

When you first go into the "Death and Dying" section here on this site, there's a section at the very top of the page entitled, "Support Resources and Articles." There are quite a few good articles on various aspects of grieving, including helping children with the loss of a pet, euthanasia, etc. If ya'll haven't seen them yet, check them out when you get a chance. If you come across a good article, you can always post it or a link to it there too.

I am glad that article helped.
Love,
Marcia

[Kathleen032]

Dear Nicole,

I've had to make the euthanasia decision twice in my life. The first time was my kitty Dolly. She was 16 and had mammary cancer. The vet came to my house, administered some kitty valuim, gave it time to work, then administered the euthanasia drug. Dolly's passing was quick and very peaceful. After the valium took affect, Dolly was very relaxed and didn't put up any fight when the vet injected the next drug.
The second time was in September. My dog, Shiloh, was only 5 and had lymphoma. Once again my vet came to my house. When my vet arrived, she carefully explained what she was going to do and what would happen (I thank God everyday for my kind and compassionate vet). She then administered a sedative and allowed about 15 minutes for the sedative to work. Shiloh had been in a lot of pain all that day and the night before, so she was just exhausted as she hadn't had any sleep. When the sedative took affect, Shiloh fell sound asleep with her head in my lap. The fact that my vet gave 15 minutes before administering the euthanasia drug was a blessing because it gave me time to just hold Shiloh and say goodbye...Shiloh was relaxed, comfortable, and still aware that I was there. When the vet administered the euthanasia drug, Shiloh was so fast asleep that she didn't even flinch when the vet poked for her vein. As Shiloh breathed her last breath, I whispered that I loved her in her ear. Her passing was very peaceful.
I feel so fortunate that my two experiences were both so peaceful. I think the most important thing is that some kind of sedative is given prior to euthanasia...and that the sedative is given time to work.

I hope my two stories help to ease some of your anxieties.
Kathleen