Animal Welfare Considerations and Ethical Dilemmas Inherent in the Euthanasia of Blind Canine Patients.

Abstract

Simple SummaryAlthough many dogs with blindness diagnosis can reach a similar age compared to those not affected, often the owners require euthanasia of their animals. This choice leads to conflicting moral principles relating to what is better for the animal and the owner. This article discusses the suitability of euthanasia in blind dogs. To better assess factors influencing the choice of euthanasia, four different scenarios were constructed that described various situations regarding the animal’s aptitude, pet owner, and veterinarian relations.In dogs, several primary or secondary diseases affecting the ocular structures may cause blindness. In cases where the visual impairment is not associated with severe systemic involvement and the animal can still have, predictably, a good “long-term” quality of life, the veterinarian should inform the owner about the differences between humans and animals, concerning the type of visual perception. In the light of the daily findings in veterinary clinic practice, the Authors report four different scenarios with conflicting views between veterinarians and owners about the euthanasia request for a blind dog. They underline how the diagnosis of incipient or already established blindness in dogs can sometimes lead to an inappropriate request for euthanasia.