Chapter 21 - Issues in Serious Veterinary Illness and End-of-Life Care

Abstract

Medical advances once unthinkable for animals have become standard care within veterinary practice. This is most notable in the management of serious veterinary illness, provision of intensive care services, and navigation of death and dying for veterinary patients. Given the inextricable link between companion animals and their people, mental health professionals have an increasingly critical role to play in contemporary veterinary practice. Familiarity with the unique challenges within veterinary end-of-life care, and the contextual issues related to, and preceding, animal-related grief and bereavement is important for addressing the human needs that arise. Attention to client support around treatment decision-making, euthanasia, palliative care, and hospice services, as well as knowledge of bioethical principles within veterinary medicine, are essential for mental health professionals who are involved in the complex world of serious veterinary illness and end-of-life care. Historically, mental health professionals have focused on grief and bereavement within veterinary settings; this has also been a common animal-related issue in psychotherapy practice. However, their role may be significantly expanded. Common issues which represent opportunities for mental health professionals include: family disagreement, financial strain, spiritual conflict, caregiver burden, traumatic past experiences with animal illness and death, traumatic past experiences with human illness, death, or medical care, and mental illness affecting decision-making capacity.