The Gift: Ethically Indicated Euthanasia in Companion Animal Practice.

Anne Quain

doi:10.3390/vetsci8080141

Abstract

The majority of companion animals seen by veterinary practitioners will die by euthanasia. Yet euthanasia can be a source of moral stress for veterinary team members, even when ethically indicated. In this discussion, I explore when euthanasia is ethically indicated and discuss the potential impact of ethically indicated euthanasia on veterinary team members. In particular, I challenge the analogy that the veterinarian performing ethically indicated euthanasia is akin to an executioner, arguing that this analogy is both inappropriate and potentially harmful. Finally, I discuss how we can support ourselves and our colleagues in relation to euthanasia, so we can attend to and maximise the welfare of our patients at the end of their lives.

Highlights

IntroductionThe analogy is problematic, and failure to challenge this could lead to unintended consequences
Veterinary team members report refusal of euthanasia recommendations by a client, or requests for futile care despite a poor quality of life, as among the most stressful ethical challenges encountered in companion animal practice [6,15,29]
It may be useful for veterinary team members to engage in a thought experiment, imagining a world in which veterinary euthanasia does not occur

Summary

Introduction

The analogy is problematic, and failure to challenge this could lead to unintended consequences These might include a negative impact of performing ethically indicated euthanasia on veterinary team members and even avoidance of euthanasia by these individuals, which may prolong animal suffering. Veterinary team members report refusal of euthanasia recommendations by a client, or requests for futile care despite a poor quality of life, as among the most stressful ethical challenges encountered in companion animal practice [6,15,29]. It may be useful for veterinary team members to engage in a thought experiment, imagining a world in which veterinary euthanasia does not occur.

How Can We Support Colleagues in Regard to Ethically Indicated Euthanasia?

Findings

Conclusions