Euthanasia Procedure Research Articles

Exploring the role of kinship involvement in euthanasia procedures: A case study of euthanasia in patients with psychiatric disorders in Belgium

Exploring the role of kinship involvement in euthanasia procedures: A case study of euthanasia in patients with psychiatric disorders in Belgium

Understanding the Experiences and Support Needs of Close Relatives in Psychiatric Euthanasia Trajectories: A Qualitative Exploration.

In Belgium, adults with psychiatric disorders can opt for euthanasia under strict conditions. The impact of these euthanasia trajectories on close relatives remains insufficiently studied. This research is the first in Belgium to explore the concrete experiences and support needs of relatives involved in psychiatric-based euthanasia trajectories by means of an in-depth interview study. The interviews with 18 relatives were conducted from March to May 2023 and analyzed using inductive thematic coding. The results reveal the complex and ambivalent emotional and cognitive experiences among relatives. Experiences with euthanasia trajectories varied from positive to negative, marked by shared feelings of surrealism and unreality. This included the farewell process that relatives go through, regardless of whether euthanasia was carried out. While the desired level of involvement varied, everyone sought some degree of recognition and understanding for their complex position during the euthanasia procedure, aiding in a better comprehension and contextualization of the request. The level of actual involvement and support depended on the stage of the euthanasia request, their social network, and the reasons behind the request. There was a demand for transparent communication, more emotional and practical support, and assistance in coping with the emotionally charged process. Specific attention is needed for the emotional and cognitive rollercoaster, even if euthanasia is not ultimately pursued. Future research should employ a longitudinal design to gain deeper insights into relatives' fluctuating experiences and support needs throughout euthanasia trajectories. Seeking greater context diversity and combining perspectives in cluster research can improve understanding of interconnected needs.

Attending veterinarians improve the research capability and psychological well-being of researchers in animal research institutes.

The use of laboratory animals in biomedical research has significantly advanced scientific understanding, yet it raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and the mental health of researchers Recent research has highlighted the potential for stress and compassion fatigue among researchers working with distressed animals. Attending veterinarians (AVs) are crucial in mitigating the pain and stress experienced by animals and, by extension, researchers. However, the impact of AVs on researchers' psychological well-being remains understudied. This study explores how AVs contribute to researchers' research capability and psychological well-being in animal research institutions. AVs oversee animal housing, health, and welfare; their involvement is mandated or strongly recommended in developed countries. AVs enhance animal welfare by ensuring proper housing, nutrition, and social interaction. They monitor animal health, educate researchers on pain assessment, and promote compliance with post-surgical care. AVs also contribute to researchers' well-being by addressing euthanasia procedures, which can be emotionally challenging. Programs for rehoming animals after experiments offer an alternative to euthanasia and positively impact researchers' psychological well-being. Moreover, AVs promote workplace well-being by fostering positive workplace cultures, offering peer counseling, and providing social support. Programs considering animal welfare and researchers' emotions are crucial for a healthy research environment. In conclusion, AVs are essential in balancing scientific progress with animal welfare and researchers' psychological well-being. Therefore, their role should be recognized as vital in achieving social equity that considers the welfare of humans and laboratory animals.

Ley orgánica de regulación de la eutanasia: conocimiento e implicación de los médicos en España tras un año de su aplicación

Background and aimsThe Organic Law Regulating Euthanasia (LORE, for its initials in Spanish) came into force in June 2021. This study aims to examine knowledge of the LORE among physicians licensed in Spain as well as their involvement with and the impact of the law. MethodsThis work is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted by means of a survey. Information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. ResultsThe survey was answered by 1446 physicians licensed in Spain. The sample's demographic characteristics were as follows: 54.7% were women, the mean age was 52±14 years, and 66.0% worked in a hospital. Catalonia was the autonomous community with the most participants (44.6%). Regarding specialties, anesthesiology and resuscitation had the highest number of participants (21.9%), followed by family and community medicine (18.5%). The LORE was known in detail by 24.3% of physicians, 58.0% had a positive opinion of it, and 31.1% had direct experience with the euthanasia procedure. Practitioners working in the hospital setting perceived the law more favorably compared to those in the primary care setting (62.3% vs. 47.3%, p<0.01). ConclusionsMost doctors did not have in-depth knowledge of the LORE, although a majority supported its existence, particularly those in hospital medicine. Most physicians who viewed the LORE negatively were male, older, and worked in primary care. A minority of physicians considered registering as conscientious objectors.

Survey of euthanasia methods used in neotropical chiropterans in São Paulo State, Brazil

Zoonotic Surveillance Divisions (ZSDs) rescue and euthanize bats in contact with humans. The euthanasia procedure should be conducted safely for the animal and caretaker and minimal stress for the animal is important. The objectives of this study were: i. evaluate the methods of euthanasia used by ZSDs in the State of São Paulo; ii. compare the methods with national and international guidelines for animal euthanasia practices; iii. assess the methodologies considering taxonomy and eating habits of the main bat species, and iv. propose standardization of euthanasia procedures. Sixty-five ZSDs locations received an online questionnaire or were contacted by telephone and 33 ZSDs (50.8%) responded and are distributed in 11 mesoregions in the state to remain anonymous. The euthanasia methods were divided into chemical (injectable or inhalation), physical, or mixed methods. Bat specimens (n = 550) were identified and classified to evaluate the main genera found in the state. The location of the ZSD, species, eating habits, and the method of euthanasia used were analyzed. The specimens by bat families were Molossidae (n = 340), Phyllostomidae (n = 171), and Vespertilionidae (n = 39). Chemical methods were used in 25 ZSDs (75.75%), physical in 5 (15.15%), and mixed in 3 (9.09%). There is no uniformity or standardization in bat euthanasia methods used by ZSDs, although most are based on acceptable chemical methods. It was proposed an algorithm to assist the veterinarian in choosing the method of euthanasia for bats that will allow standardizing euthanasia procedures for this species, considering physiological differences, and respecting technical, bioethical, and animal welfare guidelines.

Organic law regulating euthanasia: knowledge and involvement of doctors in Spain one year after its implementation

Background and aimsThe Organic Law Regulating Euthanasia (LORE, for its initials in Spanish) came into force in June 2021. This study aims to examine knowledge of the LORE among physicians licensed in Spain as well as their involvement with and the impact of the law. MethodsThis work is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted by means of a survey. Information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. ResultsThe survey was answered by 1446 physicians licensed in Spain. The samples' demographic characteristics were as follows: 54.7% were women, the mean age was 52 ± 14 years, and 66.0% worked in a hospital. Catalonia was the autonomous community with the most participants (44.6%). Regarding specialties, anesthesiology and resuscitation had the highest number of participants (21.9%), followed by family and community medicine (18.5%). The LORE was known in detail by 24.3% of physicians, 58.0% had a positive opinion of it, and 31.1% had direct experience with the euthanasia procedure. Practitioners working in the hospital setting perceived the law more favorably compared to those in the primary care setting (62.3% vs. 47.3%, p < 0.01). ConclusionsMost doctors did not have in-depth knowledge of the LORE, although a majority supported its existence, particularly those in hospital medicine. Most physicians who viewed the LORE negatively were male, older, and worked in primary care. A minority of physicians considered registering as conscientious objectors.

Assessing animal welfare during a stranding of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata)

AbstractEmpirical assessment of cetacean welfare to inform stranding interventions is lacking. Here, potential welfare indicators are described for two stranded pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), along with euthanasia procedures and pathology of potential relevance. The animals were filmed for 3.5 and 1.5 hr, respectively, allowing assessment of 19 indicators, including animal behaviors and human interventions. Eight interventions and 19 animal behaviors were identified; 17 and 11 behaviors were displayed by animal 1 and 2, respectively. Examination of ballistics euthanasia revealed atypical projectile placement and characterized animal behavioral responses, but welfare implications could not be assessed as insensibility was not verified in‐field. Pulmonary edema and renal degeneration were documented in both animals; differential etiologies include ischemia–reperfusion, shock, and/or myopathy. Potential relationships among histopathology and welfare indicators are explored to infer affective experiences. For example, simultaneous head‐lifting with respiration increased over time which, alongside pulmonary edema, suggests these animals experienced breathlessness. Other likely affective states include fatigue and discomfort; there are insufficient data to estimate the intensity or duration of these experiences or to provide an overall welfare grade/score. Further data are required to validate the proposed welfare indicators and to progress development of holistic approaches to welfare assessment at cetacean strandings.

Analysis of best practices for euthanasia procedures in the municipalities of Barreiras and Luis Eduardo Magalhães, Bahia

Euthanasia is an integral part of the daily routine of the veterinarian, with the characteristic of inducing the death of the animal without pain or suffering. The Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine establishes rules for this procedure in order to fulfill the primary objective of the practice: the cessation of the individual's life in a painless way, allowing the executor to take advantage of different methods for this induction. This work aims to qualitatively analyze the consonance, or lack thereof, of the medical-veterinary conduct of the autonomous professionals and clinics of this field, with what is recommended by the “Brazilian Guide for Best Practices for Euthanasia in Animals” of the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine, by means of a questionnaire, in the municipalities of Barreiras and Luis Eduardo Magalhães, cities in the western region of the state of Bahia.

Should a register be kept of conscientious objectors to euthanasia in Spain?

ABSTRACT This article presents an analysis of conscientious objection in the context of the recently approved organic law on euthanasia in Spain. The article supports the legal argument in favour of conscientious objection to participation in euthanasia procedures as a fundamental right, attempting to achieve a reasonable balance and accommodation between the rights of patients and those of health professionals. As for the limitation of fundamental rights, the additional implementation of a registry of objectors in Spain would undermine the essence and content of the fundamental right to conscientious objection. The study examines the negative consequences of such limitations on privacy, non-discrimination and the right not to declare personal beliefs, and offers possible arguments aimed at promoting democratic pluralism and social peace.

Modern view of medical university students on euthanasia

Objective. To assess the level of knowledge and identify the modern view of medical students on the procedure of euthanasia.&#x0D; Material and methods. During the study, 100 students of medical university were surveyed. More than half (52 %) of respondents aged 2021, 36 % were young people aged 2223, 10 % students aged 1819 and the remaining 2 % were respondents aged 2425.&#x0D; Results. During the survey of students, it was revealed that despite the fact that half (50 %) of students are adherents of the main world religions (who have a negative attitude towards the euthanasia procedure), only 7 % were against euthanasia because of religious considerations. Only one fifth of the students (23 %) knew about all options for euthanasia. In addition, 18 % of those surveyed did not know about any option for euthanasia. Almost half (47.5 %) of the students answered that everyone should manage life as they want, and the same part (47.5 %) of respondents that this decision depends on the circumstances. Moreover, almost half (47 %) of the students would agree to euthanasia for relatives in case of a serious illness.&#x0D; Conclusions. Such a procedure as euthanasia cannot have an unambiguous assessment. Despite the acquired medical knowledge, our students still do not have enough information about the procedure itself to rationally evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages.

Diagnóstico parasitológico em peixes ornamentais de diferentes pisciculturas de cinco estados brasileiros

This study aimed to search parasites in 333 ornamental fish from five Brazilian states (Ceará, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina). Fish were sent from eight farms located in the municipalities of Fortaleza, Patrocínio do Muriaé, São Francisco do Glória, Cascavel, Timbó, Iguape, Jacareí and Mairinque. All fish received anesthesia earlier to euthanasia procedures. After the search for parasites, it was verified that 70.6% (235/333) of fishes were infected by at least one type of parasite, being 12 types of parasites identified: monogeneans, digenean metacercariae, cestodes, nematodes, Lernaea cyprinacea, trichodinids, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, diplomonad flagellates, Ichthyobodo sp., Chilodonella sp., and Tetrahymena sp. The proportion of infected fishes among the farms is compared through statistical tests, besides, animal handling adopted in each farm is also discussed. The importance of ensuring fish health in order to make the ornamental freshwater fish industry economically viable and reduce losses in production is highlighted.

EUTHANASIA: BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND THE OFFENSE

The problem of legalization or continuation of the ban on euthanasia at the national level continues to cause wide public resonance. This problem is complex in nature, because it concerns not only medical issues, but also legal and bioethical issues. Euthanasia significantly increases the risks of abuse of this right for patients who wish to implement an appropriate dignified and meaningful end-of-life procedure to end suffering. The purpose of the article is to reveal the dualistic essence of euthanasia – as a person’s right to a dignified death, and as a criminal offense. The article focuses on modern scientific views on euthanasia, covering three aspects: 1) negative – support for the current ban on euthanasia; 2) positive – the need to create legal instruments to implement the right to voluntarily end one’s life; 3) alternative – supporters of which consider the possibility of replacing euthanasia with other procedures that are more humane from the point of view of bioethics (palliative care, voluntary refusal of treatment, etc.). Attention was drawn to the fact that the right to freely dispose of one’s own life is enshrined in national legislation. Yes, the patient’s refusal of medical intervention or treatment may result in the approaching moment of death. The spread of the international practice of further liberalization and expansion of the circle of states that support euthanasia procedures are emphasized. Attention is focused on the fact that the variety of procedures and forms of euthanasia does not allow to clearly determine which of them is the most acceptable from a legal point of view. At the same time, all such procedures and forms provide for one thing – the right of a terminally ill or chronically ill person to independently determine how and when to die. It was concluded that euthanasia is a person’s own choice and this is the most important thing in his awareness as a component of the right to life. The position regarding the possibility of its legalization in Ukraine in the future is supported.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment of nervus radialis and nervus ulnaris injuries in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in acute and chronic phases of radial and ulnar nerve injuries in histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical aspects. In the study, the rabbits were divided into four groups namely acute nerve injury (ANI) group, chronic nerve injury (CNI) group, positive control (PC) group and negative control (NC) group. In the ANI, CNI and PC groups, damage was created on the nervus radialis and nervus ulnaris by applying pressure for 60 seconds using a hemostatic forceps under anesthesia. No damage was created in the NC group. Fifteen sessions of electroacupuncture were applied to the rabbits in the ANI, CNI, and NC groups every other day using LI-4 (Large Intestine Meridian-4, He Gu), LI-10 (Large Intestine Meridian-10, Shou San Li), LR-3 (Liver Meridian-3, Tai Chong), and ST-36 (Stomach Meridian-36, Zusanli) electroacupuncture points. Electroacupuncture was not applied to the rabbits in the PC group. Decapitation was performed under general anesthesia at the end of electroacupuncture applications. After the euthanasia procedure, the samples obtained were evaluated for histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, degenerative foci in the treatment groups were found to be fewer than in the PC group whereas NGF and S-100 immunoreactivity were higher in the treatment groups than in the PC group. Whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatment groups and the NC group in terms of oxidative stress factors, there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups and the PC group. In light of all these data, we have concluded that electroacupuncture is an effective treatment method for peripheral nerve injuries.

Empathy and Burnout in Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses: Identifying Burnout Protectors

ABSTRACT Burnout in animal health care providers (AHCPs), namely, veterinarians and veterinary nurses, is highly prevalent. Although empathy can be a potential risk factor for burnout in these professionals, research has not empirically addressed the association between empathy and AHCP burnout. This study’s main aims were: (a) to analyze the association between empathy and burnout for AHCPs, distinguishing affective and cognitive empathy toward humans and empathy toward animals; (b) to analyze the possible protective effects of justice perceptions, professional identification, and meaningful work, to counteract the negative impact of empathy on burnout; and (c) to extend analyses to control for variables that might act as burnout protectors or risk factors, such as gender, years of professional experience, workload, income, and the perception that professionals suffer when performing euthanasia procedures. Convenience samples of 229 veterinarians and 96 veterinary nurses were collected in Portugal. The participants were invited to complete an anonymous online survey with self-reported measures. The measures used assessed burnout (exhaustion and disengagement), empathy for humans (cognitive and affective) and empathy for animals, justice perceptions, professional identification, and meaningful work. Multiple regression analysis showed that affective empathy was a significant risk factor for exhaustion in veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Empathy for animals was a significant risk factor for veterinarian exhaustion. Neither of the measures of empathy was a significant predictor of disengagement for veterinarians or veterinary nurses. Professional identification and justice perceptions, namely belief in a just world, were found to be significant burnout protectors. It is recommended that justice perceptions and professional identification should receive special attention in interventions to prevent and/or reduce burnout among AHCPs. The alternative possibility of preventing burnout through a decrease in empathy is not advisable, however, because empathy is a vital AHCP skill.

Euthanasia: Domestic and Foreign Experience of Legal Regulation

The article discusses various approaches to the premature discontinuing of the life of a terminally ill patient both at the state and international level. The purpose of this study is to revise the previously established approach to the use of euthanasia in the Russian Federation. A different view of the use of euthanasia is necessary, among other things, because in some cases, only the premature termination of a person's life may be the only way to end his suffering from a vain struggle with an incurable disease. The difficulties associated with the use of the euthanasia procedure over a long time period are a topic of discussion for many scientists. The relevance of this topic is emphasized by the rapidly changing views on the possibility of using euthanasia from an ethical point of view. More and more international organizations are expressing their own views on euthanasia and assisted suicide. As for the legal order of individual states, there is a tendency to use one of three approaches to ending the suffering of a patient by causing death: the first approach is characterized by a prohibition on the use of euthanasia under the threat of criminal punishment and qualifying such an act as murder in the absence of a special corpus delicti; in the second approach, euthanasia is also a criminal offense, however, the criminal law of states using this approach establishes a special offense that provides for a milder punishment than murder; in the third approach, the law provides for the right to use euthanasia. The article provides a comparative analysis of the euthanasia procedure used in Belgium and the assisted suicide procedure used in Switzerland. In addition, the point of view of the European Court of Human Rights on the issues under consideration is given. The main research method is the analysis of scientific literature on the research topic, the analysis of normative acts of domestic and foreign legislation, a comparative analysis of the legal order of states that carry out various approaches to the application of the euthanasia procedure.

The ethics of euthanasia in dementia: A qualitative content analysis of case summaries (2012-2020).

BackgroundThe practice of euthanasia in dementia has thus far been described both in terms of its empirical patient characteristics and its ethical questions. However, 40 new cases have been published since the last study.MethodsA qualitative content analysis of all 111 Dutch case summaries of euthanasia in dementia patients between 2012 and 2020, selected from the total of 1117 cases published by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE). Our initial analytical framework consists of six due care criteria and five ethical principles.Results111 case summaries were analyzed, from which we distilled seven recurring ethical questions: (1) How voluntary is a request? (2) Can an incapacitated patient make well‐considered requests? (3) What constitutes “unbearable suffering”? (4) What if the unbearableness of suffering solely consists of “the absence of any prospect of improvement”? (5) What if a euthanasia request is meant to prevent future suffering (now for then)? (6) How (well) can a patient with cognitive limitations be informed? (7) What are “reasonable alternatives” and what if patients decline available alternatives?ConclusionsBeyond these questions, however, we also see some serious challenges for the future: (a) narrowing the gap between perceived and real nursing home quality, since many advance euthanasia directives refer to nursing homes as sources of unbearable suffering; (b) making information to incompetent patients and their relatives about end of life options more tailor made, since it is questionable whether patients with dementia currently understand all of the euthanasia procedure; (c) involving patients' own physician as long as possible in a euthanasia request. Training may help physicians to deal better with euthanasia requests by patients suffering from dementia; (d) longitudinal research is required that encompasses all dementia euthanasia cases, not only those selected by the RTE.

When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans in Australasia

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are tools used to ensure management best practice during emergency incidents including wildlife interventions, such as cetacean strandings. The compromised state of stranded cetaceans means humane end-of-life decisions may be considered, and SOPs frequently guide this process. This study evaluated SOPs for end-of-life decision-making and technically enacting euthanasia of stranded cetaceans across Australasia. The aim was to highlight similarities and differences in management and explore directions to improve stranded cetacean welfare. SOPs were requested from the eight government authorities across Australia and New Zealand. All SOPs were evaluated for decision-making criteria, yielding 29 parameters for the implementation of end-of-life decisions. Euthanasia and palliative care were options for end-of-life, with palliative care recommended when euthanasia was not feasible or presented human safety risks. Three euthanasia methods were recommended. Ballistics was recommended in seven SOPs, chemicals in five and explosives in three SOPs. Variability existed in the exact procedures and equipment recommended in all three methods. Additionally, only five SOPs provided criteria for verifying death, while only two recommended time-to-death be recorded, hindering evaluation of the welfare impacts of end-of-life decisions and euthanasia procedures. Our findings highlight the need for detailed guidance and consistency in end-of-life decisions and euthanasia techniques to ensure reliable welfare outcomes. Systematic, standardised data collection at euthanasia events across regions is required to facilitate assessment of welfare impacts and develop evidence-based recommendations. International collaboration is key to developing objective criteria necessary to ensure consistent guidance for end-of-life decisions.

Lessons and Recommendations from a Pentobarbital Shortage: US and Canada 2021.

Simple SummaryPentobarbital sodium is a common animal euthanasia drug in the United States and Canada, as well as in other countries with access to it. A shortage of the drug in 2021 created a dilemma for those needing to perform the euthanasia procedure in animals facing negative welfare conditions. The reason for the shortage was attributed to chemical production issues. The veterinary community worked together to conserve what euthanasia drug was available, and to identify alternative methods that could be quickly implemented, while still adhering to safety and efficacy requirements. Through collaborative efforts, useful guidelines were created and shared with a variety of animal industries to ensure euthanasia procedures could still be facilitated when necessary. While pentobarbital sodium has increased in availability in 2022, lessons have been learned to support animal care should the shortage occur again.In 2021, a shortage in the supply of the euthanasia drug pentobarbital sodium affected animal care professionals around the world, including in the United States and Canada. Pentobarbital sodium is the drug of choice for companion animal euthanasia in both countries. The decreased availability of pentobarbital sodium affected a number of animal care industries, forcing conservation of the drug and the use of alternative methods and other agents to facilitate humane death for all manner of animal species. Veterinary medical groups, laboratory research institutions, and the animal sheltering industry worked together to identify the best path forward to maintain routine euthanasia practices and to protect the welfare of animals. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the shortage and to highlight the necessary responses and adjustments made in order to continue providing euthanasia services in North America. Recommendations for handling future pentobarbital shortages are included.

Analysis of the legal positions of the European Court of Human Rights on the application of the euthanasia procedure

The article examines the problems of euthanasia and the realization of the human right to suicide with the help of others in the context of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Rights, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. The authors focused on finding the necessary compromise between protecting the patient's right to life, which is a positive commitment of the state, and protecting the patient's right to respect for private life and individual independence. The main positions of the European Court of Human Rights on the possibility of use in euthanasia and in which cases are analyzed step by step.&#x0D; In each case, it was described under what conditions the applicants had applied to the Court and what the difference was between the cases. It is emphasized what the Court relied on in resolving each individual case. It is stated how the Court interprets the possibility of applying Article 2 of the Convention in a negative light and in what cases and under what conditions the Court considers it necessary to apply the principle of “ratione personae”. It is indicated what is the main difference between active and passive euthanasia, and in which countries any of the forms of termination of life of a sick person is allowed, regulated and clearly regulated. It is noted that the issue of application or discontinuation of treatment was considered taking into account many objective factors that are taken into account in each case. Also, attention is paid to the analysis of the court's position on the importance of the role of the state in matters of termination of life, where countries should be given discretion in deciding on disconnection from artificial life support. Separately, the main risks of legitimizing euthanasia are emphasized, in particular, the authors point to the need to improve and comply with the imperative norms in each country to ensure the fulfillment of the positive responsibilities of each state.

Spinal Locomotion in Cats Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study.

Simple SummaryFunctional neurorehabilitation promotes neural reorganization by stimulating subjects without deep pain perception, leading to a faster recovery when compared to spontaneous recovery, and achieving fewer compensatory errors, or even deviations to neuropathic or adaptive pain pathways, such as spasticity. The present study demonstrates the importance of intensive and repetition-based functional neurorehabilitation, which is essential for subjects classified as grade 0 according to the modified Frankel scale. This article aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intensive neurorehabilitation in paraplegic cats, with no deep pain perception (grade 0 on the modified Frankel scale), with more than three months of injury. Nine cats, admitted to the Arrábida Veterinary Hospital/Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center (CRAA), were subjected to a 12-week intensive functional neurorehabilitation protocol, based on ground and underwater treadmill locomotor training, electrostimulation, and kinesiotherapy exercises, aiming to obtain a faster recovery to ambulation and a modulated locomotor pattern of flexion/extension. Of the nine cats that were admitted in this study, 56% (n = 5) recovered from ambulation, 44% of which (4/9) did so through functional spinal locomotion by reflexes, while one achieved this through the recovery of deep pain perception. These results suggest that intensive neurorehabilitation can play an important role in ambulation recovery, allowing for a better quality of life and well-being, which may lead to a reduction in the number of euthanasia procedures performed on paraplegic animals.