Been following this thread today and all I can say is that veterinary staff may be overwhelmed and scarred over from what we do, but we have patience and empathy during this difficult time for owners and pets. I cannot imagine having to perform euthanasia on a pet in any other way. But I realize that it is a humane option and not everyone has the funds for veterinary euthanasia. Although in my opinion , it is not expensive. (I’ve spent tens of thousands on care for my pets and that’s my choice and have no regrets)
We have a separate quiet suite for this procedure with a couch and a lamp to make everyone more comfortable. Often when owners choose not to be present the staff will remain with the animal and speak softly and give cuddles and special treats. We gave one dog some breadsticks from Olive Garden, she wolfed down three while we were placing the IV and didn’t seem to mind.
The pre med drug is an opiate that takes away pain and makes them calm. I can’t speak for the animals for what they’re thinking and feeling at the time but we do our best with what we know.
Is there a one shot euthanasia injection or is it two to prevent the pain from the second injection?
Series of three. The first is butorphanol and we give that IV. They’re still awake and coherent but without pain or fear it seems. Then they can sit with their family for up to an hour before it wears off. Then propoflo is administered to effect and then they fall asleep. Last injection is an overdose of pentobarbital.
The only time we use a different protocol with full IM sedation is a different combination of drugs (that still contains the butorphanol) with aggressive or fractious animals that may pose a bite risk. We give that injection in the muscle of a back leg until they fall asleep. Then the final injection given Iv
