Euthanasia and end-of-life considerations are predictable stressors for veterinary professionals, says Katherine Goldberg, DVM. What follows is a rational and strategic discussion of euthanasia from both the DVMs’ perspectives and the pet owners. She thoughtfully suggests we rethink euthanasia from something we must or should consider to something we might or could consider.
Source: Veterinary Team Brief, January/February 2018.
By changing euthanasia from a recommendation to a reasonable option, we can begin to overcome our veterinary end-of-life system’s design flaw and reach common ground, says Goldberg. This approach can benefit clients by improving empathic communication and patients by improving the resulting care. Most importantly, perhaps, and the reason for this column, the approach benefits veterinarians, who engage in these tough conversations continuously.
Also see: Euthanasia, Animal Health Digest. View articles in the AHD library using the sort tool on the word euthanasia.
INSIGHTS: Dr. Goldberg hasn’t opened a can of worms here, she is questioning why we use a can for worms in the first place. Note her two questions below. Maybe we are spending too much time trying to deal with the reaction instead of viewing the problems as a consequence of choices made decades ago that have seldom been revisited.
- If we look at veterinary end-of-life care as a system, where in the system can we intervene to optimize emotional wellbeing?
- Are there cultural practices within the veterinary profession itself that deserve a closer look?