Lab animal medicine and compassion fatigue

[altadama]

Sorry if this has been discussed already but I didnt see much. I work as a tech in a research facility and as much as I try, sometimes I cant help but get attached to an animal and really struggle with it when the study ends. Im leaning towards lab animal medicine and Im sort of curious to hear from people in the field. Does it get easier when youre on the veterinary side vs lab tech side? Does anyone have any good ways to handle the emotions and even grief associated with the field?

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[SkiOtter]

Paging @kcoughli

 

[SkiOtter]

Oh and @Lab Vet

 

[altadama]

Oh and @Lab Vet

Thank you!

 

[Golden Eagle 12]

Hey, I'm a current vet student whose planning on going into lab animal medicine after graduating. Prior to vet school I also worked as a lab animal tech, and understand that it can be emotionally difficult. One thing that really helped me was to learn about the studies being carried out in order to better understand the why's of the research being carried out. Also, this helped me to see the big picture on how people and animals could benefit from what information was learned by their sacrifice. Lastly, I would try and internally give the animals I worked a silent prayer, thanking them for the life they gave for scientific progress. While this worked for me, I'd also discuss this with the other techs and researchers you work too, to see if they have any words of wisdom.

 

[altadama]

Hey, I'm a current vet student whose planning on going into lab animal medicine after graduating. Prior to vet school I also worked as a lab animal tech, and understand that it can be emotionally difficult. One thing that really helped me was to learn about the studies being carried out in order to better understand the why's of the research being carried out. Also, this helped me to see the big picture on how people and animals could benefit from what information was learned by their sacrifice. Lastly, I would try and internally give the animals I worked a silent prayer, thanking them for the life they gave for scientific progress. While this worked for me, I'd also discuss this with the other techs and researchers you work too, to see if they have any words of wisdom.

Thank you for the reply! It means a lot. I do try to go and say goodbye and thank you to the animals and once the study ends, I try to make a donation that seems appropriate for the ones that Im really involved with. theres just this one study recently that is super hard emotionally and my normal coping mechanisms are all failing. Its breaking my heart and im just at a loss. I truly love that i can do my part to improve the welfare of these animal but there are time like this where its so hard. Sorry for the rant. Im just so at a loss right now and all torn about it all

 

[Lab Vet]

Sorry if this has been discussed already but I didnt see much. I work as a tech in a research facility and as much as I try, sometimes I cant help but get attached to an animal and really struggle with it when the study ends. Im leaning towards lab animal medicine and Im sort of curious to hear from people in the field. Does it get easier when youre on the veterinary side vs lab tech side? Does anyone have any good ways to handle the emotions and even grief associated with the field?

Hi OP. This is an excellent question, and an important one to think about if you're considering a career in this field.

I distinctly recall my orientation to vet school- many of my classmates had spoken about their anxiety surrounding euthanasia. Although most of my classmates had witnessed euthanasia (generally, of pets), very few of them had performed the procedure themselves (or been tasked with the ultimate responsibility to make the decision- euthanize or not). Granted, the decision to euthanize rests in the hands of the owner when it comes to general practice, but the veterinarian must advise the client as to quality of life. Navigating these conversations is a completely different ballgame when you're the one directing the conversation, versus observing the interaction between the veterinarian and the client. I mention this to contrast my own experience upon entering veterinary school. By the time orientation had rolled around, I had euthanized hundreds of animals over the course of my 10+ year research career. I don't mention that statistic as a point of pride (hardly), just to provide a point of reference re: the type of euthanasia case load lab animal professionals handle over the course of their careers.

The day euthanasia doesn't bother you is the day you should quit veterinary medicine (generally) and lab animal medicine (specifically). I have been very attached to my research subjects in years past. I wouldn't say that euthanasia 'gets easier' with the passing of time, but I have a different context of understanding the procedure now than I did when I first started out. I chose a career in laboratory animal medicine because I passionately believe in the cause. A family member to whom I was very close died from an aggressive cancer at too young of an age. The disease was devastating, and absolutely heartbreaking to witness. I hope and pray that a cure to cancer, and other devastating diseases, may be uncovered by the end of my turn on this Earth. I'd love to say that this would be possible without the use of animal models. Unfortunately, the technology just isn't there yet (despite what many detractors will tell you). Animal rights extremists are fond of touting the use of alternative methods (cell culture, computer modeling) to replace animal models. In some cases, these are indeed excellent solutions that save animal lives. We haven't, however, come up with an effective way to model an intact, complex life form in its entirety. Such in vivo experiments are required at this stage in the game to investigate disease states and test new drugs. The day animal models can be completely replaced with in vitro capabilities, every laboratory animal professional will jump for joy and happily find a new job. It will be a great day for us all.

Until that time, myself and my colleagues do our utmost to ensure that animal research is done correctly, with a minimum of animal exposure to pain and distress. It's not an easy job, and it isn't for everyone. My strong sense of mission, and belief that I contribute to the relief of animal suffering (central to the veterinarian's oath), allows me to process the large scale of euthanasia that occurs in research facilities throughout the world. I still feel it (pangs of guilt), and it continues to hurt- it should. Animal research isn't a right. It's a privilege, and we should feel a pang of regret when we take one life for the benefit of another (human or animal). I firmly hold to the doctrine of Lord Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones: 'He who passes the sentence should swing the sword.' I must be rock-solid in my convictions to follow through on these actions. If I didn't believe in the necessity of the work (and the associated sacrifice), I'd be out of the field in a heartbeat. This conviction allows me to sleep at night.

As for grief- yes, I've experienced it, multiple times. One of the hardest actions I've had to undertake in my research career to date was the downsizing of a rodent colony in order to cut costs. This was mandated by my boss, and entailed the euthanasia of hundreds of mice. Fights over money don't magically disappear in lab animal medicine. Hardly. It's only the players and stakes that change. I had a really difficult time following through on this order, and told my boss so. I encourage any animal professional- technician, animal care staff, and veterinarian alike- to discuss their ethical concerns with the powers-that-be. Sometimes, verbalizing your emotions can help you to process them. It also gives the supervisor an indication as to where you're currently at with respect to compassion fatigue. Despite understanding the reason for the order, I fought it internally. Eventually, I followed through and have never forgotten it. Euthanizing a set of animals for the sake of potentially life-saving data is easier to swallow than euthanasia for the sake of saving money. This is the 'convenience/financial euthanasia' of the research world. Not all that different than what a private practice GP has to deal with, day in and day out.

There are countless examples I could provide throughout my research career of animals to whom I've become attached, and then lost at the end of an experiment. Or, decisions that I've had to make regarding humane endpoints- when is enough enough? Veterinary medicine, regardless of specialization, is largely a profession of grey. It is rarely ever black and white when it comes to decision making. You must develop your own comfort level (guided by federal law, experience, mentorship, and personal conviction) as to where you'll come down on any given issue. This is a long process- fraught with much self-doubt- that shouldn't be rushed. Find experienced mentors that you can turn to for advice when it comes to ethical issues. Talk things over with your peers and supervisors. In time, you'll develop your own understanding of these very murky waters. It's not easy- not by any stretch of the imagination. You'll also likely make some bad calls somewhere along the way (again, in any specialization of vet med). Self-chastisement for these errors won't help your future patients. Learn from them, and incorporate the lessons into future decisions. Always have the patient's best interest at heart.

Hope that these thoughts were helpful. I highly recommend reading some of the articles authored by Cindy Buckmaster. Cindy is a PhD at Baylor who is heavily involved in public outreach associated with research animal use. In my opinion, she is one of the great leaders of this very important charge. A two part article of hers comes to mind: 'To Slinky, with Love- parts 1 and 2." These editorials, published in the journal 'Lab Animal,' are basically a love letter to one of her research pigs, and discusses exactly the issues you raised in your post. I'll try attaching them below.

There's no great answer to your questions. No, it doesn't get easier- just more familiar. No, it's not easier as a veterinarian vs. a technician (at least not in my view- just a different side of the same coin). To last in this field long term, I believe that conviction and belief in the end goal (and your contribution to animal welfare) are absolute requirements- the 'key' to success, if you will.

Perhaps my colleague @kcoughli has a different perspective. I'm sure that she has some wise words 🙂

Sorry that I couldn't offer any golden solution- there simply isn't one.

Best of success.

 

[Lab Vet]

Sorry if this has been discussed already but I didnt see much. I work as a tech in a research facility and as much as I try, sometimes I cant help but get attached to an animal and really struggle with it when the study ends. Im leaning towards lab animal medicine and Im sort of curious to hear from people in the field. Does it get easier when youre on the veterinary side vs lab tech side? Does anyone have any good ways to handle the emotions and even grief associated with the field?

There's also this (see attached).
A great article published by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, that lists the many different ways institutions throughout the world pay tribute to and memorialize their research animals. This is something that I'd love to do at my home institution.

 

[Lab Vet]

Paging @kcoughli

Oh...and Ski. The GIFs crack me up 🙂

 

[SkiOtter]

Oh...and Ski. The GIFs crack me up 🙂

 

[KCgophervet]

So I honestly can't say it much better than @Lab Vet did. In my career as a research tech all the way to now as a lab animal vet resident I definitely get attached to animals. And I've also euthanized hundreds of animals in my time, and as LV said it doesn't necessarily get easier, you just learn to cope with it better.

As a lab animal vet one of the things I take comfort and pride in is my role in these animals' lives. My job, as I see it, is to make sure they are as healthy and comfortable as they can be while fulfilling the purpose they were bred for. I honestly feel that many research animals live much more comfortable lives than many or most of their wild or domestic counterparts.

I also try not to anthropomorphize too much. I don't think animals truly fear death, not in the sense that people do. They avoid pain and distress, but I don't know that they (or most of them) have a true concept or fear of death. Realizing this makes it easier for me to accept their deaths as a necessary part of life. Without research, most of the animals used in research would never have existed, as they were bred for that purpose. A calm, peaceful, pain-free death is a benefit most wild mice don't experience.

I feel like at this point I'm just going to be copying LV's post above, but if you ever want to chat just send me a PM and I'd be more than happy to chat about anything.

 

[Lab Vet]

As a lab animal vet one of the things I take comfort and pride in is my role in these animals' lives. My job, as I see it, is to make sure they are as healthy and comfortable as they can be while fulfilling the purpose they were bred for. I honestly feel that many research animals live much more comfortable lives than many or most of their wild or domestic counterparts.

👍 This all the way.

 

[hygebeorht]

This is one of the reasons I eventually moved away from lab animal reason (there were a few).

Scientific progress is powered by millions of mice (and many other species, but hella mice). I cried a lot doing my euthanasias on mice...despite following the IACUC-approved SOP, they weren't what I felt was best for the patients. I have euthanized enough patients in my life that I can't make a good guess at a number. Oftentimes, the lab animals bothered me the most.

I knew in time that I would not be the most effective guardian for our lab animals for a variety of reasons, but this was one. Others included: not being passionate enough about exotics, not being confrontational enough personality-wise (you need to stick up for what's right for your charges), etc. etc.

If this is causing you distress, perhaps broaden your horizons. There are many paths in vet med. You'll find one that works for you.

 

[genny]

I'm in the same boat as hygebeorht: decided not to go into lab animal medicine, and the euthanasias were what really did it for me. I just couldn't handle it, emotionally. One thing I have seen from all lab animal vets is a strong commitment to animal welfare, and an even stronger conviction that the research being conducted helps save lives, or is worth the lives lost in the process. I was working with the lab animal vets at my school while I was a vet student, and they were an amazing group who taught me so much about so many different species. They were fantastic about talking about the emotional side of the job as well. I'd recommend you reach out to the people in charge of the project you're working on, or the lab animal vets if you know them, and let them know what you're going through. Everyone who works in research has had to deal with this issue at some point, so you're not alone.

I'm working as a small animal GP now, which has its own challenges. I wouldn't say the euthanasias are any easier, just that I personally am better equipped to deal with the grief in this form.

 

[altadama]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I've worked in several fields and while I seriously struggle with what I do now a lot of the time, most of the things I am proudest of and the times I really feel like I made a difference have been in the lab animal field. I'm definitely open to other aspects of vet med but it was working in this lab that really made me decide to apply to vet school. I mostly work with dogs and primates so I haven't seen the same level of large scale euthanasias that come with mice and rats but we have euthanized colony animals on a smaller scale. Its always hard, but usually I can find ways to deal. I think maybe I just need to accept that there will always be those certain occasions that are harder than others and this is just one of those times. I really love the idea of institutions paying tribute to the animals...I wish that was something we did where I work. Thank you again for all the incredible replies, lots of food for thought.