RANT HERE thread

[parula]

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Ithink people are more worried about the "baking powder and vinegar" method, not the cervical dislocation

ewww

 

[KCgophervet]

Ithink people are more worried about the "baking powder and vinegar" method, not the cervical dislocation

Here's the deal, CO2 asphyxiation, if done slowly and in a controlled method, makes the animal fall asleep, then eventually succumb. It is the preferred method of euth for lab rodents for this reason. Cervical dislocation is generally the back up to this method , just to make sure they are truly gone and don't later wake up and freeze to death (since many are subsequently frozen, also younger rodents tend to be difficult to asphyxiate).

My rat was sitting in her own bedding, happily nomming on a pile of Yogies (yogurt treats), slowly fell asleep (with a Yogie still in her mouth), and never woke up.

I'm not saying everyone should use this method, and I would never condone it for someone not comfortable with it, or for anything larger than a rat, or for anyone not familiar with the process and what it should look like. But for me, with the experience under my belt, and my circumstances, I believe I made the best choice for the both of us.

 

[Hotfillyky]

Cervical dislocation is humane when done correctly, which I'm sure it was or else they probably wouldn't have tried it. I've seen it done numerous times, the rodents are passed in a few seconds without any struggling at all.

I understand that putting your own pet down may be a tough issue, but cervical dislocation or not, you're going to think about it the rest of your life. I think it takes more guts than I have to put down my own pet, I think it's admirable to know when to take action and do it yourself.

I've been in the field for 11 years. I would never even think to do this. I don't think it has anything to do with having the guts.

Frankly I find it appalling.

 

[MommaFox]

I've been in the field for 11 years. I would never even think to do this. I don't think it has anything to do with having the guts.

Frankly I find it appalling.

I didn't mean to do anything inhumane or hurt the rat. I love rats...I honestly wanted to vomit just thinking about it. But watching her writhe around on the pavers with blood in her mouth wasn't fun either. There was no struggle and I let her calm down in my hands first so her last moments weren't spent in complete horror. She passed extremely quickly and lost her blink reflex almost immediately. Much better then flopping on the pavement to die slowly in the cold. I'm sorry I stirred things up, I had a situation that I really had no idea how to deal with. Putting her in a box and driving 30 mins to an emergency clinic would have been worse, imho. I'm just glad its over, and glad she isn't suffering.

I have seen hundreds of EUs and even performed them myself. Never have I ever had to perform one without the assistance of approved chemicals and deff never with just my own hands. It was awful, I had a huge moral pep talk with myself to justify it, and I hope I never have to do it again.

Once again, sorry for stirring things up, I did not intend for it to. Peace, please. It is done and over with, it happened, I'm not proud, but it had to be done one way or another for the rats sake. Sorry.

 

[KCgophervet]

I didn't mean to do anything inhumane or hurt the rat. I love rats...I honestly wanted to vomit just thinking about it. But watching her writhe around on the pavers with blood in her mouth wasn't fun either. There was no struggle and I let her calm down in my hands first so her last moments weren't spent in complete horror. She passed extremely quickly and lost her blink reflex almost immediately. Much better then flopping on the pavement to die slowly in the cold. I'm sorry I stirred things up, I had a situation that I really had no idea how to deal with. Putting her in a box and driving 30 mins to an emergency clinic would have been worse, imho. I'm just glad its over, and glad she isn't suffering.


Once again, sorry for stirring things up, I did not intend for it to. Peace, please. It is done and over with, it happened, I'm not proud, but it had to be done one way or another for the rats sake. Sorry.

I think you did the right thing. Often, the right thing is not the easiest thing, but you ended its suffering, which I believe is the an inherent part of the word "humane."

I feel much worse for the dead mouse my cat brought me a few months ago - who knows how long its suffering lasted?

 

[dvmdreamer]

I didn't mean to do anything inhumane or hurt the rat. I love rats...I honestly wanted to vomit just thinking about it. But watching her writhe around on the pavers with blood in her mouth wasn't fun either.

Once again, sorry for stirring things up, I did not intend for it to. Peace, please. It is done and over with, it happened, I'm not proud, but it had to be done one way or another for the rats sake. Sorry.

I think you did the right thing too. I have had situations on my property where wild animals (ie, baby birds falling from nests onto pavement) have been hurt and I know they will die. I always wish I had the skill to do what you did and save them hours/days of suffering until they pass on their own. I agree with kcoughli on "humane" encompassing sparing suffering, so kudos to you for being brave.

 

[kernel]

I think you did the right thing too. I have had situations on my property where wild animals (ie, baby birds falling from nests onto pavement) have been hurt and I know they will die. I always wish I had the skill to do what you did and save them hours/days of suffering until they pass on their own. I agree with kcoughli on "humane" encompassing sparing suffering, so kudos to you for being brave.

👍

 

[Trematode]

Back in the 70's (in the country) my dad had to put down a deer with a hammer that someone else hit and left lying in the road. 🙁

I was with a group of Girl Guide leaders at a cabin one night as an end of the year party a couple of years ago. We saw some mice visitors running around in the kitchen. My friend tried to trap it in a pot to take it outside, missed and ended up hitting the mouse with the edge of the pot. The mouse wasn't doing so well. I think the mouse was conscious but not moving. it sucked. She put it outside. I asked her if she could take it out of its misery. She didn't want to and everyone else gave me strange looks for suggesting it. I regret not going out and doing what I can.

My gerbil euths came to $46 at an emergency clinic. That vet clinic sounds a little psycho for wanting $100 for a euth.

 

[KCgophervet]

My gerbil euths came to $46 at an emergency clinic. That vet clinic sounds a little psycho for wanting $100 for a euth.

Their policy is that every animal that comes in gets an exam, and the flat exam rate is ~$66. So that plus the euth = ouch. I thought it was crazy as well, but once I heard the backstory I sort of understand the policy. They apparently had had problems with people coming in with injured/ill animals just wanting to get them vaccinated and the vets were doing exams on them anyway (not wanting to give immune compromised animals vaccines, or send injured animals home w/o treatment) and people were complaining that they didn't come in for an exam, just the vaccinations. So they finally put up signs in their lobby saying "every animal gets an exam."

TL;DR Some people being cheap forced the vet clinic into becoming expensive...

 

[Trematode]

I had an interview at a clinic that had a "no questions asked" euthanasia policy. Too many clinics are roping clients into exams and treatment for their 15 year old pets which they end up euthanizing anyway. So it goes both ways. Sucks that no clinic was able to provide a euth for you.

Both times I took my gerbils to the emergency clinic to be out down, the vet examined the animal before doing it. I don't know if the price included an "exam" or not. I had no problem paying $46 for the service so I did not question it.

 

[Escalla]

The ER/CC/Specialty clinic I work at provides euths with no exam/consult, with a brief consult and a full consult if you're wanting to see what options there are before putting your pet down. I can understand why they would require an exam for primary care services, but euths? Seems a bit much. I understand why you chose that route and sympathize as it must have been a difficult decision. 🙁

 

[BlackDog17]

Clinic I used to work at did euthanasia for free for existing clients. The reasoning was that they didn't want to drag out a beloved pet's suffering because the owners couldn't pay. Surprisingly, they did the least euths of any clinic I've ever seen.

They also sent flowers and a sympathy card to the client afterward. May have been a bit of money lost, but they pretty much guaranteed that client would come back to the same clinic when they got a new pet.

 

[Abnerrs]

Ok. This is going to sound harsh. Having a pet is a privilege not a right. If you don't have the money for one, then maybe you shouldn't have one. And even that statement sounds a bit more rigid that I intend for it to. I understand you can't prepare for everything, but this is unacceptable to me. I think that doing a home euth is reckless and irresponsible. You are not trained to be doing this, you are not in a controlled environment, and in the event you do it wrong, because that is certainly possible because you are NOT a trained professional, you do not have the skills, knowledge or tools necessary to minimize the suffering of that animal. IMO, it's selfish. It's money. You need money to have pets. I have coughed up thousands for my dog in an emergency situation, having to repay some of it, because as her owner, it is my job to do what is best for her, regardless. I payed $175 to euth my ferret because that is my job. This is something I feel very strongly about.

 

[Abnerrs]

The ER/CC/Specialty clinic I work at provides euths with no exam/consult, with a brief consult and a full consult if you're wanting to see what options there are before putting your pet down. I can understand why they would require an exam for primary care services, but euths? Seems a bit much. I understand why you chose that route and sympathize as it must have been a difficult decision. 🙁

We require what we call a quality of life exam (at a very discounted rate) if we have never seen the animal or if we have not seen the animal in a long time. Because the Dr. will not compromise her morals to euth a healthy pet. We have A LOT of people trying to euth an animal because they are inconvenient and the shelter is full.

 

[Escalla]

We require what we call a quality of life exam (at a very discounted rate) if we have never seen the animal or if we have not seen the animal in a long time. Because the Dr. will not compromise her morals to euth a healthy pet. We have A LOT of people trying to euth an animal because they are inconvenient and the shelter is full.

So if the quality of life exam finds the animal to be in good condition or have a manageable problem, do you turn them away? I'm not interested in sparking a convenience euth debate because we all know the sides of that. Just wondering since I'm pretty sure that if the client wants a convenience euth at our clinic, the vet will try to talk them out of it but will ultimately fulfill the client's request.

 

[Abnerrs]

So if the quality of life exam finds the animal to be in good condition or have a manageable problem, do you turn them away? I'm not interested in sparking a convenience euth debate because we all know the sides of that. Just wondering since I'm pretty sure that if the client wants a convenience euth at our clinic, the vet will try to talk them out of it but will ultimately fulfill the client's request.

Yeah, we'll turn them away. If another office wants to do it, they can. But my Dr. has decided she doesn't want... the marks on her karma? How do I say that? lol You understand what I'm saying.

 

[Escalla]

Yeah, we'll turn them away. If another office wants to do it, they can. But my Dr. has decided she doesn't want... the marks on her karma? How do I say that? lol You understand what I'm saying.

Is it a privately-owned practice? How many docs? It would be interesting to see if there was a trend in relation to private vs. corporate. Obviously with a private practice, you can decide what you want when you're the owner or if it is agreed upon among everyone. Corporate is policy, period. Just wondering out loud. 🙂

 

[DVMDream]

Yeah, we'll turn them away. If another office wants to do it, they can. But my Dr. has decided she doesn't want... the marks on her karma? How do I say that? lol You understand what I'm saying.

This is that same that it was at the clinics that I worked at. Ultimately, it was up to the doctor if they wanted to do the "convenience euth" and most of the doctors that I worked with did not want to have to go home at night and try living with themselves having euth'd healthy animals for no real reason. I have to applaud anyone that gets into shelter med as a vet, as I am sure that is a really tough thing to deal with.

 

[Abnerrs]

Is it a privately-owned practice? How many docs? It would be interesting to see if there was a trend in relation to private vs. corporate. Obviously with a private practice, you can decide what you want when you're the owner or if it is agreed upon among everyone. Corporate is policy, period. Just wondering out loud. 🙂

Privately owned with 2 Dr.s. And it is my ideal practice philosophy. Makes me happy I'm friends with the Dr. and she keeps saying I need to hurry up and get through vet school so I can come practice with her.

This is that same that it was at the clinics that I worked at. Ultimately, it was up to the doctor if they wanted to do the "convenience euth" and most of the doctors that I worked with did not want to have to go home at night and try living with themselves having euth'd healthy animals for no real reason. I have to applaud anyone that gets into shelter med as a vet, as I am sure that is a really tough thing to deal with.

Fo sho friend!! That sounds awful.

 

[MommaFox]

Ok. This is going to sound harsh. Having a pet is a privilege not a right. If you don't have the money for one, then maybe you shouldn't have one. And even that statement sounds a bit more rigid that I intend for it to. I understand you can't prepare for everything, but this is unacceptable to me. I think that doing a home euth is reckless and irresponsible. You are not trained to be doing this, you are not in a controlled environment, and in the event you do it wrong, because that is certainly possible because you are NOT a trained professional, you do not have the skills, knowledge or tools necessary to minimize the suffering of that animal. IMO, it's selfish. It's money. You need money to have pets. I have coughed up thousands for my dog in an emergency situation, having to repay some of it, because as her owner, it is my job to do what is best for her, regardless. I payed $175 to euth my ferret because that is my job. This is something I feel very strongly about.

I agree with this, but I always have to remind myself (especially working in shelter medicine) that bad things happen to good people and unfortunetly money is a common deciding factor when it comes to some things for some people.. If my dogs had gotten the rat in the day time I would have drove it to the nerest open clinic and beg they do it for me. Sadly, it was late at night and the closest emerg clinic to me is a 25-30 min drive and I didn't want to drag it out that long. I would've rather had a professional eu the wild rat but...well I didn't really have that option.

And I remember in private practice a woman wanted our dr to eu her 2 pugs because she couldn't bear the thought of them going to a home other than hers and she had to get rid of them. I worked in a corp office and I remember my vet crying because she didn't want to. We ended up talking the woman out of it but I feel like its wrong to force vets to do things like that. She was tore up.

In shelter medicine, at least at my shelter, its mostly technicians and other trained individuals who do eus. The vet must sign off on it but usually they do not have to see the pet first. It really sucks when we have a very nice animal with an unfixable health problem. Blah.

 

[Abnerrs]

I agree with this. If my dogs had gotten the rat in the day time I would have drove it to the nerest open clinic and beg they do it for me. Sadly, it was late at night and the closest emerg clinic to me is a 25-30 min drive and I didn't want to drag it out that long. I would've rather had a professional eu the wild rat but...well I didn't really have that option.

And I remember in private practice a woman wanted our dr to eu her 2 pugs because she couldn't bear the thought of them going to a home other than hers and she had to get rid of them. I worked in a corp office and I remember my vet crying because she didn't want to. We ended up talking the woman out of it but I feel like its wrong to force vets to do things like that. She was tore up.

In shelter medicine, at least at my shelter, its mostly technicians and other trained individuals who do eus. The vet must sign off on it but usually they do not have to see the pet first. It really sucks when we have a very nice animal with an unfixable health problem. Blah.

I feel like your situation was an extreme. I don't blame you for doing what you did.

 

[Trematode]

You are probably all aware of the other side of the debate: every time you turn down a euth for a healthy pet, what is the owner going to do to that animal? Find it a home? Dump it? Perform euthanasia himself? I would feel better putting a healthy animal down than knowing it could end up in a situation that is worse than death. That was one of the reasons brought up when the "no questions asked" policy came up. If rehoming a healthy animal was that easy, there would not be a hundred "Free Cat" ads in the classifieds.

 

[Abnerrs]

You are probably all aware of the other side of the debate: every time you turn down a euth for a healthy pet, what is the owner going to do to that animal? Find it a home? Dump it? Perform euthanasia himself? I would feel better putting a healthy animal down than knowing it could end up in a situation that is worse than death. That was one of the reasons brought up when the "no questions asked" policy came up. If rehoming a healthy animal was that easy, there would not be a hundred "Free Cat" ads in the classifieds.

Yeah. I didn't say the solution was perfect. It just... is a crappy situation. But I could not live with myself euthanizing animals that are healthy. Where I work we put them in touch with various rescues and have even taken animals in and found homes for them ourselves.

 

[KCgophervet]

Yeah. I didn't say the solution was perfect. It just... is a crappy situation. But I could not live with myself euthanizing animals that are healthy. Where I work we put them in touch with various rescues and have even taken animals in and found homes for them ourselves.

That is how the very small shelter got started in the small town where I attended undergrad. The vet there had a few people bring in dogs and cats they couldn't keep for whatever reason, so he just decided to hold onto them and try to find homes for them. It got to the point where the spare room he had in the back of his clinic became the town animal shelter. Eventually he enlisted the college to help and got so much support there was a waitlist if you wanted to volunteer there!

 

[MommaFox]

That is how the very small shelter got started in the small town where I attended undergrad. The vet there had a few people bring in dogs and cats they couldn't keep for whatever reason, so he just decided to hold onto them and try to find homes for them. It got to the point where the spare room he had in the back of his clinic became the town animal shelter. Eventually he enlisted the college to help and got so much support there was a waitlist if you wanted to volunteer there!

This is an awesome story.
😀

 

[PetPony]

You are probably all aware of the other side of the debate: every time you turn down a euth for a healthy pet, what is the owner going to do to that animal? Find it a home? Dump it? Perform euthanasia himself? I would feel better putting a healthy animal down than knowing it could end up in a situation that is worse than death. That was one of the reasons brought up when the "no questions asked" policy came up. If rehoming a healthy animal was that easy, there would not be a hundred "Free Cat" ads in the classifieds.

I'm doing a speech about no kill shelters and that's something I keep coming back to. I haven't really decided what side I'm on because of this exact reason. (exact as in the equivalent of what shelters do.. haha)

 

[Philliab]

Ok. This is going to sound harsh. Having a pet is a privilege not a right. If you don't have the money for one, then maybe you shouldn't have one. And even that statement sounds a bit more rigid that I intend for it to. I understand you can't prepare for everything, but this is unacceptable to me. I think that doing a home euth is reckless and irresponsible. You are not trained to be doing this, you are not in a controlled environment, and in the event you do it wrong, because that is certainly possible because you are NOT a trained professional, you do not have the skills, knowledge or tools necessary to minimize the suffering of that animal. IMO, it's selfish. It's money. You need money to have pets. I have coughed up thousands for my dog in an emergency situation, having to repay some of it, because as her owner, it is my job to do what is best for her, regardless. I payed $175 to euth my ferret because that is my job. This is something I feel very strongly about.

Coming out of SDN self-banishment for this topic, because I find it odd. What do you mean by a trained professional and are you including all animals? It does not take a vet to put an animal out of its misery correctly and painlessly. Now...I wouldn't suggest learning how to do it on YouTube.... 🙁

I guess I'm just not sure I understand what is selfish about this situation. I think I must be missing the person or post you are targeting.

 

[ky261682]

Here's the deal, CO2 asphyxiation, if done slowly and in a controlled method, makes the animal fall asleep, then eventually succumb. It is the preferred method of euth for lab rodents for this reason. Cervical dislocation is generally the back up to this method , just to make sure they are truly gone and don't later wake up and freeze to death (since many are subsequently frozen, also younger rodents tend to be difficult to asphyxiate).

The labs I've worked in and the training courses I've attended have discouraged CO2 asphyxiation for euthanasia because there have been reports of the rats experiencing hypoxia and distress before becoming unconscious. At the university I worked at the only methods for euthanasia in rodents that were approved were cervical dislocation, barbiturate overdose, decapitation or intracardiac blood draw (followed by overdose to ensure death). The animal had to be completely anesthetized prior to administering whatever method of euthanasia. CO2 asphyxiation is an accepted method; I just wanted to point out that it is not the preferred method everywhere and some universities no longer approve of its use.

 

[that redhead]

The labs I've worked in and the training courses I've attended have discouraged CO2 asphyxiation for euthanasia because there have been reports of the rats experiencing hypoxia and distress before becoming unconscious. At the university I worked at the only methods for euthanasia in rodents that were approved were cervical dislocation, barbiturate overdose, decapitation or intracardiac blood draw (followed by overdose to ensure death). The animal had to be completely anesthetized prior to administering whatever method of euthanasia. CO2 asphyxiation is an accepted method; I just wanted to point out that it is not the preferred method everywhere and some universities no longer approve of its use.

👍 This was what I was going to say. It was acceptable at the large undergraduate university I worked at, but many did CD or decapitation instead.

 

[Abnerrs]

Coming out of SDN self-banishment for this topic, because I find it odd. What do you mean by a trained professional and are you including all animals? It does not take a vet to put an animal out of its misery correctly and painlessly. Now...I wouldn't suggest learning how to do it on YouTube.... 🙁

I guess I'm just not sure I understand what is selfish about this situation. I think I must be missing the person or post you are targeting.

I mean they are not a veterinarian. And I read it and had the reaction that, if you don't want to pay money for an animal, including euthanasias, then don't have one. Don't try to pinch pennies and possibly make your animal suffer needlessly.

 

[Abnerrs]

I mean they are not a veterinarian. And I read it and had the reaction that, if you don't want to pay money for an animal, including euthanasias, then don't have one. Don't try to pinch pennies and possibly make your animal suffer needlessly.

Maybe I'm a bit militant on this but it really really bothers me.

 

[dyachei]

Is it a privately-owned practice? How many docs? It would be interesting to see if there was a trend in relation to private vs. corporate. Obviously with a private practice, you can decide what you want when you're the owner or if it is agreed upon among everyone. Corporate is policy, period. Just wondering out loud. 🙂

I work in corporate med and we don't do convenience euthanasia. I will turn the client away and suggest relinquishment to a shelter or finding a friend/relative.

 

[Escalla]

I work in corporate med and we don't do convenience euthanasia. I will turn the client away and suggest relinquishment to a shelter or finding a friend/relative.

Good to hear! 👍

 

[Philliab]

I mean they are not a veterinarian. And I read it and had the reaction that, if you don't want to pay money for an animal, including euthanasias, then don't have one. Don't try to pinch pennies and possibly make your animal suffer needlessly.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this. Death by bullet is a very acceptable way to put down a horse; while it can be quite traumatic to the human, it's painless and instantaneous for the horse and does not take someone with a degree to do it (though it is something you have to learn to do correct by someone with experience.) It's something I want in my toolbox just in case a vet can't get to my farm when an animal is suffering. It doesn't bother me when people choose to put their animals down this way, whether the reason is based on money or not (and in my experience it is frequently not money or vet availability that makes this choice...it's personal).

I don't know that the same sort of option exists for small animal owners and won't pretend to guess. And I realize that your biggest issue is with the person that listed a dollar amount as a deciding factor, and it was a small dollar amount when we're talking about putting animal out of its misery. Of course...this is coming from a horse person. A $100 is a drop in the bucket for vet visits.

I do agree with you that owning animals is a privilege and that they deserve to be given everything they need for an excellent life. Not going to argue with that. 🙂

 

[Emiloo4]

I just stress ate like a mother fecker. I miss my fiancé like whoa, and having no idea how many months it will be until I see him sucks. Back to my Cheetos and smoothie. *sigh*
I just tried to suck a Cheeto like it was the straw to my smoothie.

 

[wolfspeaker]

I just stress ate like a mother fecker. I miss my fiancé like whoa, and having no idea how many months it will be until I see him sucks. Back to my Cheetos and smoothie. *sigh*
I just tried to suck a Cheeto like it was the straw to my smoothie.

Veggie straws!

 

[wildcatj]

I just stress ate like a mother fecker. I miss my fiancé like whoa, and having no idea how many months it will be until I see him sucks. Back to my Cheetos and smoothie. *sigh*
I just tried to suck a Cheeto like it was the straw to my smoothie.

Sorry about the other stuff, but this made me laugh. Totally something I would do and then hope no one saw...

 

[Camelidcrazy]

We'll have to agree to disagree on this. Death by bullet is a very acceptable way to put down a horse; while it can be quite traumatic to the human, it's painless and instantaneous for the horse and does not take someone with a degree to do it (though it is something you have to learn to do correct by someone with experience.) It's something I want in my toolbox just in case a vet can't get to my farm when an animal is suffering. It doesn't bother me when people choose to put their animals down this way, whether the reason is based on money or not (and in my experience it is frequently not money or vet availability that makes this choice...it's personal).

I don't know that the same sort of option exists for small animal owners and won't pretend to guess. And I realize that your biggest issue is with the person that listed a dollar amount as a deciding factor, and it was a small dollar amount when we're talking about putting animal out of its misery. Of course...this is coming from a horse person. A $100 is a drop in the bucket for vet visits.

I do agree with you that owning animals is a privilege and that they deserve to be given everything they need for an excellent life. Not going to argue with that. 🙂

I wouldn't mind this post if it weren't for the number of cases we see with bullets in the frontal sinuses of horses/dogs. I agree that if you are going to do it you should learn from someone experienced but I don't think every individual is going to seek that advice. Not when they've seen dozens of movies where an animal owner shoots the animal 'between the eyes'. Which is not effective in many, many cases.

I think that's why so many vets firmly believe a veterinarian should do the euthanasia. Because we go to school for this. And we aren't going to captive bolt a pig between the eyes.

 

[Emiloo4]

Sorry about the other stuff, but this made me laugh. Totally something I would do and then hope no one saw...

Lol it's cool. Comic relief. But I just got worse news...
I have to do research this summer but I really want/need to spend the summer with him. Finally found something up in NY that might work out so I can still be with him. He just casually announces that his company is gonna be shipping around the country this summer and he might not be able to see me. :cry: Then he got defensive that I was sad 😡
Time for more Cheeto straws.

 

[Philliab]

I wouldn't mind this post if it weren't for the number of cases we see with bullets in the frontal sinuses of horses/dogs. I agree that if you are going to do it you should learn from someone experienced but I don't think every individual is going to seek that advice. Not when they've seen dozens of movies where an animal owner shoots the animal 'between the eyes'. Which is not effective in many, many cases.

I think that's why so many vets firmly believe a veterinarian should do the euthanasia. Because we go to school for this. And we aren't going to captive bolt a pig between the eyes.

That's why I said that the technique has to be learned correctly from someone experienced. There are idiots in all aspects of life. Not trying to convince anyone that this option is better, but it needs to be mentioned. I realize that I'm on a vet forum, but it does not take a vet degree to properly put an animal out of its misery. I'm thankful the option is there even though I hope never to have to use it.

 

[PetPony]

Didn't the person say they've done many euthanasias on rats before? So it wasn't complete inexperience at least..

 

[MommaFox]

I've been stress eating bad. 🙁 Bleh.

 

[Kpowell14]

I just stress ate like a mother fecker. I miss my fiancé like whoa, and having no idea how many months it will be until I see him sucks. Back to my Cheetos and smoothie. *sigh*
I just tried to suck a Cheeto like it was the straw to my smoothie.

Hang in there Em. Fiancé problems are the worst. 🙁

 

[orca2011]

Didn't the person say they've done many euthanasias on rats before? So it wasn't complete inexperience at least..

I thought I had read that too, which is why I didn't freak out about it. It sounded like they had been trained from a previous job, but maybe I am mixing up people.



However, I agree, that I don't think it's cool that the receptionist gave out info on how to do it and that your average person shouldn't be doing them.

 

[PetPony]

I thought I had read that too, which is why I didn't freak out about it. It sounded like they had been trained from a previous job, but maybe I am mixing up people.

However, I agree, that I don't think it's cool that the receptionist gave out info on how to do it and that your average person shouldn't be doing them.

I agree. With both things. Since there was experience, I wasn't as worried. But the info shouldn't have been given out that way since the receptionist wouldn't know the person's experience level. And I doubt they would have said it about a dog, so they shouldn't have for a rat either.

 

[Abnerrs]

I agree. With both things. Since there was experience, I wasn't as worried. But the info shouldn't have been given out that way since the receptionist wouldn't know the person's experience level. And I doubt they would have said it about a dog, so they shouldn't have for a rat either.

I probably missed it, but I didn't remember reading that there was previous experience. (not that it would change my mind)

 

[Hotfillyky]

Yeah, we'll turn them away. If another office wants to do it, they can. But my Dr. has decided she doesn't want... the marks on her karma? How do I say that? lol You understand what I'm saying.

AGREED...we do the same.

As for the previous topic....my issue is not with what Mommafox said or had to do (so much). The person who replied regarding her personal "pets" is what I find upsetting. Perhaps that is okay in the world of lab animal medicine but it is not acceptable for me or any one that I work with (I brought it up with my doc and coworkers because I was so disturbed).

As for costs for small mammal euthanasias, we do no charge euths for clients (they pay for cremation, etc..) Non-clients may get a small charge for exam and euth if doc agrees that it is time but they still pay for cremation, etc... I will have to check as to cost but it isn't that expensive. We also have MANY clients with ratties and they all do this....last one was a week ago and she did a private cremation ($100 alone). We also have multiple clients that have rats with lumps...they go to surgery and get taken off before they ulcerate and bleed.

It boils down to a personal choice. Said person saw nothing wrong with performing "at home" euthanasia on her "pets". If she/he can live with it then that is up to them.

I disagree with this method from an ethical, moral and emotional standpoint.

And I am not trying to start a debate at all. Everyone may feel differently.

 

[Hotfillyky]

Yeah. I didn't say the solution was perfect. It just... is a crappy situation. But I could not live with myself euthanizing animals that are healthy. Where I work we put them in touch with various rescues and have even taken animals in and found homes for them ourselves.

👍👍

 

[485501]

A word of possible defense for the receptionist in the home euth situation:

I don't know if this applies in this situation, but I was told by one vet I talked to that often in her experience people turned away from a euth for a young or small animal will take the animal home and drown it. If the receptionist got the feeling that the owner was going to take care of it him/herself, she might have made the suggestion in the hopes that the owner would at least look up and try a humane method, rather than just putting the rat in a bag and dumping it in a bucket.

Again, I don't know if that applies. But if things like that have happened at that practice in the past, the receptionist may even have been acting on a suggestion from her boss. Conjecture, but it wouldn't necessarily surprise me.

 

[Abnerrs]

AGREED...we do the same.

As for the previous topic....my issue is not with what Mommafox said or had to do (so much). The person who replied regarding her personal "pets" is what I find upsetting.

Agreed. It wasn't Mommafox I took issue with.