Refusal of euthanasia

Communication in Euthanasia Discussions

Communication is important when discussing euthanasia with a client.

Communication

• Allows building trust with the client. Building a vet-client relationship allows trust with the client. This is important so the client can trust your professional opinion and your judgment.

• Ensures there is an understanding. Vets should be very clear when explaining the animal's condition and explaining how it is going to deteriorate. This allows the client to understand why euthanasia is appropriate. If the client misunderstands the situation, this may result in conflicting opinions.

• Helps in managing emotions. The owners may be frightened by the situation. It is your responsibility to lead them so that they can have their emotions under control. Nevertheless, as a vet, you should be professional at all times during the communication process.

• Helps in decision-making. Providing the owner in a clear manner with all the necessary information gives the owners the opportunity to make the right decision that, first of all, ensures the animal's welfare.

An Owner Refuses Euthanasia

There are instances where the owner may refuse to euthanise an animal. This situation is very difficult as the animal's welfare is the most important thing. The vet has to show compassion and give all the information that is available to the client so that they can decide wisely.

Main Ideas

• The first responsibility of the vet is the welfare of the animal.
• Permanently sustaining the life of the animal that is in pain is morally incorrect.
• Vets have to respect the owner's decision, but the vet should not allow the suffering to continue.
• If it is only a handful of instances, the vet has to come in and take control decisively.