Euthanasia literally means ‘gentle
death’. Other terms you may hear are ‘put to sleep’, or ‘put down’. The
decision to end a life is never easy. It is a personal, loving decision to
euthanase a pet for which the quality of life has deteriorated. It takes
courage to assume this last duty and it is our last responsibility to a pet
which has given us love and companionship.
What should I do?
Your relationship with your pet is
special, and you are responsible for your pet’s care and welfare. Eventually,
many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets.
Your vet is an invaluable source of
advice when you feel the time for euthanasia may be approaching. He or she
cannot make the decision for you, but he can help you to decide when it is time
to let go. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best
for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people
alike.
Why is there a need for euthanasia?
There are numerous reasons for opting to
euthanase a pet.
These include:
Old age and debility;
A terminal illness;
Inability to treat a pet due to medical or other reasons;
Translocating and an inability to re-home a pet.
Whatever the reason, it is important that the decision is made in the best interests of your pet.
“I know in time that you will see the kindness that you did for me. Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I’ve been saved.”
(excerpt from “If it should be” – Anonymous)
What happens when an animal is euthanased?
Some veterinarians prefer to give a
sedative tranquilizer prior to the euthanasia drug, which is given in the vein.
The tranquilizer is either given as a tablet by mouth or a painless injection
under the skin, like a vaccination. The animal is then restful and the owner
may elect to spend some quiet time saying good-bye. The euthanasia drug itself
is an overdose of a barbiturate.
This is administered through an IV
catheter or with a needle and syringe.
Unconsciousness then follows rapidly, usually within 30 seconds. Observers generally describe it as a quick and peaceful death.
Things to be aware of as death occurs:
The eyes may remain open.
There may be a last gasping breath, called an agonal breath.
There may be vocalisation.
There may be muscle twitching.
The heart may continue beating for a short period after breathing has stopped.
The bladder and possibly, bowel contents will be released.
In most circumstances, you will notice nothing except a peaceful release of tension, as in ‘going to sleep’
Due to each animal’s individual health
situation, things may be different from animal to animal.
How can I make the process less stressful?
Book an appointment during a
quiet time of the vet’s day.
If possible sit with your pet
in the car until the vet is able to see you — ask the receptionist to call you
when the vet is ready to take you through.
If possible, settle the bill
upfront – try and avoid having to pay a bill in a distressed state after having
put your beloved companion to sleep.
What happens to your pet’s body after the euthanasia procedure?
After temporary cooled storage,
your pet may be cremated by a pet cremation company.
You may choose to have the
ashes returned to you. If this is the case it is important that you tell the
vet prior to the euthanasia procedure.
Occasionally pet owners request
to keep their pet’s body for their own burial arrangements.
Your veterinarian understands the relationship you have lost.
Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotal sac of your dog or cat. The medical term for castration is orchidectomy. It is also referred to as neutering or sterilisation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING MY PET CASTRATED?
There are several benefits to having your cat or dog castrated:
• Castrated animals are less likely to roam thereby decreasing the chances of them fighting with other animals and being injured or killed by motor vehicles. Cats that fight with other cats are at risk of contracting certain diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, otherwise known as Feline AIDS. This virus is transmitted through their saliva when they bite each other. Fighting cats are also at risk of developing abscesses.
• Castration of dogs and cats decreases the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.
• Castrating your cat will also reduce or eliminate certain sexually driven behaviours, such as urine spraying.
• Castration may also be used to decrease male aggression.
• Cryptorchidism is a congenital failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. The testicles are then located in the abdomen, where they are constantly exposed to higher intra-abdominal temperatures. Retained testicles are predisposed to neoplasia (cancer). Castration is of vital importance in these dogs and cats.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CASTRATION PROCEDURE?
Your cat or dog will need to undergo general anaesthesia to perform the procedure. Your veterinarian will perform a preoperative physical examination prior to the surgical procedure. During the procedure, your pet’s testicles will be surgically removed from the scrotal sac. Cats will not need any stitches as only a small incision is made directly over the scrotal sac. Dogs will have a few stitches that will need to be removed 10 – 14 days later.
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY DOG OR CAT AT HOME AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
When you get home, offer only small amounts of food and water at first – give your pet some time to settle down.
Do not allow your pet to lick his wound as this may lead to infection of the wound.
Do not bath your pet or allow swimming for the first ten days after surgery or until after his skin stitches have been removed.
Do not allow other pets or children to pester him.
Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotal sac of your dog or cat. The medical term for castration is orchidectomy. It is also referred to as neutering or sterilisation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING MY PET CASTRATED?
There are several benefits to having your cat or dog castrated:
• Castrated animals are less likely to roam thereby decreasing the chances of them fighting with other animals and being injured or killed by motor vehicles. Cats that fight with other cats are at risk of contracting certain diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, otherwise known as Feline AIDS. This virus is transmitted through their saliva when they bite each other. Fighting cats are also at risk of developing abscesses.
• Castration of dogs and cats decreases the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.
• Castrating your cat will also reduce or eliminate certain sexually driven behaviours, such as urine spraying.
• Castration may also be used to decrease male aggression.
• Cryptorchidism is a congenital failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. The testicles are then located in the abdomen, where they are constantly exposed to higher intra-abdominal temperatures. Retained testicles are predisposed to neoplasia (cancer). Castration is of vital importance in these dogs and cats.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CASTRATION PROCEDURE?
Your cat or dog will need to undergo general anaesthesia to perform the procedure. Your veterinarian will perform a preoperative physical examination prior to the surgical procedure. During the procedure, your pet’s testicles will be surgically removed from the scrotal sac. Cats will not need any stitches as only a small incision is made directly over the scrotal sac. Dogs will have a few stitches that will need to be removed 10 – 14 days later.
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY DOG OR CAT AT HOME AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
When you get home, offer only small amounts of food and water at first – give your pet some time to settle down.
Do not allow your pet to lick his wound as this may lead to infection of the wound.
Do not bath your pet or allow swimming for the first ten days after surgery or until after his skin stitches have been removed.
Do not allow other pets or children to pester him.
Blood samples taken from a zebra by one of our nursing staff
Game capture services
Van Wijkstreet Animal Hospital provides a game capture services and is registered to capture, treat and relocate game.
We are involved with breeding projects for wildlife like Buffalo, Nyala, Sable and Roan antelope. We have two Veterinarians at the practise specializing in immobilising game and can also help in planning game capture operation.
Klipspringer after a radius fracture was treated surgically. Last photo was taken 2 weeks after the cast was fitted.
A Sable calf being treated for internal parasites and samples taken for general health check up.
Modern technology can be incorporated into a breeding program in order to maximize reproductive efficiency and to allow the flexibility necessary to achieve one’s goal in producing quality foals.
Artificial insemination services are provided, as well as semen collection, and synchronization and insemination of mares.
