Assisted Natural Death in an Animal ICU Setting 

By: Stacy Montgomerie, DVM, CHPV

Description: A case-based discussion of assisted natural death in ICU patients as a treatment option when euthanasia is declined. The majority of families choose direct euthanasia for their animal companions, however, there is a subset of animal caregivers that gravitate toward options other than euthanasia. How can veterinary clinicians honor animal caregiver wishes for the death of their animal companion without performing direct euthanasia while avoiding animal suffering and upholding the veterinary oath? We will explore direct euthanasia alternatives using a case-based discussion of assisted natural death in the hospital/ICU setting. The clinical management of assisted natural death, guiding the family through the process of dying, and supporting the veterinary team during and after the dying process will be addressed.

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

1. Discuss overview of assisted natural death as an alternative to euthanasia.
2. Discuss clinician communication and medical responsibilities.
3. Use case-based discussion as a model.

Speaker Info: Stacy Ann Montgomerie is a hospice/ER/ICU staff veterinarian at DoveLewis Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Montgomerie joined DoveLewis in 2016 and has been an ER and ICU DVM since graduating in 2012. Dr. Montgomerie also earned her hospice/palliative care certification via the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care  (IAAHPC) in 2022. Outside of work, Dr. Montgomerie enjoys mushroom foraging, hiking, pickling/fermentation, crocheting/ knitting, travel, and skeleton preparation/articulation. She also enjoys spending time with her partner and pets.