Join us in a safe space where you can talk, share, brainstorm and commiserate over various clinical topics with fellow VECCS members!

Topic: : Coping With Euthanasia in the Emergency and Critical Care Setting

Moderator: Dr. Sheila Robertson

Description: Euthanasia is an important part of our duty as veterinarians and there are many reasons for ending an animal’s life. In emergency and critical care settings the scenarios are different from those encountered in general practice. In one case you can find yourself able to save a patient, but the owners cannot afford to treat and in other situations, euthanasia is clearly warranted but the owners won’t let go even when further treatment is likely to be futile. Performing euthanasia is one of many stressors in the daily work of emergency and critical care teams. It is important to recognize that these stressors are cumulative and recognizing them in yourself or other team members is essential. More work is needed to teach all members of the team coping mechanisms and self-care and this should begin during training. One proven tool in human medicine is learning how to have difficult conversations around death and dying.