Owner quality of life, caregiver burden and anticipatory grief: How they differ, why it matters.

Background: Understanding client perspective is important for veterinary communications, particularly during problem visits. Key client experiences of caregiver burden, anticipatory grief and quality of life (QoL) have been previously examined in this context, but never simultaneously considered.

Methods: A sample of 393 owners of an elderly or seriously ill companion animal was recruited online to complete cross-sectional measures of psychosocial function, companion animal presentation and demographics.

Factors Contributing to the Decision to Euthanize: Diagnosis, Clinical Signs, and Triggers.

This article reviews factors contributing to the decision to euthanize a patient by exploring the diagnosis, clinical signs, and triggers behind the choice. By investigating these triggers, the article helps guide practitioners to proactively manage areas of concern that lead to the decision of euthanasia. Included in this article is a benchmark comprehensive survey for pet families that standardizes documentation of family decision making surrounding end of life and euthanasia.

Communication: Difficult Conversation in Veterinary End-of-Life Care.

This article demonstrates how good communication sets the foundation to provide superior comprehensive care during the stressful time surrounding end of life. Communication addressing end-of-life care in veterinary medicine has significant impact on all involved: the patient, the client, the health care team, and the practice. These conversations require training and practice to achieve mutually satisfying outcomes.

A Comparison of Human and Animal Assisted Dying Protocols.

This article compares human and veterinary assisted dying protocols, exploring the relevant similarities and differences in the practice of euthanasia between these related fields of medicine. Special focus is placed on the use of medical terminology and technical application of drug protocols. Comparative research in this area may provide useful insights for the fields of veterinary medicine and human medicine alike.

Euthanasia from the Veterinary Client's Perspective: Psychosocial Contributors to Euthanasia Decision Making .

End-of-life decision making for a companion animal relies on the veterinarian acting as educator and counselor. However, little research has been conducted to understand client variables in this context. The current study examined potential client-related contributors to steps taken toward a euthanasia decision.

The Pathophysiology of Dying.

The pathophysiology of dying and death, related to veterinary patients, has warranted less attention than normal and abnormal physiologic processes related to life preservation. In addition, many veterinary patients are euthanized, which prevents observation of natural disease progression, while ameliorating suffering. Acute death in human medicine can serve as a model for understanding mechanisms of death in veterinary patients under certain conditions.

An Objective Exploration of Euthanasia and Adverse Events.

Companion animal euthanasia is of great emotional, social, ethical, and medical significance because of the strong bond between pets and their owners. Few studies exist quantifying adverse events during and after euthanasia. Such events have profound effects on pet owners, veterinary professionals and veterinary patients.