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.

Nonpharmacologic Methods to Improve the Euthanasia Experience.

Nonpharmaceutical methods to improve the euthanasia experience are equally important as the drugs used to carry out a good euthanasia. Introduction of a hospice care plan to the family and their pet is supportive of all aspects surrounding death including the euthanasia process. This article reviews the tools necessary to use a hospice care plan and covers tips on how to improve the euthanasia experience using commonsense methods that are affordable for the pet owner.

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.

Standardization of Data Collection to Document Adverse Events Associated with Euthanasia.

Data collection and research about adverse effects associated with euthanasia are lacking in the veterinary profession. The goal of this article is to review current research about euthanasia and propose concepts to collect and document euthanasia data to support future studies. A better understanding of the side effects witnessed near perimortem should provide benefits to pet owners, veterinarians, and staff, especially if methods are uncovered to minimize or mitigate the adverse events witnessed.

Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going: Continuity from 2011.

This article provides a brief review of important foundational concepts and an overview of major milestones in the history of animal hospice and palliative care. This article also presents a view of future goals and challenges that lie ahead of the veterinary profession as the field of animal hospice and palliative care evolves. Some examples of topics reviewed and explored in the article include current "state of-the-art" of animal hospice, future research goals, improved veterinary college curricula, collaboration among medical disciplines, and support of the veterinary staff.

A case report: caring for a golden retriever with nasal cancer.

This article is a case report of a veterinarian caring for a golden retriever with nasal cancer. It addresses the 5-step strategy for comprehensive palliative and hospice care protocol, which organizes examinations, consultations, and conversations with clients. The case report presents diagnosis, treatment, and euthanasia.

Managing mobility challenges in palliative and hospice care patients.

Some pet owners may have more difficulty managing a pet's mobility challenges than any other disorder. This problem is especially frustrating because the pet is often otherwise healthy. The decline in mobility is also connected to many disease processes, such as the neuropathies seen in poorly regulated diabetes and the weakness associated with degenerative myelopathy.

Pet hospice and palliative care protocols.

Starting a palliative or hospice care plan as soon as possible after a pet qualifies allows for better care of the pet and the family. The process is made more efficient by applying the 5-step strategy for comprehensive palliative and hospice care. The veterinarian and staff can immediately begin applying the philosophy of palliative and hospice care by following this protocol and be sure that no area of care is being neglected.

Delivery systems of veterinary hospice and palliative care.

There is great flexibility in how palliative medicine and hospice care can be delivered to pet owners. The veterinarian needs to develop a plan based on the professional's individual preferences. Variations in the services that are offered, the location of where the services are delivered, and the composition of the professional team will vary with the veterinarians preferences.