The role of the veterinarian is moving toward a more holistic approach to care. The concept of a family-centered practice has emerged.
In the past, when medical interventions were no longer beneficial, the veterinarian was quick to recommend euthanasia as a way to limit suffering. Today, there are veterinarians who provide house calls, mobile services, home hospice advice, and home euthanasia.
Today’s veterinarian is asked to help distraught clients to choose between continued treatment, hospice, or euthanasia. This has come about as more and more pet owners consider their pets a part of their family. So, it is not surprising that they seek a different, and some say, a better way to care for pets when they become elderly and/or terminally ill.
The first step is to consult your veterinarian. When medical interventions are no longer an option, many veterinarians will suggest other measures for maintaining comfort. Your veterinarian will discuss the prognosis of your animal, probable life expectancy, the lack of curative options, and the responsibilities of caring for a pet at home if home hospice is chosen. A family’s experience with former pets and their perceptions of those experiences affect each individual differently. Therefore, family members need to weigh not only the goals for their pet but the physical, emotional, financial, and time resources that will be required of the family.
During this time of COVID-19, it can be difficult to get an appointment at your veterinarians’ office. This, in itself, is a painful disruption. A relationship you have trusted, may not be available during this crucial time. Ask your veterinarian to recommend mobile veterinary services they trust, that work in your area and would be available to come to your home.
Because of these unprecedented times, there are veterinarians who have changed over to mobile services. This includes many vets who have joined forces with hospice and palliative professionals to support you. Together, you develop a plan-of-care that works for you and create a meaningful, dignified goodbye to your cat. This movement continues to grow as veterinarians have witnessed the important place pets have in families’ lives. Pet hospice can give you and your family valuable time to stay together and to prepare for how, when and where euthanasia will take place.
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