What's best for *this* dog?

[LuLuO]

Prior to that experience, we'd never had the benefit of having a sedative before. I don't think it's routine, but it probably depends on the vet. All I know is that now I will ask for one if it's not offered.

Can any of the people who work in veterinary care answer this?

I don't work in veterinary care but a sedative was used in the case of each of our cats. Once was in an emergency vet situation and a sedative was given to ease his pain because he was in a pretty bad state. I'm not sure if they would have sedated him if he had not been so bad off. The other was at our regular vet's office. In the case of our regular vet, he gave me the choice of using a sedative or not. He said that going the sedative route took a little longer because they had to wait about 10 minutes for the sedative to fully take effect but that it was much easier on the pet.

 

[LuLuO]

I watched my 12 year old little girl choke and vomit all over herself and her tongue rolled all the way out in front of us as she was put to sleep in the vets office. It haunts me to this day.

Not saying this was the vet's fault, they were very caring and sympathetic through all of this and it needed to be done, but it was horrific. They said she didn't know it was happening but I couldn't stand it, I was crying like crazy and it was just awful. Everyone else has these peaceful stories, but not mine. I'm crying as I type this. I feel so guilty, like I let her down at the moment she needed me most.

I'm not sure I can be in the room again when it needs to be (unfortunately) done for my other guys.

I'm so sorry.

 

[amg35]

I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

 

[yoopermom]

OP here, I've learned so much, and appreciate everyone's honest opinions. Can I ask a question about this sedative first thing before the barbituate? Is it given through the needle, then the second one given right away, or is there time for the sedative needed to work? I was truly "out of my mind" when I had to have my dog put down, and I'm trying to remember how long it was between the two, it didn't seem like very long, like the vet gave the sedative, the dog sagged, then she gave the second. He yelped, and it horrified me. No matter how much the vet says he didn't feel it, I have wondered since if there's usually a longer time between the two...

And I'm terribly sorry for the people who this thread hurts, who it reminds of terrible times. I've been there, and am with you

Terri

 

[Pea-n-Me]

For us, the sedative was an intramuscular injection. It took 5-10 mins to work, and it was a nice time to say goodbye quietly and peacefully.

The barbiturate is supposed to be injected directly into a vein. In human medicine, we'd insert an IV first for ease of administration (obviously, not for euthanasia ).

But in veterinary medicine, they inject the needle (that's attached to the syringe, at least the way I've seen it done) right into the vein, and herein (IMO) is where the problem lies. Quick administration, and therefore reaction, is dependent on that drug getting directly into the vein, which then goes directly to the heart. If the needle isn't *quite* in the vein, or if, like my dog, there is swelling in the leg which inhibits needle placement, or a host of other issues, then administration is slowed. In defense of vets, they do get very good over time in getting that spot right. (I believe mine could probably do it with his eyes closed.) But with a pet that's struggling, moving, etc, it can be difficult.

I honestly do not believe the "screw up" theory. It's just, as I mentioned before, an imperfect procedure. Don't forget, too, that most pets get upset just being in the vet's office, let alone being held down on a table, and vets also get a little nervous themselves with an emotional owner standing right there, etc. They feel badly, too. Last time mine cried with me and hugged me and my dog. What more could you ask for? I will never fault her for having to use three needles to get the procedure to work. She had a quiet, still dog, and I was quite a ways away looking out a window. She tried two in one arm, and then had to go in another. I'm so thankful he was asleep already.

amg35 I haven't had the vomiting, but my pets have struggled, too. So hard.