An Objective Exploration of Euthanasia and Adverse Events.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare Science
• Bioethics

Background:

• Companion animal euthanasia holds significant emotional, social, ethical, and medical importance.
• The human-animal bond underscores the profound impact of pet loss.
• Limited research quantifies adverse events during and after companion animal euthanasia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for rigorous investigation into current veterinary medical practices for companion animal euthanasia.
• To underscore the significant, complex, and far-reaching effects of euthanasia on all parties involved.
• To explore the potential for cross-disciplinary inquiry by examining literature on human euthanasia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing studies on companion animal euthanasia.
• Exploration of human euthanasia and assisted death literature for comparative insights.
• Identification of gaps in current best practices and standards of care.

Main Results:

• Adverse events during and post-euthanasia are not well-quantified.
• Profound emotional and psychological effects are experienced by owners, veterinary professionals, and animals.
• Established best practices or standards of care for companion animal euthanasia are lacking.

Conclusions:

• Companion animal euthanasia necessitates further rigorous scientific investigation.
• Developing evidence-based best practices is essential for improving the euthanasia process.
• Collaborative inquiry, potentially informed by human euthanasia studies, could advance the field.