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Vet policies on euthanasia (not about one of my current pigs, thankfully!)

Freela

Freela

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So has anyone here run into vets who do not let owners be present in the room for euthanasia procedures? This has been preying on my mind for the past month, since we had an emergent illness with one of my daughter's hamsters and, after she got dramatically worse despite treatment, we elected to have her put to sleep and the vet would not let us be there during the procedure. I'll try to make a long story short- I have a regular vet I have used for years, they are about 45 minutes away by car. They used to have weekend hours, but they stopped due to COVID. When Bean (hamster) got sick on a Friday, I tried to book her with the usual vet and they couldn't fit us in that late (they close at 5 and we didn't see that she was unwell until about 3.) They booked her for Monday, but by Saturday morning it was apparently that she was not going to make it until Monday. So after a lot of phoning I found a vet about 10 minutes from me that saw exotics/small animals and had weekend hours. We got Bean in as an emergency on Sunday morning and I was really happy with the vet and front desk staff, etc. I was even considering moving to that clinic permanently because it was so close and the hours were so much better and my initial experience was really good. So after about five days of us treating her, poor Bean took a sudden and really dramatic turn for the worse and it was apparent that she was suffering and not going to survive, and daughter and I decided we would prefer to help her pass away more peacefully, so we called the new vet who had seen her and they were able to fit us right in. However, when we got there, we were told that euthanasia was an 'unaccompanied procedure' and we couldn't be in the room. I pushed back and said we preferred to be there and it was a firm no. I said I had been present for the euthanasia of pets before and it was a no. So because we didn't have any other options other than letting poor Bean suffer longer and die slower, we agreed to let her be euthanized without us because we really didn't see another option. They gave us her little footprints in ink, they let us take her home to bury (borderline legal in our area but with a hamster they were willing to let it go.) But it bothers me a lot that we weren't there and I feel bad about. It made me realize that I don't even know my regular vet's practice about euthanasia and having owners there. Is this something I have to ask up front with every vet? Is it common to not let owners be in the room? I feel like I am always going to feel terrible about this even though it wasn't by choice... if it was one of my pigs it would be even harder. Needless to say I am not going to switch to this vet, though I would use them again for an emergency that wasn't euthanasia. But is this common practice? Is this a question you need to ask vets before you book appointments? Because Leela's on the older side and some days I worry that something will happen and maybe I won't get to be with her the whole time, even at my usual vet. And I'm scared that if I call the vet just to ask they might say no, it's not allowed there either, and then I'll be out of vets and they aren't easy to find!
 
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I’m so sorry for your loss of Bean. X

I have always been with my other rainbow pets in the past when they have been put to sleep, but I was never allowed with hamsters. It was years ago and not at my lovely current vets, but I was told they didn’t let you with them for hamsters. When I looked up about this I think it was because the method was a small gas chamber ( due to them being so small? I don’t know if that’s true and it was a long time ago that I was looking online)
Maybe it’s different vet to vets but that was my experience with hamsters.

Sending love x
 
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I’m so sorry :( My vet doesn’t let you in the room with small animals including guinea pigs as they gas them first before giving them the final injection. They wouldn’t let me when I had to have Ena pts at the emergency vets several years ago either and I just thought this was common practice.

When we had to have Ellen pts in 2020, it was during lockdown and we wasn’t even allowed in to the building so had to say our goodbyes in the car. It was horrendous but we had to accept the rules.

When my cat, Dexter was pts, we was allowed in to the room. I assumed because he was a bigger animal and bigger animals don’t have gas first.

I know it’s hard but focus on the fact that Bean had a lovely life and she knew you was there at the end x
 
My vet does not allow you to be in the room as like Claire W the piggie is gassed first then injected and it’s a H&S risk
So sorry you lost Bean x
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. But if it helps I have never been present at the euthanasia of any of my pigs and I've had pts at 2 different practices. Thy have always been taken into a little back room and come out a few minutes later. Although during covid I had to sit in the car park which wasn't nice. It can be traumatic for owners and not always straightforward for pets and I would feel that the vet has enough to cope with trying to euthanise some poor fluff in a humane and loving way without having to worry about people bursting into tears or worse. My practice has been around a while and have presumably having had to pts thousands of animals over the years so I trust their decision on this.

I think that you could legitimately ask them to fill in the blanks for you, so to speak, about the method of euthanasia for hamsters and the fact that what happened was unexpected for you. It might help you to know what routinely happens there. The reason you were excluded might just be a blanket policy after some distraught owners caused difficulty in the past - ultimately the vet will need to concentrate carefully on the job in hand. But if you are still thinking about what might have happened your imagination will start to fill in the blanks and it would be better to know the facts so you can say goodbye to Bean.

I was talking to one of the kids at school recently and he was saying his dog had been unwell during lockdown - seriously unwell - but his dad wouldn't take it to the vets because they would have had to wait outside while only the dog went in. Luckily their dog did recover - lucky for the vet as well because it's one of these borderline-legal bl**dy massive ones with a mouth like a crocodile. His dad had apparently told him that the dog "might be used for experiments or put down or something..." and they all genuinely believed this. It's a lack of trust - strange really as the same people would have had to hand over a family member to A&E after an accident and not go in with them and that wouldn't be a problem!
 
Both of the vets I use here (regular local vet and exotics) have always given me the choice.

However when I had my last hamster put to sleep at the local vet, she explained that depending on the hamster and how 'hand tame' sometimes it is easier to give them some gas first, and then it is not advisable to have owners in the room.
I think it may also come down to the experience of the vet, as she said using just an injection in such a small animal can be quite tricky and cause a lot of additional stress if the vet hasn't got a lot of experience. Most vets prefer to play it safe end use gas first which guarantees a smooth and peaceful passing for your pet.

Ultimately it does come down to the individual vet, but I also imagine (certainly in the UK and US) that there are health and safety laws around having owners in the room when gas anaesthetics are being administered. Things are a lot more relaxed here in Switzerland, particularly once you establish a relationship with your vet.
 
Euthanasia usually requires an overdose injection of barbiturate tranquilliser, and this can either be done into a vein/catheter in a blood vessel, or directly to the heart. I imagine in hamsters it is impossible to get a line into a vein so has to be an injection to the heart after anaesthesia which is very invasive, not something you would want to watch. Euthanasia drugs are very tightly controlled by law and this may also be a factor, they are kept well away from the public for good reason.
When Jezzy was helped over the bridge by our vet, she had an injection of ketamine anaesthetic drug then a catheter put in her leg to avoid a direct heart injection- we were given the chouce which we wanted- and piggy daddy who went with her was allowed to be present for this, but then waited outside while she got her final medicine- it only took 3 minutes until she was brought back out in her forever sleep.
Very difficult sitation, and must be difficult for the vet- handling lethal medicines and sharp needles and trying to work very accurately and quickly while a very emotional owner is nearby- I can see why many vets would want the owner to wait outside for those final few minutes...
 
I have not been allowed into the room with any of my guinea pigs that have euthanised because of the gas they use first. I was allowed to stroke my cat until her heart stopped as they used an injection.
At the moment we are still not allowed into the vets due to COVID restrictions. We are still doing car park handovers whatever the reason you are there.
 
Thanks, that's all good to know. I was present a couple times when I had to have hedgehogs put to sleep... I know with one they gave her a little gas mask and then the chest injection and the vet made me stand way back but still in the room (I actually think the vet was making an exception for me because I had to actually go downstairs to a procedure room and I don't think that was the standard thing to do.) My other hedgehog was literally given an oral overdose of some sort of medication rather than an injection and I was able to hold him the whole time. I think I will ask my regular vet what their procedures are just so that I know ahead of time what to expect in case it's ever needed. I think I would have been less upset if I had known going in what the protocol was. We've actually just started letting one person back into the vet's office instead of having to hand them off at the door since April... I actually worried a lot that I would need to have a pet put to sleep during COVID and wait in the car the whole time, but fortunately although we did lose piggie Hadley and three hamsters throughout the pandemic, all of them except Bean passed of old age at home and we were with them. Other than not being in the room, the vet's office was actually really good, they were very sympathetic to us and gave us little ink pressings of Bean's front feet to keep, which I am really glad that I have.

Sorry for the sad topic, I just have been thinking about the experience and really didn't know where else to ask!
 
Freela said:
Thanks, that's all good to know. I was present a couple times when I had to have hedgehogs put to sleep... I know with one they gave her a little gas mask and then the chest injection and the vet made me stand way back but still in the room (I actually think the vet was making an exception for me because I had to actually go downstairs to a procedure room and I don't think that was the standard thing to do.) My other hedgehog was literally given an oral overdose of some sort of medication rather than an injection and I was able to hold him the whole time. I think I will ask my regular vet what their procedures are just so that I know ahead of time what to expect in case it's ever needed. I think I would have been less upset if I had known going in what the protocol was. We've actually just started letting one person back into the vet's office instead of having to hand them off at the door since April... I actually worried a lot that I would need to have a pet put to sleep during COVID and wait in the car the whole time, but fortunately although we did lose piggie Hadley and three hamsters throughout the pandemic, all of them except Bean passed of old age at home and we were with them. Other than not being in the room, the vet's office was actually really good, they were very sympathetic to us and gave us little ink pressings of Bean's front feet to keep, which I am really glad that I have.

Sorry for the sad topic, I just have been thinking about the experience and really didn't know where else to ask!
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Don't apologise for asking.
It's a really important topic, and one that all of us will have to deal with at some point on our pet ownership journey.

It's actually good (?) to have a chance for people to think about this in advance, as often at the time these things happen we are already stressed and emotional, and not in the best frame of mind to ask questions or make decisions.

I don't think of it as a sad topic - more of a challenging one.
It is never an easy decision to make, but I am so very thankful that as responsible pet owners we have the choice to prevent or end suffering for our beloved fur babies. :hug:
 
Hi

HUGS

I am very sorry that you have to think about this. It is daunting when you have never had to send a piggy of yours to the Rainbow Bridge before to spare them any further suffering.

I have had piggies injected directly into the heart without GA in my presence in the olden times. It is frankly not something I would like to happen again; it is very quick but still not at all pleasant for them for a few moments, or for you to watch. Thankfully, things have moved on a lot since then! There is however a bit of a dilemma with small animals in terms of how to apply anaesthesia most kindly.

In the UK, it currently very much depends on the vet/clinic and their preferences. Most prefer to use a gas chamber in the operation preparation area for small animals to make sure that they are thoroughly aneasthetised before administering the lethal dose, which is not an area you will be allowed into - for good reasons.
Some understaffed clinics or clinics with key personnel at high risk of Covid complications may also still continue with not allowing owners onto the premises at all in order to keep the clinic open and running; including for pts.

I have had my Heini emergency pts in January 2019 on the examination table first with injected GA drugs and then the lethal injection by a vet who preferred to do it this way as they felt they had better control of the process.
I was fine with it but it was quite physical because your piggy will be fully conscious for the first injection and will likely scream in protest. It may actually be even more upsetting for people with strong sensitivities than having your piggy carried behind the scenes after taking your leave, which is why most vets prefer the gassing method - you cannot be there but it is a less invasive way of starting the process.
GA by gas inhalation is not any different to you leaving a piggy at the clinic for an operation or procedure; only that in this case you know the outcome of - that is the heart-breaking part of it.
Some clinics may now compromise with bringing your piggy out into the examination room again for the last moments.

Our Dying guide also contains a chapter on euthanasia and what to expect, with all the practical aspects and some very practical tips for before, during and after because there are always very legitimate questions (especially the first time round or when you are already very upset) but it is sadly rather a taboo area.
I hope that our guide will help you additionally with some aspects not mentioned in this thread that you may come up against and may want to have a bit more time to set up and think about beforehand, as you are looking at a planned and not at an emergency euthanasia/pts: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
 
I am so sorry you had to make this decision for little Bean. Please don't apologise for asking the question, the answers will help others.
I agree with everything Swissgreys has said.
Similar discussions on the forum helped prepare me when I had to make the decision to let Peanut go during the pandemic. I knew from this that I was going to have to hand him over in the car park. I've never been allowed in while they were being euthanised but at least being in the room while the vet examines them helps you know you have made the right decision. Somehow a discussion on the phone is not quite the same.
 
It's horrible to think about it isn't it.
We've always made sure our small furries have been anaesthetised with gas before hand which we couldn't be in the room for. But they've always been brought back out to us once they're asleep so we can be there when they go. 💔
 
Freela said:
Thanks, that's all good to know. I was present a couple times when I had to have hedgehogs put to sleep... I know with one they gave her a little gas mask and then the chest injection and the vet made me stand way back but still in the room (I actually think the vet was making an exception for me because I had to actually go downstairs to a procedure room and I don't think that was the standard thing to do.) My other hedgehog was literally given an oral overdose of some sort of medication rather than an injection and I was able to hold him the whole time. I think I will ask my regular vet what their procedures are just so that I know ahead of time what to expect in case it's ever needed. I think I would have been less upset if I had known going in what the protocol was. We've actually just started letting one person back into the vet's office instead of having to hand them off at the door since April... I actually worried a lot that I would need to have a pet put to sleep during COVID and wait in the car the whole time, but fortunately although we did lose piggie Hadley and three hamsters throughout the pandemic, all of them except Bean passed of old age at home and we were with them. Other than not being in the room, the vet's office was actually really good, they were very sympathetic to us and gave us little ink pressings of Bean's front feet to keep, which I am really glad that I have.

Sorry for the sad topic, I just have been thinking about the experience and really didn't know where else to ask!
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Agree with Swissgreys - I wouldn't have known about this if you hadn't asked. I hope I never need to use this information but I'm glad I have it just in case, as I now know what to expect and the kinds of questions to ask. Unfortunately it's a topic which is going to be relevant to many of us at some point.

I'm glad we have a supportive and responsive place to ask the difficult questions 😊
 
On a very practical note, please take your piggy in a comfy cosy or snuggle bag or a favourite soft toy that is smelling 'right' of their companions for comfort (please let the companions use it shortly before so the scent is fresh).
Your piggy will be gently placed in it into the gas chamber (which is basically a large transparent plastic box) for reassurance and comfort.

Please also be aware that very ill guinea pigs will remove themselves from the premises. In a cage setting, this is a corner or holing up in a cosy a bit away from their mates. This is an instinct that helps to minimise putting other s at risk and that many species have.
Their mates may come up to say goodbye (often fairly shortly unless they have separation issues) but will mostly keep their distance; they will also very often ignore the body when you come home - they have already done what they needed to do. It can upset well-meaning owners who come from a human perspective.

More practical advice re. bereaved companions in this practical and helpful link here: Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig


If you wish to, you can bookmark this link below so you can find it very easily in case of an emergency. It deals with the whole field of Dying (terminal illness care, dying at home/multiple organ failure, euthanasia/pts) as well as the impact of Death on companions and humans in a sensitive but very practical way to talk you through all the little and large issues that commonly come up. I have written the guide so there is help at hand at any time of the day or night and that there is a place where all the little things that can throw you are included as much as possible but also the bigger ethical/situational concepts that may influence your decisions in order to help you with he inevitable soul searching afterwards and help ease any feelings of guilt or failure that come with the onset of the grieving process.
Here is the access link: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children
 
@Wiebke 's guide is really helpful for knowing what to expect, and how to tell, when a piggy is nearing the end of life.
It's a tough read ahead of time, but really explains things well, when the time comes it helps you feel a bit less bewildered and more in control and able to spot the signs and make the right decisions.
It's upsetting to talk about death, but good to have these conversations, because it's something we will all experience at some point and by sharing our experiences here we know we aren't going through it alone.
 
As an adult, my first pig had to be put down during the height of the pandemic as an out of hours emergency and I wasn’t even allowed in the building. Understandable during the pandemic, but no less upsetting.
The second one was summer 2021 after several months of struggling to help her and we still weren’t allowed in my regular surgery, but the vet was amazing and brought her out to me in the car park (not ideal but out the back and private) after they had sedated her in the gas box and did the injection with me with her.
 
PigglePuggle said:
@Wiebke 's guide is really helpful for knowing what to expect, and how to tell, when a piggy is nearing the end of life.
It's a tough read ahead of time, but really explains things well, when the time comes it helps you feel a bit less bewildered and more in control and able to spot the signs and make the right decisions.
It's upsetting to talk about death, but good to have these conversations, because it's something we will all experience at some point and by sharing our experiences here we know we aren't going through it alone.
Click to expand...

It's been by far the most difficult and painful forum guide for me to write (bringing up a lot of memories; not all them good ones) but it can hopefully make things easier for others as there is virtually nothing else around in this field that really looks at all the often unexpected and upsetting issues you face and gives you a practical but always respectful handle beyond the generalities. It is the little things you can stumble over just as badly as the big things, as we have learned on here over the years as well as losing piggies of our own in all manner of ways.
 
Thanks so much for all of your feedback on this subject... it has made me feel a lot better, as I guess not being in the room for small animals is a lot more common than I thought it was. Maybe I just got 'lucky,' if you can call it that, in my previous experiences, which were admittedly a very long time ago. I do think this is something I will bring up with vets at appointments that aren't crisis visits just to know in advance what the policies are, because I think that I would have been less upset had I known the protocols ahead of time and been more prepared for them.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. 😭

In our local vets, they always ask us if we want to be present when our piggies were put to sleep. The vet would take them at the back for the gas, and then would return to the room after some time so we are present when they inject through their heart. It can be traumatising but it gives us comfort to be there with our piggies, giving them pets upto their last breath. One of our past piggy though, Meemee, had to have 3 injections in the heart because her heart was still beating despite the first and 2nd injections. I cried so much in the room but we knew it had to be done.
 
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