Whats the best/kindest way for euthanasia?

[clairepad]

Hi I just wanted to ask is it normal for a vet to uthernise a guinea pig by giving it an injection to put it to sleep and then inject it with the end of life one? It's just the first injection was REALLY painful for him I'm just wondering if that is the best/kindest way? Rather then the gas option

 

[Swissgreys]

I am sorry for your loss and that you found the procedure upsetting.
Please rest assured that the injection would have only been painful for a second or two, and your guinea pig would not have suffered.

There are several different way to euthanatise small animals, and most vets have their preferred method.
The downside of gas is that often the owner is not allowed to stay in the room, and some people find this upsetting too.

At the end of the day you made the kindest decision for your pet, and he is at peace now.
Be kind to yourself as you grieve.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi I just wanted to ask is it normal for a vet to uthernise a guinea pig by giving it an injection to put it to sleep and then inject it with the end of life one? It's just the first injection was REALLY painful for him I'm just wondering if that is the best/kindest way? Rather then the gas option

Hi

HUGS

I am very sorry for your loss and that it has been a traumatic experience for you.

Piggies often scream when being injected; more because of surprise than from real pain in my own experiences with a number of piggies at the vets, especially in earlier years. It can really throw a loving and already apprehensive owner. Any pain shouldn't last long because the sedative starts working very quickly, much quicker than sedation bt gas.

Unfortunately, the only other option is sedation in the little gas chamber at the back that is also used for pre-operation GA and is therefore only accessible to staff.
Injecting the killing solution directly into the heart without anaesthesia like in the olden days is not an experience I would care to repeat or recommend to anybody if their vet offers sedation (as all vets in the UK and Western countries will routinely do nowadays but sadly not yet in all other countries where guinea pig are being sold); if you have found the sedation by injection upsetting, then this is much worse, even if it lasts only seconds.

This guide here describes the different options for euthanasia in detail: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Please keep in mind that a very short discomfort is still much better than a drawn out death in agony.

If you really struggle with your experience and feel traumatised, please contact the free Blue Cross pet bereavement services to help you talk it out: Pet bereavement and pet loss

 

[Freela]

((HUGS)), I'm so sorry for your loss. Different vets seem to have different methods. I've been present for the euthanasia of a few small pets and generally the method used was either an injection or an oral medication to induce anesthesia, followed by the actual euthanasia. The last time I had to have one of my hamsters put to sleep gas anesthesia was used and I was not allowed to be present at all, which was worse emotionally for me, I think. To this day I have guilt that I wasn't with her. Please know that even if the first shot was a pinch, it would have been really momentary, and would have been more a surprise than real pain.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve only ever had small pet’s euthanised in another room. Take care