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186 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

If you are assisting, your job is to follow the veterinar- also experiencing these feelings, but always respect the
ian’s instructions and assist as needed. You will most rule of confidentiality. Experienced team members will
likely be helping at the rear of the patient while the have more patience with others and themselves during
owners can be petting and talking to the patient. If the this period. Because of the need to respect patient and
owners are not present, you may be asked to talk and pet owner confidentiality, it is best to limit any discussions
the patient while the euthanasia solution is being given. about the case with a team member who has also been
The euthanasia solution will be injected into the cath- involved with the patient. A break during the day or
eter or into the saphenous or femoral veins in which case activities after work with a team member is helpful in dif-
you will need to occlude the vessel as described in fusing an emotional day. The depth of feelings will vary
Chapter 8. The solution works very fast and within min- depending on how long the team members have known
utes the patient will have passed. However, some animals the patient and owner as well as the circumstances bring-
will have what is called agonal breathing, muscle twitch- ing the patient to this point. Don’t judge if a team
ing, and their mucous membranes will go from cyanotic member doesn’t appear to feel the way you do. People
to white. This is a normal reaction and the veterinarian grieve in their own way and some are more demonstra-
should have explained the possibility of these reactions tive than others. Some will want to discuss it at length
to the owner if present. The veterinarian will confirm and others won’t. Respect everyone’s coping mecha-
death by listening to the chest for heartbeats. nism, unless you hear them talk about harming them-
The owner’s reaction to the pronouncement is vari- selves or an increase in destructive behaviors like
able. Some will be stoic, others may be weeping, some drinking or taking drugs. These are signs of someone
may even faint. Be prepared to deal with the owner’s not handling the stress of life and may need an interven-
reactions whatever they are. Make them feel as comfort- tion. Realize this: “Several studies have identified a link
able as possible, try to meet their needs which can between suicide and occupation, including the health-
include taking the collar off and giving it to them, clip- care professions and our own profession. The rate of
ping a bit of hair, or just some time alone to say their suicide in the veterinary profession has been pegged as
final farewells. Again, ask them to simply knock on the close to twice that of the dental profession, more than
door when they are ready to leave. If they wish to have twice that of the medical profession, and 4 times the rate
the remains, gather the pet up and take it to the in the general population.” (Stoewen 2015). If you see
treatment area. It is very disturbing to owners if you something or have a feeling about a team member, speak
“bag” their beloved pet up in a “trash bag.” to them. Don’t accuse them of anything, be supportive
The deceased patient is placed in a cadaver bag or an and let them know you care, as many will be in denial
extra sturdy garbage bag in a curled‐up sleeping posi- and can become angry. That is OK, don’t back down, let
tion. If the owners want to take their pet for burial, place them know you will be there if they need you. If you are
the bag in a cadaver box. This is a box that is coated with having these feeling seek help. The National Suicide
a wax to prevent leaks, because the deceased may lose Prevention Hotline is 1‐800‐273‐8255.
bladder and bowel control. Tape the box closed and take
it to the owner’s car for them. Many clinics will have the
owners park behind the clinic and use the back door to
avoid having to go past the reception area full of other Reflection
clients.
Knowing that euthanasia is a service offered to
clients what “self‐talk” will you use to keep from
After the Euthanasia internalizing the pain of euthanasia, especially
with a patient that you may have put a lot of
effort into.
If the patient is to be cremated or buried at a pet ceme-
tery, the box or just the bag is labeled and usually placed
in a freezer or cooler to await pick‐up. Again, make sure
the body is resting in a curled‐up position, just in case
the owner’s change their minds and come back for the Chapter Reflection
remains. If you oversee calling the burial or cremation
service do so immediately to arrange pick‐up. Many The veterinary assistant plays a huge role in
clinics send a sympathy card the next day. If that is your providing patient comfort and care, helping with
job make sure everyone involved with the patient signs treatments and euthanasias, and helping the
the card and it is put in the mail. patients by being vigilant for comfort and pain
The grief process in clients was discussed in Chapter 1; control. How do you envision your role in these
however, learn to recognize grief and stress in yourself duties?
during these times. Seek support from others who are