Euthanasia, word originated from the Greek me + thanatos, which has as a translation "good death" or "death without pain", consists in the conduct of shortening the life of a patient in a terminal state or who is subject to pain and intolerable physical or psychological suffering. This technique is adopted worldwide and covers both animals and humans, depending on region, religion and culture. However, euthanasia goes beyond a definition or classification.
Currently in Brazil, this technique is authorized and regulated by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV) through Resolution No. 714, of June 20, 2002, which "provides for procedures and methods for euthanasia in animals, and other measures", where criteria are established, as well as acceptable methods, or not, for the application of the technique.
Animal euthanasia is a clinical procedure that is the exclusive responsibility of the veterinarian, as it is only through a careful evaluation by this professional that the method can be indicated or not.
Steps to follow: 1Is euthanasia necessary?
This, without a doubt, is a very controversial subject, as it involves many aspects, ideologies, ideas and the like. However, one thing is certain, euthanasia is only performed when there is consent between the Tutor and the Veterinarian. The technique is generally indicated when an animal is in a terminal clinical state. In other words, a chronic or very serious disease, where all possible therapeutic techniques and methods have been used without success and especially when the animal is in a state of pain and suffering.
When we talk about the need or not for euthanasia, we have to emphasize that there are two paths to follow: the first, the application of the technique to avoid the animal's suffering and the second, keeping it based on strong pain medications so that follow the natural course of illness until death.
Currently, in veterinary medicine, there are a large number of drugs available to control pain as well as to induce an animal into a state of almost “induced coma”. These drugs and techniques are used in cases where the tutor does not intend to authorize euthanasia, even with the indication of the veterinarian. In cases like these, there is no longer any hope of improving the situation, leaving only the provision of a death without pain and suffering.
2
It's up to the veterinarian[1]:
1. ensure that animals submitted to euthanasia are in a calm and adequate environment, respecting the basic principles that guide this method;
2. attest to the animal's death, observing the absence of vital parameters;
3. keep the records with the methods and techniques used always available for inspection by Organs competent bodies;
4. clarify to the owner or legal responsible for the animal, when applicable, about the act of euthanasia;
5. request written authorization from the owner or legal guardian of the animal to carry out the procedure, when applicable;
6. allow the owner or legal guardian of the animal to attend the procedure, whenever the owner so wishes, as long as there are no inherent risks.
3 Techniques used
Euthanasia techniques in both dogs and cats are always chemical, that is, they involve the administration of general anesthetics in relevant doses, thus ensuring that the animal is fully anesthetized and free from any pain or suffering. The professional can often choose to associate one or more drugs that accelerate and enhance the animal's death. The procedure must be quick, painless and without suffering. It is noteworthy that it is a crime established by the Brazilian penal code to carry out such a practice by an unauthorized person, and its carrying out by guardians and the like is therefore prohibited.
Therefore, it is up to the tutor, together with the veterinarian, to reach the conclusion of the need or not to apply euthanasia, and preferably when all the appropriate methods of treatment have already been used, to guarantee all the rights of the animal in question.
If your pet was recently euthanized and you don't know what to do, read our article that answers the question: "my pet died? what to do?"
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.