From the Greek, “eu” – good – and “thanatos” – death -, the term euthanasia represents the humane way to kill the animal, without pain and with minimal stress.
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It is indicated when an animal faces an incurable disease and is in unbearable suffering. The complexity of the topic requires a broad and ethical understanding. Bruno Alvarenga, professor of Veterinary Medicine at the Centro Universitário de Brasília (CEUB), highlights the various aspects involved and the impacts of the practice on animals.
According to the expert, euthanasia requires a careful decision from animal owners in conjunction with the medical or veterinary body responsible. The Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine has established guidelines in Resolution No. 1000, outlining the principles that should guide this decision, the conditions in which the patient should be, and the acceptable methods for euthanasia. “These are cases where treatment represents costs incompatible with the productive activity for which the animal is intended or with the owner’s financial resources.”
According to Bruno Alvarenga, the practice should be carried out with strict conduct by the responsible veterinarian. The expert lists the four main indications for euthanasia of a patient: when the animal poses a threat to public health, native fauna, or the environment; when it is the subject of scientific activity approved by an ethics committee; and when a treatment becomes financially unviable for the owner.
The last indication, as Alvarenga warns, can cause discomfort, especially when the difficulty lies in getting care in public animal health networks. “A veterinarian should not perform euthanasia on an animal if there is a possibility of viable treatment and if the patient does not meet the indications established by the Council. Responsible ownership and respect should guide all decisions related to their care.”
The CEUB expert says that some places offer psychological support to owners going through the loss of an animal or the difficult decision of euthanasia, recognizing the deep emotional bond that exists between owners and their pets. According to him, the veterinarians themselves who perform euthanasia may also need psychological support, given the emotionally challenging nature of this procedure.
Quality of life of the animal
When a patient is diagnosed as terminal, the veterinarian states that the goal becomes to provide the best possible comfort in the remaining time of its life, whether it be brief, like days or just a few weeks, due to a variety of conditions such as oncological, viral, or irreversible organic disease. “Constant dialogue with the guardians is essential so that they understand the prognosis and can make informed decisions about caring for their pet,” he considers.
From the option for euthanasia, the clinical care of the patient involves a nursing approach combined with medicinal and nutritional therapies. In the case of treatable infectious and contagious diseases, debates arise about the decision to perform euthanasia or not, taking into account factors such as the well-being of the animal, the safety of the environment, and the treatment capacity available in the region. “The treatment capacity can vary significantly between different locations, from rural towns to major capitals, which greatly influences the decisions to be made,” he concludes.
