Anticipating grief – the role of pre-euthanasia discussions

Communicating with owners of animals approaching the end of their lives is a challenge that veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and reception staff will face. Research conducted in Canada by Adams et al (2000) stated that 70% of veterinary clients are emotionally affected by the death of their pet, further stating that as many as 30% of clients experience severe grief in anticipation of or after the death of their pet. The content, duration, and methods of end-of-life communication in both the veterinary and veterinary nurse curricula are highly diverse and variable (Shaw and Lagoni, 2007), with much of the training focussing primarily on post-euthanasia support. While post-euthanasia support is a valuable service for clients, end-of-life care frequently requires owners to make decisions of monumental consequence prior to the death of their pet, at a time when they can feel they sorely lack vital support (Shanan, 2011). It seems prudent to suggest therefore, that where the loss can be anticipated, as is the case with terminally ill patients, support for the client should begin prior to the actual loss.