Compassion Care for End-Of-Life Patients
We know that the final period of a pet's life brings to a close years of friendship and love. It is the goal of Dr. Sawyer and the team at PawSteps Veterinary Center to make sure that this time is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Unfortunately, not every disease can be cured and no pet can live forever. Even if a cure cannot be found and you know that your pet will soon leave you, the last weeks and months of your pet’s life often have profound meaning for your family and you. Maintaining your pet’s quality of life will help the pet feel well as long as possible, keep your pet with you as long as possible, and allow the animal and your family to enjoy each other.
There are documented benefits to providing compassionate care for declining pets. For the pet, there is the added time to enjoy simply being a dog or cat, within the family environment that the pet has come to love and expect. For the family, the extra days of care allow the family members to adjust to the coming transition, and to say goodbye while the pet is still comfortable. It gives everyone time to appreciate the relationship and fit in those walks, treats, and interactions that they may have been too busy to previously enjoy. In addition, it gives the family the opportunity to care for a loved one and know that they offered the best for their pet. This time to say goodbye can actually end up an emotional, but sweet memory.
It is the wish of every member of PawSteps Veterinary Center that each and every pet receives the best quality care, both at the hospital and at home, during all stages of their lives. We know that extra attention is needed to keep our declining pets as comfortable and healthy as possible. As long as a pet feels well, the animal will remain an active and vital family member, no matter what the diagnosis. However, ill pets are often separated from their families by their inability to participate in expected activities. For example, a pet that is ill or in pain may no longer want to walk, climb the stairs, or get on the couch to sit with the owner.
To prevent and treat this, Dr. Sawyer and his team offer individualized care for these pets. We discuss behavior, nutrition, pain control, environmental modifications, and home management. Often very simply changes can reunite an ill pet with his or her family. For example, environmental alterations as simple as padded orthopedic beds, carpets, and stair ramps may be suggested for pets that are having trouble walking. Heated bedding may help easily chilled pets. Padded harnesses may replace collars, and pelvic supports/slings and wheelchairs may be needed. For some pets, several short strolls may substitute for long runs in the park. Special diets are recommended for pets with cardiac, liver, and kidney disease, or those suffering from lack of appetite. Suggestions will be made regarding current therapies for cancer patients. Balanced pain control regimes, nutritional supplements, and modalities such as acupuncture may also be offered to help terminal patients.
