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Hospice & Palliative Care
Hospice & Palliative Care is an emerging field in veterinary medicine. To put it succinctly, it is to give care to a pet that is diagnosed with a terminal illness without seeking a cure. The primary goal in providing palliative and hospice care is to maximize comfort and minimize suffering to your pet. This gives them dignity. It is achieved by focusing on 3 fundamental properties related to physical, emotional, and social health. These parameters are highly focused on by the veterinarian as a way to measure your pet's comfort and wellbeing, and to determine if changes to the treatment need to be made. 
Those individuals that are on hospice and palliative care generally have at least one or a combination of the following conditions: a terminal diagnosis; a chronic progressive disease (e.g. kidney disease, arthritis, heart failure); a progressive, undiagnosed disease; or a chronic disability (e.g., neurologic or intervertebral disk disease). In these situations, a cure is not possible or achieving it may be cost prohibitive or could potentially cause unnecessary pain. No longer should you feel that euthanasia is your only other option. Hospice may be a good option for those that still have quality days of living still ahead. |
Medical Conditions Appropriate for Hospice or Palliative Care: 1. Terminal Diagnosis 2. Chronic, progressive disease 3. Progressive, undiagnosed disease 4. Chronic disability How it works
The palliative or hospice plan is organized by the veterinarian, but largely carried out by the caregiver. First, your home will be evaluated by the veterinarian for comfort, temperature, and ease of mobility. Any changes that can be made to improve the condition will be discussed. Then, the veterinarian will consider hygiene, pain management, and nutrition. Animals on hospice may eventually stop eating. If this is not caused by pain or nausea then it does not require treatment. Many of the medications necessary to maintain comfort can be given through a subcutaneous port so that repeated needle pokes can be avoided. This includes pain management, nausea medications, and fluid therapy. Oxygen can be given if needed, especially those with heart or respiratory complications. Enrichment and areas to improve mental stimulation will also be discussed. This whole body and mind approach will ensure that your pet remains comfortable throughout this phase of their life.
The veterinarian will equip you with knowledge and materials to make sure you feel comfortable providing this care. We will remain available to answer any questions you have throughout the process. The comfort and the physical, emotional, and social well being is our #1 priority in making sure your pet maintains dignity and peace to the very end of their life. |
Options for a natural dying process
The Home Animal Doctor offers a way for the caregiver to give their pet a natural dying process if they desire. For a long time, euthanasia was the only option and people often felt forced to make a difficult decision of knowing when was the right time. By putting forth these options, we are giving control back to you. Euthanasia is always an option to end suffering, but it is no longer the only option. There are 3 approaches the Home Animal Doctor offers for end-of-life care.
1. Hospice-supported natural death
- Euthanasia is not an option unless crisis presents and severe suffering cannot be avoided. Medications are provided to keep
the pet in a comfortable sleep state.
2. Natural death, but open to euthanasia
- The caregiver will provide care with a natural passing in mind, but has no specific need for it to occur. Euthanasia is just as
acceptable.
3. Planned euthanasia
- The caregiver wants to be present for the death and will act accordingly for euthanasia before a natural death presents.
These options will be discussed with you at the initial visit. You can change your mind at any time.
1. Hospice-supported natural death
- Euthanasia is not an option unless crisis presents and severe suffering cannot be avoided. Medications are provided to keep
the pet in a comfortable sleep state.
2. Natural death, but open to euthanasia
- The caregiver will provide care with a natural passing in mind, but has no specific need for it to occur. Euthanasia is just as
acceptable.
3. Planned euthanasia
- The caregiver wants to be present for the death and will act accordingly for euthanasia before a natural death presents.
These options will be discussed with you at the initial visit. You can change your mind at any time.
