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Veterinary Practice News Editorial Blog:
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hospice—The Gift of Hope
By Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR
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A very dear friend of mine, Valarie Hajek-Adams, CVT, has introduced me to the concept of pet hospice over the last few years. She created a home hospice service for pets here in our region and shares stories of hope with me. But hospice is often misunderstood in our profession.
The hope is not for a cure, not for a recovery and not for a veil of denial which can make the end of a beloved pet’s life more difficult for the family involved. The hope is for painless time together and a peaceful end to a life well-lived.
Valarie and her colleagues across the country who are on the forefront of this hospice concept are helping to complete the pet’s life cycle with the family and within the practice. We gladly see puppies and kittens begin their lives with us. When the end does come, it is difficult for even us professionals to face the inevitable truth that most times, we will outlive our pets.
These hospice care-givers jump right in to the conversations and situations that we technicians, veterinarians and other team members sometimes hope we can avoid. It is painful for us, as well, to say goodbye. Yet honoring the family’s decision for how the end comes is a way for all of us to receive healing as we say our goodbyes. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says it best in this summary of veterinary hospice care:
AVMA Policy:
(Click here for full text)
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Guidelines for Veterinary Hospice Care
(Approved by the AVMA Executive Board April 2001; reaffirmed April 2007)
The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes that clients facing terminal illness in companion animals may desire veterinary hospice care for their animals. As offered within the context of veterinary practice, and as consistent with veterinary practice acts, veterinary hospice gives clients time to make decisions regarding a terminal companion animal and to prepare for the pending death of the animal.
The comfort of the animal must always be considered when veterinary hospice care is provided. As is the case in human hospice programs, patients must have a terminal illness with a short life expectancy. The veterinary hospice team consists of the veterinarian and trained staff who provide expertise in palliative care and pain control for such terminally ill animals. Maximizing the benefits of veterinary hospice requires that all family/household members participate in the care of the patient. Veterinarians and their staff also benefit from veterinary hospice by assisting in the respectful closure of each unique human-animal bond (e.g., owner-companion animal and doctor-patient). |
The veterinary profession has made remarkable advances in extending the lives of our beloved pets. It is time we turn our attention to the way we handle the end of these pet’s lives, and learn how to honor this passing as much as we honor our time together with these remarkable animals.
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