Hospice Care
When medical goals shift from treating illness to simply enhancing the pet’s comfort and quality of life, that patient is considered to be “in hospice care.”
For example, a patient who has previously received cancer treatment and will now only receive palliative care (for example, pain management drugs) until death is an example of someone who does not require curative therapy.
When a pet’s mobility difficulties and pain become too uncomfortable to manage, a large breed dog with advanced arthritis in his family may be preparing for a terminal care service.
Is it time for hospice care – how do you know?
Ideal hospice care starts with a consultation, during which you and your family can openly express your feelings about your pet’s health and well-being as well as the difficulties you’re facing. It’s vital to talk about your objectives — and limitations.
For example, if a pet requires pain medication every four hours, some pet owners would regard the animal’s quality of life as poor and would intend for euthanasia. Alternatively, another family may believe they can maintain such a rigorous medication schedule, implying that the line (or threshold) to euthanasia making the difficult choice of death isn’t a barrier (or threshold).
With so many things going on in their lives, pets may be confused about what’s normal and what isn’t. This can make them uncomfortable or cause behavioral issues that you need to address as soon as possible. It’s also critical to keep consistent communication with your veterinarian when it comes to these sensitive personal and individual matters.
