Are there any veterinarians out there who can relate? I love animals and want to devote my life to caring for them. BUT I don't think I have the strength to end a life. Comments or suggestions please!!
2007-02-23 16:34:16 · 10 answers · asked by Lo 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I am not a vet, but i do love animals. I know that it has to be real hard to put an animal to sleep. However some animals are so sick that its better for the animal to be put to sleep. we had to my my dog to sleep because she had seizures and no meds could help her. It really broke my heart, but it was best for HER. If you really want to be a vet i say go for it. while you may have to put an animal down, there are lot more times that you get to SAVE an animal and there is no feeling like it.
2007-02-23 16:43:57 · answer #1 · answered by carriec 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear lor,
I commend you on the fact you cannot euthanize an animal.
Unfortunately if you want to be a VET then it will happen.
Even if you devote your life to working for a no-kill shelter you must still face euthanization of rabid cats. It's a fact of life as an animal care provider.
A vet is a very noble profession. Do what is in your heart. A true animal lover must face the decision of death just like a human does. If a animal is old and in pain sometimes it's the best thing. You will get used to it. The lives you save will outlast the ones you take away.
If you want to be a vet, follow your heart and go for it. We need people like you that care!
2007-02-23 16:52:52 · answer #2 · answered by Patrick K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a veterinary technician and have assisted in many euthanasias.
Euthanasia means 'good death' and it is a way out of the pain and suffering that an animal is dealing with. I find comfort in the fact that animals don't know that they are going to die. All they know is that they are no longer suffering.
It is never pleasant. We always cry, both for the loss of that wonderful pet and for the grief that we know that the owners are feeling. It is very hard to deal with and is one of the many causes of burn-out that is so common in the veterinary (or any other healthcare) profession.
However, euthanasia is also a wonderful gift. When an animal has lost that quality of life that is so important: it is not eating well, it is in pain, it can't move around well, it can't control its bladder or bowels, it can't see or hear, it has an incurable disease, then we can offer relief. When we cannot fix the problem, when we cannot offer any more hope for improvement, we can at least give that final rest.
2007-02-23 16:54:02 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a vet, but I have been faced with having to put several of my pets down. I stayed with them and even held some while the vet injected them. It killed me to do this, but it was necessary to end their suffering. Plus I am their caregiver and this is my responsibility as a pet owner to stay with them to the end. I also have a special place on my property to bury them.
Also where we have a snake, we just started breeding the mice and rats to save money. We have to learn to kill the babies to feed them to the snake. Killing an animal is against everything that is me, but I choose to get my daughter the snake and he needs to eat. my vet told me the most humane way to do this without any chemicals.
If you really want to become a vet, this is a necessary part of the job. You may go and cry the first several times, but will become hardened to doing this over time. This doesn't mean your a cruel person without a heart. We all have to do things we don't like doing at some point in our lives. I wish you all the best.
2007-02-23 17:36:26 · answer #4 · answered by wolfinator25840 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Im going to go to school to become a vet tech and i felt the same way, I know it is going to be really hard but you have to figure if the animal is suffering, it is the best thing for them. I dont think you ever "Get over it" persay, but you'll come to realize that it is necessary after a while in some cases. Dont let it get in the way of your dreams though.
2007-02-23 17:06:09 · answer #5 · answered by mushroompumpkin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but seeing animals in pain, mangled from being hit by a car or torn up from another animal, and putting an animal to sleep, I know those things I couldn't handle.
My niece owns an emergency only veterinarian office. I don't know how she does it. she says that as long as it's not her pet, it doesn't bother her. She learns to disassociate with it.
I know that I couldn't though. I love animals too much. I couldn't put my feelings aside to do the things that were required of me being a veterinarian.
I've felt bad enough having a vet put my animals to sleep. I couldn't handle doing it myself.
Best of luck to you on your decision.
2007-02-23 17:01:38 · answer #6 · answered by Karen H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a part of the oath they take to do no harm and to do the best for their patients. Some time it is the best option for the animal. Vets all hate that part of the job. It is a sad day all day long when euthanasia happens in our vet office.But you cannot be a vet and not do all that is required to help animals not suffer
2007-02-23 17:33:47 · answer #7 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to thimk of an animals promblem is it better off or not i've seen animals suffer it's not real there comes a time to end the suffering i useded to raise huskys sometimes you need to let the sick ones go because they wont make it anyway my x wife was a vet assistant i learned that from her sometimes theres nothing you can do deal with it trust in god
2007-02-23 16:54:38 · answer #8 · answered by crengle60 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if the animal is really suffering they need to be put down. I think most vets detach themselves emotionally when they have to put an animal down...sad but true.
2007-02-23 16:42:28 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Catherine♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust me, when you look into the eyes of a suffering aniaml you know it is right, it wouldn't be right for us to let them continue in pain. I know it is very hard, but trust me, for the sake of the animal you will
2007-02-24 17:35:46 · answer #10 · answered by Bella Nina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋