Did they euthanase a dead cat?

Question

Hi,
I took my 18 year old cat to the vet to be euthanased. However he died whilst waiting - we were ushered into a room where the vet nurse placed a stethoscope on my cat's chest and said that his heart was beating 'just'. They continued to shave his forearm and when I asked why? (because his respirations had ceased), they said they were trying to find a vein to administer the needle...I'm a nurse..and I stated that his veins would have collapsed by now - but they kept going - checking his flank to find a kidney to administer the injection (couldn't find it) so they put the needle into his forearm and then administered not even 0.5ml.
The injection did not go into a vein as the blue of the serum spread...it was obvious it had gone into the tissues. My eldest son was with me and took Sooty out to the car as we were burying him at home...The surgery charged me $65.00. At the time I was just too upset to query it and just paid...but in hindsight was a bit annoyed that they charged such a high fee when it was obvious that my cat had already died. Technically did they euthanase a dead cat?
Thanks
Deb

Answer 1

the cat is dead. you and the rest of the family are in mourning. what does it matter? the whole question seems to drag the matter out and only make it more difficult. Let it go.

Answer 2

As a nurse, you know that just because respiration has ceased, heart and brain function can continue for quite a while. Without breathing, the brain suffers from lack of oxygen, which can quickly lead to seizures, muscle tremors or agonal breathing. Not a pretty way to go, and very upsetting for the owners to watch. When we have a situation like this, we always give the owner the option of continuing with the euthanasia. This is done more for the owners peace of mind, than for the pet. Did you receive a receipt for your charge? Are you sure that actually wasnt the office call fee? $65 is an average fee around here for an office call, and although they did not euthanise your cat, the doctor did still spend time with you, probably answering your questions and examining your pet, so they have a right to charge you for that time.

Answer 3

The vet found life signs and went ahead and continued. He still had a pulse so he was alive. They still gave him the shot to put him down. However if they had waited 5 min nature would have done it's thing. $65 is very high. I worked at the Kansas State Vet hospital and we charged $7 for the shot and an emergency fee. We waved the emergency fee if we euthanized. So all the customer would pay was $7 and cremation.

Answer 4

Maybe. The doctor should have injected the euthanasia directly into the heart, if they wanted to make sure the cat was dead.

Answer 5

I think they did what they should of done, to be honest. You said they picked up a faint heartbeat, so, your cat was still alive.

I am sorry for your loss. We had to put our kitty down after 13 years just about 6 weeks ago. It was a very hard thing to do. I still miss her.

Answer 6

yes, they did. it's outrageous that they did that just so they could charge you. some vets are like that.i'm sorry that you got a vet like that. i hope you shop around for another vet for your next pet. most vets wouldn't. my vet was SO nice when i took my 14 yr. old puppy in. she stopped breathing just as i got there. they ushered me and my sister in to a room, checked her out, said they could try oxygen, but she left too quickly....... um, anyhow, they were really nice. they put her in a box after i said my goodbyes. they didn't charge me anything. i'm so sorry for your loss.

Answer 7

What Lizard said.

I just had to make that decision for one of mine (he had cardiomyopathy) and it cost me $46.30 for the euthenization injection and $52.25 for the cremation last month.