ISSUES SURROUNDING END OF LIFE DECISIONS AND EUTHANASIA IN PATIENTS WITHCHRONIC HEART DISEASE

摘要

Euthanasia is a decision frequently faced by owners of pets with chronic heart disease. Having a better understanding of what factors go into an owner's decision to euthanize will help us better manage both our patient and client. A previous study reported that poor prognosis, recurrent signs of heart failure, and perceived poor quality of life were common reasons why pet owners elected to euthanize pet dogs with heart disease. Other factors included poor appetite, inappropriate urination or defecation habits, cost of therapy, and medication toxicity. Despite these data, relatively little is known about how owner perceived quality of life directly impacts decisions regarding euthanasia.