As pet owners, we all dread a diagnosis of cancer, organ failure or a progressive disease that will affect the quality or length of life of our beloved pet. These can often result in a bewildering array of aggressive treatment options and/or a conversation about palliative care if no curative options are a possibility. But what about when you feel that palliative care might be the right thing for your pet? There are many divergent opinions about appropriate levels of treatment in animals and what treatments are ethical and moral. Every situation is unique and it is not uncommon to have many questions after a big diagnosis. What are my treatment options? Are there any chances of a cure? What would quality of life during treatment look like? What about post treatment? 

Table of contents

Before we delve into these questions first let us consider what the definition of palliative care is. 

What is palliative care? 

Palliative care is strictly defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The key points of the lengthy definition are that it involves active and holistic care of patients with advanced and progressive conditions, with the aim of maximising quality, not necessarily quantity, of life. This definition is broad but informative. In our context, we often use palliative care to mean a shift from striving from a curative treatment plan to the move to a focus on providing the best quality of life for as long as the patient can have it. This can be a massive decision to make and a difficult conversation to broach. 

Communication 

If you know palliative care might be the right option for your pet then please say it. Ask directly ‘I don’t want to do heroics. I want to focus on keeping my pet comfortable. Can we do that?’ Make sure you advocate for your animal and have that conversation.

As with all communication, building a relationship with your vet makes these conversations easier on both sides. So, if you want to see a specific vet then ask to see them. Knowing one another can make these conversations far easier. 

However, sometimes it isn’t so clear cut. We don’t know? So, what do we do in these cases? Obviously asking your vet if they think it is something to consider is a good start. Often in discussion it is sometimes presented as one of many options. So, what could you do then?

Ask for the Information You Need 

Often when you have lots of questions and are struggling to make a decision then you need more information. What information would you need to make this decision more easily? If you want to know what the side effects of a treatment option you have been offered are then ask. If you are unsure about your understanding of your options, ask again. There is no doubt that these conversations can include lots of information so if you need time to think and then another appointment or telephone call then ask. 

Sometimes you want numbers

Veterinary studies are often small and situations individual so it can be difficult to extrapolate results from studies to individual cases. Sometimes general practice vets do not have access to all the latest literature. So, if you would like to see a specialist then it is absolutely OK to ask for a referral. Not only can specialists provide a second and highly qualified opinion but the majority have been involved in research as part of their training and many continue to be involved in research so they often have access to more literature. This is an option that is open to you and asking for that option is totally normal and important to do if it might be helpful to you. 

Know That Your Point of View Is Valid 

I think it is critical to know that your point of view is valid. You know your pet better than anyone else. You know your situation better than anyone else. You’ve got a perspective no one else does. You live with your pet day to day. Please also know that everyone’s ethics and morals vary. Vets are used to clients who have varying views from their own about how much they would do for their pet. There is a spectrum of reasonable options and if the vet feels your decision is unethical, they are likely to tactfully tell you and try to help inform your decision further. 

Always Know You Have Options 

Always know you have options. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident with the options you have been offered then ask for others. If there aren’t any others then your vet will tell you that. 

Sometimes clients feel that opting for palliative care is ‘giving up’ or ‘letting their animal down’. Vets sign up above all else to relieve suffering and preserve the welfare of animals. I believe as pet owners we should strive to do the same. We could ask ourselves what our animal might consent to? Euthanasia literally translates as ‘good death’ and palliative care is critical to ensuring a comfortable and respectful end for some of our pets. In my mind it should not be seen as a failure or a lesser option, sometimes it is the kindest and hardest decision that we have to make. 

So, if you think palliative care might be the right thing for your pet then please ask the question, ask for the information you need and discuss this. These decisions are never easy and often cannot be made quickly but they are critical to ensuring that your pet gets the care that is right for them.

Further reading: