We lost the most lovable cute Chihuahua/Min-Pin mix (Abby) in Jan 2014 to cancer. She was 8 years and had her from six weeks old (a runt that nobody wanted). I grieved and had dreams about her for over a year. I will never forget the questionable look in her eye as we walked away knowing we would never again enjoy her love and happily cuddling on my lap.
This May, we adopted a shelter Chi that has the same loving and cuddly demeanor. The second time we saw her at a PetCo adoption event and she kissed me and layed her head on my shoulder, I knew.
I have a question:
I was told by the Vet that they first put in a catheter and then the sedative and then the fatal drug. Why the catheter? I've had awful thoughts about Abby experiencing such before she passed. Dogs are fine with injections in their folds of skin, but the catheter still bothers me.
Thank you for really caring. Doggies, amongst all mammals are the most loyal and all they need besides subsistence is some attention. I just can't believe the horrific things some people do to man's Best friend. I cry for them every time I see the SPCA promos on TV. I would do more than a contribution but it would break my heart every time.
Early on, I told my wife not to project human emotions on Abby-it's just a dog. It took all of 2 months for me to do exactly what I warned against. Why is that with dogs? Yes, I know that cats, birds, other creatures some people attach their human emotions to, but dogs are the only animal I have found that actually sense our emotions. As a Veterinarian, can you explain the connection between dogs and humans?
Catheter is just an IV line.
The Needle punctures the vein , just like drawing blood.
Then a little plastic over the needle sheath is slid up the needle and then the needle withdrawn.