Bhyllabus l'énigme

There is something in my mind right now, and it’s about performing euthanasia, but of course not to a human (or my patient). My little puppy gets seriously sick, he got high fever a few weeks ago and then double time complex seizures in short periods. Well, worst than that, he started to lose limb coordination, I think his sensory organs somehow unresponsive. Shortly, a puppy that lost sensory and motor functions.

He will not survive without help for every little detail in his daily routines. And he is in pain all day. Well, so it comes to my mind whether euthanasia would help him. I need to consult with the vet before going to the decision.

Euthanasia never is the right thing (in my mind), and something that I’ve always put (very far) away. But looking at the situation right now, I am wondering, since the last consultation with the vet said there is no hope.

That in all cases of hopeless and painful illness, it should be the recognized duty of the medical attendant, whenever so desired by the patient, to administer chloroform or such other anesthetic as may by-and-bye supersede chloroform – so as to destroy consciousness at once, and put the sufferer to a quick and painless death; all needful precautions being adopted to prevent any possible abuse of such duty; and means being taken to establish, beyond the possibility of doubt or question, that the remedy was applied at the express wish of the patient.

– Samuel Williams (1872)

Euthanasia has already a debated topic since ages, especially when human as the object. I won’t start any debate here since what I need is a decision, whether this sick puppy shall go for euthanasia or not.

Since I shall leave home anyway soon, so my family consideration should put in as well. I think (and very sure) they will object the idea of euthanasia for the little puppy. I do understand those objections since I have the same complaint. I know, this idea of euthanasia seems so cruel, inhuman, merciless.

For ordinary people, death never brings happiness – there no such a “happy death“; and it’s more difficult when come to having the decision to give this “happy death” for another being. I know, those who become veterinarian has significant different resolution then us who become a physician. Those who become veterinarian must able to take the life of the animal, whether they are pets or livestock. That way, euthanasia is more commonly done on the animal than on us – human.

Well, this is hard, I don’t want to get used reconsidering about euthanasia, even more – don’t wanna get used to making a decision on it.