Forums

I had to have my little cat Jack put to sleep today, he was 18 years old, he had a good life and was very much loved.
I was advised by the vet it was his time and I didn't want him to suffer anymore and so I agreed.
However what happened next was horrific and I can't get it out of my head!
I thought he would just go to sleep and that would be it, but after the first injection, he seemed to be choking and gasping for breath, then after the second injection he was convulsing and seemed to be in real distress! When it was over, he was all stiff with his back legs all twisted in the air, his face was all contorted too. I am sure he died in agony and distress! I was so upset, I was not expecting that!
Is this normal? Surely not.....

Hi Carl, I am so so sorry for Jack and for you to have to go through that. As a vet that has been working with dogs and cats now for over 13 years I can tell you that that is definitely not how most euthanasias pass. The drug that we use is a drug which depending on the dose given can be used to sedate an animal, anaesthetise an animal or what we use it for nowadays, to cause them to pass away. There are some animals where after the drug is administered they will show some reflex movement or for example urinate or pass faeces - this is all involuntary and not conscious behaviour. Occasionally some animals that have diseases such as kidney failure or poor circulation can show even more exaggerated responses. Obviously I was not there when Jack was put to sleep so it is really impossible for me to comment specifically on what happened with him other than to say I am sorry for the distress to him and to you.

Take care,

Shailen

Hi Shailen, thank you for your reply to my post. I understand about involuntary movements, reflexes etc. But Jack was visibly choking and clearly gasping for breath after the first injection, which I believe is meant to sedated the animal prior to the second lethal injection. And after the second injection, the spasms occurred while he was definitely still awake. I will never be able to forget the look in his eyes, it was fear, pure and simple.
In addition to this, I requested a private cremation for him with his ashes to be returned to me, I even filled in a form. They now tell me there was a mix up and my beautiful little boy was cremated with other animals with the ashes disposed off!! A horror show from start to finish, it was bad enough losing Jack, but this is beyond belief!

Dear Carl,

I am so sorry to read your post. As a vet working in small animal practice for over 9 years, I would completely agree with and reiterate all of Shailen's comments and will not add to your distress further by repeating them, except to offer my sincere sympathies to you.
I would, however, like to comment on your last paragraph about Jack's ashes because this is somewhere where some miniscule comfort may be gained. I would suggest that you ask your practice which crematorium they use and give them a call. Many of the crematoriums have a garden of remembrance and in some cases the ashes which are not returned to owners are scattered there. Many crematoriums also have a book of remembrance and a chapel of rest. In most cases, you are able to visit the crematorium and any gardens associated with it, which may help you with your grief.

All of the crematoriums that i have dealt with are run by absolutely lovely people who welcome your phonecalls with genuine kindness and patience. Not knowing the particular crematorium you are referring to, it is impossible to comment on their individual facilities, but all the crematoriums I have experience with look after the animals with the upmost respect and care. Please do not think that because Jack was cremated with other animals that he was less well cared for, because this will not be the case. Many people elect not to pursue a private cremation for a huge number of reasons: in my experience and without exception, all those animals are dearly loved, so please do not think that Jack received 'lesser' care than he was owed.

On a personal note, my own parents found visiting the garden of remembrance helpful when our cat was euthanised. If you do not wish to visit, most crematoriums have a website where you may leave online messages of remembrance or view the gardens online.

I hope this is helpful and that you can find some solace by doing this. Do let us know if we can help you further.

Kel

Hi, Carl

I was so sorry to hear of your dreadful experience with Jack. Certainly you were very unlucky, which is probably not much comfort, but you meant the best for your little friend. Kelly's suggestion above to contact the crematorium sounds a good idea. I always feel the spirits of my departed animals in the garden and parks where they prowled and played - Jack will be with you in memory, and you must have many happy ones. He was a fortunate cat to be the companion of someone who loved him so.

Anne