Euthanasia and Pain in Canine Patients with Terminal and Chronic-Degenerative Diseases: Ethical and Legal Aspects

Abstract

Euthanasia is commonly performed in veterinary medicine to humanely induce the death of an animal when its quality of life is affected by pain or chronic degenerative diseases. The choice of euthanasia is a bilateral decision that represents a challenge for both the veterinarian and the owner of the animal due to the close emotional human–animal bond. Currently, there is legislation that can orient veterinarians concerning euthanasia and the causes that would justify this resolution. However, it is still controversial, and deciding it as the last available resort requires considering it from a medical, legal, and moral perspective. Therefore, this review aims to explore the ethical and legal implications of euthanasia in canine patients. It will analyze the reason that can justify euthanasia in animals with pain or terminal and chronic degenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of effective communication, ethical knowledge, and consideration of euthanasia as a multimodal resolution.

Assessment of Pain and Inflammation in Domestic Animals Using Infrared Thermography: A Narrative Review

“…An important field of research where IRT could help to refine and promote animal welfare is during the slaughter or euthanasia of farm, companion, and laboratory animals in order to prevent pain and negative emotional states [ 74 , 139 , 140 ]. Weschenfelder et al [ 74 ] have used infrared ocular thermography in pigs during slaughter to associate the physiological response with meat quality.…”

Controversial Topics in Animal Welfare in Latin America: A Focus on the Legislation Surrounding the Human-Companion Animal Relationship and Animals Used for Recreational Practices

“…Additionally, these animals are often exposed to injuries, respiratory diseases, or wounds on limbs that impede their movement and affect their welfare [195]. Due to the repercussions for health and the malnutrition of these canines, euthanasia has been suggested as a way to prevent poor AW, QOL, and foment the conservation of wild fauna [20,196]. This contrasts with countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, and Netherlands, where euthanasia is only allowed when the animal presents with incurable diseases or severe behavioral problems that cannot be solved [155].…”