“Pets often hide signs of pain, which makes careful observation and veterinary assessment important.”
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Saying goodbye to your loved ones can be a heartbreaking experience.
Sometimes these tearful farewells are made voluntarily, while others are dictated to us by a sudden illness or series of unexpected events.
What factors would you consider if you were making that final decision for someone close to you?
Are they in pain?
Your purring cat or enthusiastic dog are secret masterminds at masking pain.
Pets tend to hide their pain as a natural survival instinct passed through generations to avoid being seen as someone’s next meal. In the wild, animals seen as weak or injured will be treated as prey and are easy targets for predators.
Diseases such as arthritis can go unnoticed unless picked up by their owners… or their local vet!
Look for signs like your dog licking their paw excessively, your cat avoiding their usual high places or a general loss of appetite. Your pet may be experiencing a high level of pain without any major red flags.
Talk to your vet, and they can help you decipher the signs.
Palliative care
For any member of the family all options are up for discussion when making serious decisions about their future health.
It’s important to check with your vet about what can be done to make sure your pet is pain-free without sacrificing their quality of life. There may be medications or actions that can be performed by owners to keep pain at a manageable level.
Serious surgeries involving orthopedics or cardiology can be performed to help alleviate some of the pain. Much like humans, the longer we are under anesthesia, the more likely a complication may occur. The bigger the surgery, the bigger the risk.
Palliative care is an option for those pets with terminal illnesses such as cancer. Treatments such as massage, physical therapy, acupuncture and other alternative methods can be considered to ease your pets’ moments at the end of their journey.
Not sure what the right choice is? Your vet will look at your pets weight, prior medical history, age and breed when considering their best option for recovery and treatment.
Quality of Life Scale
Picture a sunny day in the Australian summer. Perfect temperature for a swim at the beach or a stroll in the park with your family and friends. Unfortunately, you’ve just broken your leg falling down the stairs… now walking on sand or for long periods may seem unrealistic!
Your injury will most likely heal in a couple of weeks, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the summer tanning on a beach.
But what if the injury or illness was more serious? You may be stuck inside for months or even years. You may be in pain. Would you be comfortable with your quality of life?
Would you ask the same question if stuck in a similar predicament was your beloved pet?
Dr Ari often provides his clients with a quality of life scale. This can help pet owners determine whether the quality of life is worth the pain your pet may be suffering. If your pet is unable to move due to an injury or illness our mobile service can come directly to your home for an assessment.
“End-of-life decisions are guided by your pet’s comfort, mobility and overall quality of life.”
Voluntary Enthanasia
Knowing the ones you love are in constant pain can be heartbreaking to watch.
The topic of enthanasia is a difficult thing to imagine in any pet owners’ lifetime. If your pets pain can’t be adequately managed and their quality of life is seriously diminished your vet may recommend enthanasia.
Highly skilled veterinarian surgeons perform the process in a painless and peaceful manner.
Some of the best choices in life are also the hardest we will ever have to make.
Your options
Your vet will provide you with a number of options depending on the situation.
Taken into consideration are things like their future quality of life, pain management and treatment options before a final recommendation will be made
Contact your local vet about the best quality of life for your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Signs of pain are often subtle in pets
Changes in behaviour, appetite or movement may indicate discomfort that is not immediately obvious. - Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life
Options such as medication and supportive care can help manage pain in pets with serious or ongoing conditions. - Quality of life should guide decision-making
Mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing are key factors when assessing your pet’s condition. - In-home assessment can support calmer decision-making
Mobile vet consultations allow pets to be assessed in a familiar environment during a difficult stage of care.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my pet is in pain or discomfort?
Pets often show subtle signs of pain such as reduced appetite, changes in movement or withdrawal from normal behaviour. You may also notice excessive licking, hiding or reluctance to move. A veterinary assessment can help identify whether these signs are linked to pain or illness.
What is palliative care for pets and when is it used?
Palliative care focuses on managing pain and maintaining comfort for pets with serious or terminal conditions. This may include medication and supportive care to improve daily quality of life. It is considered when curative treatment is not suitable or effective.
How do I know if my pet’s quality of life is declining?
Quality of life can be assessed by looking at mobility, appetite, comfort and engagement with their environment. If your pet is consistently unable to move comfortably or shows ongoing distress, it may indicate a decline. Vets often use structured tools to guide this assessment.
When should euthanasia be considered for a pet?
Euthanasia may be considered when pain cannot be adequately managed and quality of life is significantly reduced. This decision is based on a combination of clinical assessment and your understanding of your pet’s condition. A vet can help guide you through this process.
What factors does a vet consider when advising on end-of-life care?
Vets consider factors such as age, medical history, current condition and response to treatment. They also assess pain levels and overall quality of life. These elements help inform appropriate care options.
Can a mobile vet provide end-of-life assessments at home?
Yes, a mobile vet can assess your pet in your home environment. This can help reduce stress and allow for a more comfortable evaluation. It also supports decision-making in a familiar setting for both the pet and owner.