Title: Describe situations that may warrant euthanasia.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Handling Death and Dying

Description should include examples of

- untreatable/irreversible medical conditions that cause suffering (e.g., uncontrollable pain or distress, inability to eat or drink, inability to breathe without difficulty, organ failure due to gradual build-up of toxins)
- irreversible, intolerable behaviors (e.g., unmanageable viciousness toward humans or other animals, other behavior that poses a serious health risk to humans or other animals).

Process/Skill Questions:

- When might euthanasia be an option for a pet with cancer or other chronic illness?
- When might the government require an animal be euthanized?
- Why must an animal that has bitten a human be quarantined before it is euthanized?
- Why might an entire herd have to be euthanized if some of the animals test positive for a disease?
- Why is animal euthanasia an ethical issue?
- Why do some veterinarians refuse to euthanize healthy animals?
- Why is it imperative to have the legally required documentation in order before performing euthanasia?