Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Vet Rec. 2020 Dec 19;187(12):e122. doi: 10.1136/vr.105734. Epub 2020 Jun 4.
While euthanasia is a common feature of veterinary practice, research has yet to adequately explore the experiences, perception and wishes of pet owners, including their satisfaction and grief following companion animal euthanasia.
An online questionnaire was conducted with pet owners who had experienced euthanasia within the last 10 years to explore the relationship between pet owners' experiences and their resulting satisfaction and grief following companion animal euthanasia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression.
Overall, participants (N=2354) reported high levels of satisfaction with their euthanasia experience. Their experience with the administration practices (i.e., payment and paperwork), emotional support, follow-up care and care for their pet's remains was found to be associated with overall satisfaction. Participants' grief was associated with the number of euthanasia previously experienced, the type of human-animal bond, if the euthanasia was emergent and the emotional support they received.
Findings contribute to existing research and shed light on some of the most important practices associated with companion animal euthanasia. Several practical recommendations are made, including developing standard operating procedures for companion animal euthanasia; exploring owners' previous experiences, expectations and emotions; the importance of reassurance; and access to grief resources and services.
尽管安乐死是兽医实践中的常见特征，但研究尚未充分探讨宠物主人的经验、看法和意愿，包括他们在伴侣动物安乐死后的满意度和悲伤程度。
对在过去 10 年内经历过安乐死的宠物主人进行了在线问卷调查，以探讨宠物主人的经历与其在伴侣动物安乐死后的满意度和悲伤程度之间的关系。使用描述性统计和多变量线性回归分析数据。
总体而言，参与者（N=2354）对他们的安乐死体验报告了较高的满意度。他们对管理实践（即付款和文书工作）、情感支持、后续护理以及对宠物遗体的护理的体验与整体满意度相关。参与者的悲伤与之前经历过的安乐死次数、人与动物的联系类型、安乐死是否紧急以及他们所获得的情感支持有关。
研究结果为现有研究做出了贡献，并阐明了一些与伴侣动物安乐死相关的最重要的实践。提出了一些实用建议，包括制定伴侣动物安乐死的标准操作程序；探索主人的以往经历、期望和情绪；安抚的重要性；以及获得悲伤资源和服务的机会。
