Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A case report: veterinary palliative care and hospice for a west highland terrier with transitional cell carcinoma.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Downing, Robin
- Affiliation:
- The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A West Highland Terrier with transitional cell carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer, received palliative care, which focuses on making the pet comfortable rather than curing the disease. The care was provided in a regular veterinary setting, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the dog's needs and the emotional needs of the family. The approach highlighted that anyone can provide this kind of compassionate care without needing special training, as it’s about being attentive to the pet's comfort and keeping them with their family for as long as possible. The outcome of this case shows that with the right support, pets can have a dignified and peaceful end-of-life experience.
Abstract
In providing palliative care and hospice in a veterinary outpatient primary care setting it is important to manage all aspects of the patient's needs as well as the primary disease process, and to understand that veterinary palliative care and hospice do not require a special degree or board certification. They only require compassion for the terminally ill patient and the human family members, a commitment to keeping patients united with their families for as long as they are comfortable, and a willingness to keep a comprehensive perspective on the patient's changing needs as death nears.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21601755/