Euthanasia and Palliative Care Questions Answered
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A QUALITY OF LIFE or palliative APPOINTMENT?
Dr. Deborah Aronson will gather relevant medical records ahead of time. At the appointment she will complete a physical examination of your pet (if in-home), and go over your concerns. Together, you will create a plan based on goals of care that will include areas such as nursing care, medications, and nutrition. You will discuss how to plan and prepare for end of life decisions, euthanasia, and after care, if appropriate. In-home appointments will also include any treatments as appropriate, including prescriptions, acupuncture and medical massage. Please be aware that Pennsylvania law requires an in-person physical examination for veterinarians to diagnose or prescribe, so those options may be limited during telehealth consultations. Dr. Deborah Aronson will send you and your primary veterinarian a summary report after the initial visit.
What can i expect during a euthanasia appointment?
This appointment can be at a location for your comfort; indoors, outdoors, or even at a favorite park. After greeting you and your pet, Dr. Deborah Aronson will go over a small amount of paperwork with you and accept payment. For the euthanasia itself, Dr. Deborah Aronson uses a two-step process to help minimize distress. She will first sedate your pet with one or two injections under the skin or possibly orally. Once the sedation has taken effect she will administer the euthanasia solution, which is essentially an overdose of an additional anesthetic. You are welcome to stay with your pet the entire time, but if you do not feel comfortable being present she does prefer you stay with your pet until the sedation has taken effect, so they know you are with them. The appointment itself will take about an hour.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EUTHANASIA?
Dr. Deborah Aronson can provide memorialization products (lock of fur, paw prints), and respectfully transport your pet for cremation. You can choose individual (ashes returned in a decorative chest with nameplate and paw print) or communal cremation (ashes will be respectfully scattered at the crematory). She trusts Abbey Glen Pet Memorial in West Chester, PA, for aftercare, but if you would like your pet transported to a different location she can help. For example, The Laurels at West Laurel Hill Cemerery in Bala Cynwyd offers private internment and aquamation. You can contact them directly to arrange, and Dr. Aronson can provide transport on request. Depending on local regulations, you may keep your pet's remains for burial, but please be aware there is a risk to wildlife consuming euthanasia solution so burial is not recommended without special handling. You may also reference helpful resources on grief support, ways to memorialize your pet, and a remembrance coloring page on the "links" tab.
WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture bridges a gap between medicine and surgery. Acupuncture is used primarily when medications are not working or are contraindicated due to possible side effects, or when surgery is not feasible.
In small animals acupuncture is most commonly used for Musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis; Skin problems such as lick granulomas; Nervous disorders such as traumatic nerve injury and certain types of paralysis; and Respiratory problems such as feline asthma.
In small animals acupuncture is most commonly used for Musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis; Skin problems such as lick granulomas; Nervous disorders such as traumatic nerve injury and certain types of paralysis; and Respiratory problems such as feline asthma.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Dr. Aronson utilizes a contemporary neuroanatomical approach to acupuncture, reflecting the idea that needle placement is guided by the practitioner's detailed knowledge of veterinary anatomy and neurology.
Acupuncture does more than relieve pain. How it works depends on what condition one is treating and which points are utilized. Acupuncture increases circulation; reduces inflammation; causes the release of neurotransmitters from the brain - some of which are endorphins & enkephalins - the body’s “natural pain-killing” hormones; relieves muscle spasms; stimulates nerves; stimulates the body’s defense systems; as well as numerous other beneficial effects.
Acupuncture does more than relieve pain. How it works depends on what condition one is treating and which points are utilized. Acupuncture increases circulation; reduces inflammation; causes the release of neurotransmitters from the brain - some of which are endorphins & enkephalins - the body’s “natural pain-killing” hormones; relieves muscle spasms; stimulates nerves; stimulates the body’s defense systems; as well as numerous other beneficial effects.
IS acupuncture PAINFUL? HOW WILL MY ANIMAL REACT?
Acupuncture is performed with sterilized single-use thin stainless steel needles. There is occasionally a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin in certain areas, but every patient reacts differently. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax, and may even fall asleep during treatment.
is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects are rare. Occasionally an animal’s condition may deteriorate temporarily before improving but this phenomenon typically resolves in 24-48 hours. Because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.
HOW OFTEN & HOW LONG DOES ONE TREAT with acupuncture?
Treatments may last from 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending upon the condition treated and the method employed. There are many ways of stimulating acupuncture points including the use of dry needles, electro-acupuncture, aquapuncture (injecting a solution into a point), as well as laser acupuncture. Dr. Deborah Aronson will create a personalized plan for you pet, generally once a week for 3-5 weeks and then reassessing. A positive response is often noticed within the first 3-4 treatments, sometimes earlier, depending upon the condition treated.
WHAT DOES IT COST? (2024)
Initial palliative, acupuncture, and quality of life house calls are $257.50. Follow-up visits are $180.25.
Euthanasia appointments start at $450. There may be additional costs for urgent appointments, larger pets, aggressive pets, extended travel, and evening/weekend/holidays.
Aftercare costs start at $200 for communal cremation and $350 for individual cremation, and depend on the size of the pet.
Telehealth consultations are $75 per 30 minutes. Please be aware that Pennsylvania law requires an in-person physical exam to establish a valid VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Dr. Deborah Aronson will not be able to diagnose disease or prescribe medication with this type of appointment unless she has already examined your pet.
Main Line VIP takes Cash, Check, Zelle, and Credit/Apple Pay (3% convenience fee)
Euthanasia appointments start at $450. There may be additional costs for urgent appointments, larger pets, aggressive pets, extended travel, and evening/weekend/holidays.
Aftercare costs start at $200 for communal cremation and $350 for individual cremation, and depend on the size of the pet.
Telehealth consultations are $75 per 30 minutes. Please be aware that Pennsylvania law requires an in-person physical exam to establish a valid VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Dr. Deborah Aronson will not be able to diagnose disease or prescribe medication with this type of appointment unless she has already examined your pet.
Main Line VIP takes Cash, Check, Zelle, and Credit/Apple Pay (3% convenience fee)