Is Euthanasia the Only Way Out for Your Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)?
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Definition of Animal Euthanasia
Animal euthanasia is the act of killing an animal humanely, most commonly with injectable drugs. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_euthanasia) It's a method of killing that minimises pain, distress, and anxiety experienced by the animal before the loss of consciousness. (https://www.msdvetmanual.com/clinical-pathology-and-procedures/euthanasia/euthanasia-of-animals)
How Does Animal Euthanasia Work?
Animal euthanasia is typically a two-step process involving two injections to make it painless and stress-free for the animal that is being euthanised. (https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/euthanizing-pets-home-cost-what-expect)
According to https://petlossathome.com, animal euthanasia involves injecting a massive overdose of anaesthesia. A calming sedative is given followed by a vein injection. As the anaesthesia takes effect, it overwhelms the brain and shuts it down, quickening breathing and breathing stops within 30 seconds. This is followed by the slowing and stopping of the heart. (https://petlossathome.com/about/faq/euthanasia/euthanasia-work-happens-use/)
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What is CCD?
CCD, in simple terms, means dog dementia. It's similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in humans. While the conditions are different, the effects are very similar. CCD affects dogs late in life. A dog's brain, just like the rest of its body, starts to deteriorate with age. And in some cases, the deterioration leads to changes in the physical and chemical makeup of the brain, resulting in a decrease in cognitive function. (https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/canine-cognitive-disorder) Although there's no known cause of CCD, genetic factors have been shown to contribute to its occurrence. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_cognitive_dysfunction)
Do We Really Have to Euthanise Our Pet Dogs with CCD?
Recently I joined a Facebook group for pet owners with dogs that are suffering from CCD. And just within a short span of a couple of weeks, many members posted about having already euthanised their dogs or that they were planning to do so, apparently because of the worsening state of their dogs' CCD.
Initially I was planning to write about another topic. But after just a couple of days of being part of the Facebook group, I was very troubled by what I read and so I decided to write about euthanasia for pet dogs. And the more I read, the more troubled I became. To be honest, I'm so troubled that I try to avoid reading posts by members of the group now.
Is there really no other way to deal with CCD? Do we euthanise our loved ones when they've become 'too much of a trouble'? Is it really more humane to let our pets die via euthanasia than to let them live with CCD?
Have you asked your dog if it's ready to go? Have you asked your dog if euthanasia is the way it wants life to end for it? Have you ever thought of checking with it?
Is it because of cultural differences and therefore people in certain cultures don't see anything wrong with pet euthanasia but others in another culture do have trouble accepting that? I'm asking because I don't hear of anyone in my culture euthanising their dogs because of CCD.
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1. What is the Value of a Pet Dog's Life?
Does human life have more value than the life of a pet? When comparing between the two, I think most people will invariably put a higher value on the former which of course is understandable. But does it mean that we can deny our pets the right to live when they're suffering from CCD (or a terminal illness)? Do we have the right to deny them the right to live?
According to https://www.psychologytoday.com/, we're bound to say that human life has more value than that of an animal if we're thinking rationally and morally. However, a study has shown that a large percentage of the participants would choose to save their pets than a human in danger. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201308/is-dogs-life-worth-more-persons)
I understand that some pet owners may choose euthanasia for their dogs because they feel that it's better than to let their dogs suffer. But I wonder if they've given the matter some serious thought?
2. The Right to Choose
We as humans have the right to choose if we should live or die when faced with a terminal illness. But yet when it comes to pets in our lives, it seems that practically all of us will make the decision for them as if we really know what's best for them.
I believe that pet dogs know if they're nearing the end of life. (https://www.pawtracks.com/dogs/do-dogs-know-theyre-dying/) I've read and watched videos of dogs going away from their loved ones when they're about to die. And even if they don't know, is it not possible for us to ask them if they're ready to leave this earth?
I'm convinced that dogs can understand human language, even though they're unlikely to understand every single thing we humans say to one another. I've watched videos of pet owners talking to their dogs with the latter responding to them via nodding, etc.
Incidentally, even pigs (which may be perceived to have lower intelligence than dogs) that are kept as pets can understand human language! I've watched many Facebook reels showing pigs responding to their owners when spoken to.
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There are some ethical considerations that a vet should take into account when approached by a pet owner to euthanise their dog:
3.1 Quality of Life Assessment
A responsible vet would assess a pet dog's quality of life to determine if euthanasia is the right course of action. They look at factors such as pain, mobility and overall wellbeing.
3.2 Informed Decision
A vet is morally obligated to provide a pet owner who intends to euthanise their dog with all the relevant information about the dog's condition, prognosis and treatment options, so that they can make an informed decision.
3.3 Patient Advocacy
A vet must prioritise the interests and welfare of their animal patients, even if it conflicts with the desires of the pet owners. This is especially important because of the fact that they can't speak for themselves.
3.4 Professional Boundaries
A vet must avoid any conflict of interests when discussing about euthanasia with a pet owner. They shouldn't impose their own beliefs or values on the latter. They should provide objective information and guidance instead.
(*This is taken from https://you.com/ but edited by me.)
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Ways to Manage Your Dog's CCD
1. Medications
Ropesalazine, which is used to treat humans with AD, has apparently shown promising results in a pilot clinical trial for dogs with CCD. It's a drug that's used to prevent inflammation and free radicals that contribute to the death of nerve cells, amyloid plaque production and neurofibrillary tangle formation which are pathological hallmarks of AD. (https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2018-09/new-drug-shows-hope-for-treatment-of-dog-dementia)
Other medications that might be helpful for your dog include selegiline (which is said to slow down oxidative damage in the brain), propentofylline (which is a drug that helps with blood circulation in the brain) (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-dementia/) and nicergoline (which enhances blood flow to the brain and is thought to enhance the transmission of neurons). (https://dogdementia.com/guide-to-canine-cognitive-dysfunction-2023/)
Anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed by a vet for your dog if anxiety-related symptoms are a major factor of its CCD. (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/dog-dementia)
2. Physical Activity
(**This is taken from https://you.com/ but edited by me.)
3. Health Supplements
3.1 S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
SAMe has been used to treat age-related behavioural changes as well as other cognitive and nerve disorders in mammals. (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/same) It can enhance the health of neurons and improve mental performance in dogs. (https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
3.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for brain health and they've been shown to improve cognition in dogs. They’re commonly found in fish oil supplements.(https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
3.3 Antioxidants
Vitamins E and C, selenium and carotenoids can help to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which may slow down the progression of CCD. (https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
3.4 Phosphatidylserine
It supports brain function and it's been shown to improve cognition and behaviour in pets suffering from CCD. (https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
3.5 Ginkgo Biloba
It's a herb that's known for its cognitive-enhancing effects. It’s said to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce symptoms of CCD. (https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
3.6 Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
MCTs can provide an alternative energy source for the brain cells, which may enhance cognitive function in older dogs. (https://iheartdogs.com/best-supplements-for-dogs-with-ccd-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/)
Alternatives to Euthanasia
1. Palliative Care
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization describes palliative care as "treatment that enhances comfort and improves the quality of an individual's life during the last phase of life". (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/palliative-care-and-hospice-for-pets-overview)
Palliative care focuses on managing pain and other symptoms and extending the quality of life as long as possible. And this can be done via medications, acupuncture, laser therapy and so on. (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/palliative-care-and-hospice-for-terminally-ill-dogs/)
Hospice can provide a roadmap to the end-of-life care that is tailored to meet the needs of the pet dog and its family. And this involves a partnership between the family and the veterinary healthcare team that places the pet dog at the centre of the caregiving circle. (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/palliative-care-and-hospice-for-pets-overview) Another focus of a hospice programme could be providing emotional support to the caregiver. (https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-hospice-and-palliative-care)
3. Foster Care
Instead of choosing euthanasia for your pet dog with CCD, foster care might be a better option. Although it might not be widely available, you can still do a search on search engines to see if it's available where you live. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/animal-rescue-fospice-program-gives-senior-and-terminally-ill-shelter-dogs-a-home-for-their-final-days/)
Alternatively, you might want to reach out to your family or friends to get them to help foster your dog during the last stage of its life. Or you might want to ask them to help you take care of your dog while you take a break.
4. Support from Family and Friends
Besides rendering emotional support to you, your family and friends can be roped in to provide support to your dog as well. For example, they can help to take care of your ailing dog temporarily so that you can get the respite you may need.
I understand that you may find it hard to ask for help because of your culture or other reasons. But if your dog means enough to you, I believe you'll prioritise self-care and get the help you need instead of euthanising it as an 'easy' way out.
Conclusion
The decision to euthanise one's dog is undoubtedly a complex and deeply personal one. As we navigate the ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia, it becomes apparent that our treatment of animals reflects our society's values and our ability to balance compassion with responsibility. By exploring the ethical considerations, ways to manage and alternatives to euthanasia, we can foster a deeper understanding and engage in meaningful conversations that may shape how we approach end-of-life care for our canine companions. (This is taken from https://you.com/ but edited by me.)
Cheers,
Annie Chan
(P/s: My next blog post will be published on 30 Nov 2023. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel here: Annie's Music Everywhere. Thanks!:))
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