What is Economic Euthanasia?
Treasured Pets defines Economic Euthanasia as a condition in which euthanasia is selected based principally or to a great extent on the cost of veterinary care to treat an animal with a favorable prognosis. A favorable prognosis is an educated guess that an animal will likely recover from a disease or condition after medical treatment. A veterinarian may provide a favorable prognosis if, for example, statistics suggest that a patient's cancer is likely to respond well to treatment.
Millions of our canine and feline loved ones are euthanized annually and there's no end in sight. Animal euthanasia incidents are not well documented, and estimates vary but, recent studies reveal a brutal truth. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 2 out of every 3 pets (66%) are euthanized annually solely due to financial limitations, and 1 out of every 2 pet guardians (48%) would consider euthanizing their pets if diagnosed with a condition requiring costly treatment that was economically difficult to pay.
The two categories of animal euthanasia arise from the basis of need: Economic Euthanasia and Humane Euthanasia. Though both end an animal’s life, the reason for each is significantly different. Economic Euthanasia is performed when a pet’s guardian cannot afford the cost of veterinary care for treatment with a favorable outcome. Humane Euthanasia, however, is performed in the animal's best interest, and not primarily for convenience or economic reasons. Humane Euthanasia is typically performed when a pet encounters an uncurable illness or undiagnosed condition, is seriously injured or wounded, or experiences intense chronic pain that can’t be relieved, for example.
With Economic Euthanasia, a pet’s “guardian” could be pet parents and companion animal guardians, animal shelters, veterinarians, or any individual or institution currently providing guardianship for an animal. Depending on the pet’s existing guardianship, it may give rise to a particular category of Economic Euthanasia — Institutional Economic Euthanasia. The Institutional classification occurs when an animal-serving organization (e.g., shelters, rescues, veterinary clinics, law enforcement agencies, etc.) makes a life-or-death decision about an animal based on the organization's available resources. Institutional Economic Euthanasia occurs when an institution elects not to treat an animal due to the cost of veterinary care. We suspect each of us has experienced examples similar to those listed below which cause us moral stress, guilt, anger, and regret which often accompany these experiences.
Economic Euthanasia Case Examples
Case One
A 12-year-old Shepherd dog is seen for evaluation of progressive lethargy and declining appetite of one to two months. Radiographs confirm a large abdominal mass. You advise surgery as the only means of improving the animal's condition, with an uncertain long-term prognosis. After reviewing the estimate of costs, the clients ask how long Shepherds of this age are expected to live. The clients elect euthanasia and ask the vet if they are making a reasonable decision; the vet concurs.
Case Two
A 12-year-old Spaniel is seen for a progressive cough of 12 months duration. The animal feels well in all other respects. Mrs. Jones remarks that the cough has significantly impacted the dog's quality of life. The veterinarian discusses possible causes of coughing and advises a battery of tests to discern the cause. The vet informs the client that many patients with chronic coughs can be successfully managed with lifelong medications and periodic monitoring. An estimated cost for testing is prepared, and the vet is asked to call Mr. Jones. The vet presents the rationale for testing and remarks that the dog seems in good condition except for the cough. Mr. Jones requests the dog be sent home while the family considers the costs of your plan. The dog does not return for testing.
Case Three
A six-month-old Cattle dog is seen for progressive coughing and dyspnea of one to two days. The dog lives on a ranch and access to rat poison is confirmed. Hemoptysis, dyspnea, and cyanosis are noted. The veterinarian discusses your suspicion of pulmonary bleeding due to rodenticide ingestion and informs the client that the dog is in poor condition due to compromised ability to breathe. The vet tells the client that intensive care and blood products will be needed to save the dog's life, with an excellent long-term prognosis. After reviewing the estimate for veterinary care, the client informs you that the maximum she can spend is $500. You offer financing options, which are declined. The client requests euthanasia unless you can save the dog's life within her stated budget.
How does the veterinary profession diminish the negative impact of Economic Euthanasia, such as in the examples described above, on their clients, themselves, and their patients? In an ideal world, each of their clients would have a medical fund put away for the eventual time a serious illness arises. History shows, however, that pet parents and companion animal guardians do not have financial safety nets.
What is not Economic Euthanasia?
A pet guardian takes a German Shepherd to a second and third veterinarian to ascertain an unknown illness causing the canine to lose weight uncontrollably and suffer, but there’s still no diagnosis. After discussing the situation with the vet, the pet guardian decides to relieve the Shepherd’s suffering by euthanizing the furry loved one. Because a diagnosis was never attained and it’s in the animal’s best interest, euthanasia is classified as Humane, not Economic.
