A Comparison of Human and Animal Assisted Dying Protocols

Beth Marchitelli; Jessica Pierce

doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.010

A Comparison of Human and Animal Assisted Dying Protocols

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2020 May;50(3):617-626. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.010. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Authors

Beth Marchitelli¹, Jessica Pierce²

Affiliations

¹ 4 Paws Farewell: Mobile Pet Hospice, Palliative Care and Home Euthanasia, Asheville, NC, USA. Electronic address: bmarchitelli@hotmail.com.
² Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School, Aurora, CO, USA.

PMID: 32115282
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.010

Abstract

This article compares human and veterinary assisted dying protocols, exploring the relevant similarities and differences in the practice of euthanasia between these related fields of medicine. Special focus is placed on the use of medical terminology and technical application of drug protocols. Comparative research in this area may provide useful insights for the fields of veterinary medicine and human medicine alike.

Keywords: Medical aid in dying; Medical terminology; Veterinary/human euthanasia.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Communication
Decision Making
Euthanasia*
Euthanasia, Animal / methods*
Humans
Pets*
Veterinarians