VTMED 6754 - Small Animal Euthanasia: Clinical Communications and Practice

Spring. 1 credit. S/U grades only.

Enrollment limited to: third-year veterinary students.

K. Hirsch.

If you are feeling uncomfortable, unprepared, or worried about discussing and performing euthanasia, you are not alone. A study performed at the Ontario Veterinary College found that between one-quarter and one-third of fourth year students felt neither competent nor comfortable with the technical and professional skills involved with euthanasia (Tinga, et al., 2001). Although these figures are staggering, they are unsurprising knowing that, at most, 25% of veterinary students graduate with first-hand euthanasia experience (McVety, 2017). Through immersive laboratories and active-learning-focused lectures, students will (1) expand their knowledge and (2) refine clinical communication and practical skills as they relate to veterinary euthanasia of small animals.