OT08 - Owner-Perceived Pain/Suffering Plays a Significant Role in the Decision to Euthanize Companion Dogs

Abstract:

Background: Humane euthanasia is a common practice in the United States for companion animals. Owner perception of their animal’s pain/suffering is often central to end-of-life decisions, yet factors associated with pain being cited as a reason for euthanasia have not been well characterized.

Objectives: To identify demographic, clinical, and veterinary care factors associated with owner-reported pain/suffering as a reason for euthanasia (RFE) in companion dogs. Animals: 8,955 dogs in the Dog Aging Project that were euthanized, as reported by owners.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study compared owner and dog demographic characteristics by whether pain was reported as a RFE. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed associations between pain as a RFE and total lifetime number of reported health conditions, presence of chronic conditions, and veterinary consult prior to euthanasia.

Results: Pain was reported as a RFE in 86.7% of cases. Older owners, smaller dogs, and dogs < 5 years of age were less likely to have pain reported as a RFE. No geographic associations were identified. The presence of a chronic condition and total number of lifetime diagnoses were not associated with pain as a RFE (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.03 and 1.1, 0.95-1.27, respectively). Recent vet consult was associated with pain as a RFE (1.75, 1.50-2.05) and better quality of life was negatively associated with pain as a RFE (0.90, 0.86-0.93). Conclusions/clinical importance: Pain plays a central role in owner euthanasia decisions, and veterinarians appear to have a significant impact on owner recognition of pain at the time of euthanasia.