3 veterinary hospice care myths

Misconceptions about hospice care are present inside and outside the veterinary profession. CVC educator Dani McVety, DVM, is here to address what she considers the biggest gaps in understanding. Take a look at these myths-and the honest answers behind each scenario:

Myth 1: Hospice care extends the life of the pet.

The truth: Hospice care is designed to support the pet's comfort as long as the pet is still alive until the pet owners request euthanasia or the pet passes on its own.

Myth 2: Hospice and palliative care is a substitute for euthanasia.

The truth: Instead, it's the time before euthanasia or natural death.

Myth 3: Hospice care exists to increase the price tag or to extend the pet's suffering.

The truth: It's not designed to increase the cost for clients, and it may even decrease the cost for pet owners if they choose to do hospice or palliative care instead of extending diagnostics. "We can use the monies that would be spent on diagnostics instead on treatments that will add to the value of the pet's life," Dr. McVety says. Watch the video for more.

Not sure how you fit into the process? Take a look at Hospice and euthanasia: What's your role?

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