The second disciplinary activity of the year, in online format, of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy (FAVA), had as main objective to provide recommendations and advice to new and future veterinary doctors for the management of this complex type of processes.
The day was inaugurated by the Dean of FAVA, Lorena Jofré, who after welcoming the public, introduced the speaker Alejandro Roffo, veterinary doctor from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, MBA in Pharmaceutical Business from the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada, specialist in euthanasia and representative of the Euthabag branda product created based on raising awareness about this procedure.
Regarding the work of the veterinarian in a euthanasia process, Roffo stressed the empathy that professionals must express at all times towards the pet’s guardians. In this aspect, he indicated the importance of considering details that can be significant in the interaction between the pet and those responsible, such as the vocabulary to use, the treatment of the animal in its condition and the respectful planning of the process. He invited attendees to treat the pet in this process, “as if it were ours.”
Because Veterinary Medicine is the only profession legally qualified to perform this procedure in the country, the speaker made a special recommendation to the attendees. “Being the only medical profession authorized to practice euthanasia gives us a privilege and at the same time a responsibility. This is a unique opportunity for the development of professional practice. Since we make the call for an appointment to perform euthanasia and the tutors see our human side at the same time as the professionalit is the best that can happen for the development of the process,” he stated.
This is the third consecutive year that the FAVA addresses this topic, which is reflected in the need for updating for new generations of students. In this sense, Dean Lorena Jofré stated that ““Euthanasia is an important and delicate issue, since it is about assuming a professional responsibility.”adding that “as future veterinary doctors, we must understand the relevance of performing this procedure in an ethical and competent manner, which implies knowing the appropriate methods and understanding the emotional delicacy that surrounds this act, both for the owners and for the veterinary team.” .
This activity left the main message to future professionals that learning the correct and adequate way to handle euthanasia is crucial to guarantee animal well-being. It is essential to know and apply protocols that minimize pain and stress during the procedure, thus ensuring that the animal says goodbye in peace and tranquility, while providing emotional support to the pet’s guardians.
