SA140 - Hospice Conversations: What to Say in Any Situation

In veterinary medicine our clients serve as proxy for their pet’s wishes in almost every interaction they have with a veterinarian; from the decision to amputate a limb, choose surgical versus medical treatment, and even the choice to remove “life support” and initiate euthanasia is a common path that the veterinarian must walk the client through on behalf of the pet. Legally, the clients are in fact owners of the patient and our communication and established rapport with that owner is imperative if we are to gain the trust such that our medical knowledge will be put to use for the betterment of the pet and/or the treatment of a disease. This talk will provide key phrases and scenarios in walking families through the hospice journey with their senior or geriatric pet. Learning how to gain that rapport is where the rubber meets the road!