Like when you're faced with a very sick animal and - the owners refuse to do anything?

It's a tough call. And a very emotional one at that. After all aren't we meant to look out for the welfare of animals? Speak for those that can't?

We know how much pain and discomfort they're in but somehow we don't always manage to get that point across.

We understand that we can't save every patient that comes through our doors. Some are already fading away through old age, some are seriously ill or critically injured however, there is ALWAYS something we can do for them. Even if it means the ultimate in palliative care - euthanasia.

To present a sick animal to us and then refuse any veterinary care by arguing "I don't want to put her through that" or "I don't feel it's worth it at her age" or "I'll take her home and think about it for a few days" is unacceptable.

You need to do SOMETHING. At the very least - allow us to manage the pain and discomfort while you decide whether to proceed with further treatment or not.
"But giving injections is painful and we don't want to hurt her" you argue.

So does this mean -taking her home and leaving her to die a slow and painful death is the kinder option?

It most certainly is not. And for us - knowing that this will be the case is upsetting to say the least.

Most of the problems with situations like these stem from the fact that animals rarely vocalise their pain. They don't complain or cry like we do. This leads people to believe there is no pain which of course is untrue. Kidney and Liver disease, heart failure, arthritis, cancer, dental disease (common conditions which result in these scenarios) can be painful conditions and without intervention of some kind add undue stress to your pet.

Imagine how awful it would be for any of us to have these conditions and have to endure them without any pain relief or medical help of any kind?

So if you're ever faced with difficult choices when your pet becomes sick or is injured, please think about the implications of your decision.

Please - let your vet help you make the right choices - for you and your pet.