Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals: Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition

Authors: Amir Shanan, Jessica Pierce, Tamara Shearer

Overview:

This comprehensive book serves as an authoritative guide to veterinary hospice and palliative care, offering a compassionate and practical approach to caring for animals with life-limiting illnesses. It addresses the needs of pets, caregivers, and veterinary professionals alike, providing both foundational principles and practical guidance for navigating this challenging yet rewarding field.

Key Themes:

• Ethical considerations in end-of-life care for animals: Explores the ethical principles and decision-making processes involved in providing compassionate care for terminally ill pets.
• Assessment and management of pain and other symptoms: Discusses various methods for assessing pain and managing diverse symptoms commonly experienced by animals with life-limiting illnesses.
• Communication and support for caregivers: Offers guidance on communicating effectively with pet owners and providing emotional support throughout the end-of-life journey.
• Clinical considerations for different disease states: Provides specific guidance on managing pain and symptoms associated with various terminal illnesses in companion animals.

Features:

• Second edition incorporates cutting-edge research: Integrates the latest advancements in animal behavior and cognition to better understand the emotional needs of pets facing illness and death.
• Written by leading experts in the field: Authored by veterinarians with extensive experience in hospice and palliative care, ensuring the book's comprehensiveness and accuracy.
• Balances theory and practice: Provides a solid foundation in ethical and philosophical aspects of end-of-life care while offering practical guidance for implementation.
• Includes case studies and discussion prompts: Real-world case studies and discussion prompts enhance understanding and encourage critical thinking.
• Emphasizes the human-animal bond: Recognizes the emotional bond between pets and their caregivers, offering support for both parties during this sensitive time.

Target Audience:

• Veterinarians
• Veterinary technicians and nurses
• Animal behaviorists
• Animal shelter and rescue personnel
• Pet owners and caregivers

Strengths:

• Comprehensive and informative: Offers a thorough exploration of all aspects of veterinary hospice and palliative care.
• Compassionate and ethical: Emphasizes compassionate care and ethical considerations throughout the end-of-life journey.
• Evidence-based and practical: Integrates the latest research with practical guidance for managing symptoms and providing support.
• Integrates diverse perspectives: Addresses the needs of both pets and pet owners, offering valuable insights for all stakeholders.

Chapter Headlines: (Examples only, may vary in the actual book)

• Part I: Foundations
  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals
  • Chapter 2: Ethical and Philosophical Considerations
  • Chapter 3: Communication and Support for Caregivers
• Part II: Clinical Management
  • Chapter 4: Assessment of Pain and Other Symptoms
  • Chapter 5: Management of Pain and Other Symptoms
  • Chapter 6: Nutritional Support and Fluid Management
  • Chapter 7: Hospice and Palliative Care for Specific Disease States
• Part III: Special Considerations
  • Chapter 8: Loss, Grief, and Bereavement
  • Chapter 9: The Role of the Veterinary Team
  • Chapter 10: The Future of Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals

Closing Paragraph:

"Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals: Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition" empowers veterinary professionals and caregivers to provide compassionate and dignified care for animals facing life-limiting illnesses. By offering a comprehensive and practical approach, this book equips readers with the knowledge and skills to navigate this challenging yet meaningful area of veterinary medicine.