Is this abnormal for the euthanization process?

I just got back from putting my cat 5 year old cat Mia to sleep (cancer). I've never done this before and it didn't go like I expected.

I assumed that she would be given a drug making her go to sleep (eyes would close), then she would be given whatever it is that kills her.

I am thinking they made a mistake and partially put her to sleep without knowing I wanted to be there. I could be wrong and I sure hope I am. I'm hoping to get some clarification here.

All I know is that I had to wait for a very long time for whatever went on in the back after they realized I wanted to be with her. (I was told they were administering some initial propofol to calm her down.) When they finally brought her out her eyes were pegged WIDE open - pupils fully dilated. At this point they administered propofol and the other shots that finished the job. Her eyes never changed. Wide open the entire time. This was creepy and hard to take.

Would it be normal that the little bit of propofal that they claimed they gave her in the back would put her in the state she was in? Is it normal that they don't actually "go to sleep" rather sit there looking comatose?

Rest in peace Mia
Mia

I don't have answers for you. Are these the same people who provided veterinary care to Mia during her lifetime? If so, I think if you ask for a bereavment counseling session they will definitely say yes to give you peace of mind and closure. I am sorry to hear there seemed to be miscommunication, but most of all for your loss. She is in a place of comfort, food, play and friendship, the Rainbow Bridge

I don't know hte answer - procedures and the drugs given vary from place to place. I would ask the vet, otherwise you will always wonder, and at this time you need closure. The important thing is that she didn't suffer any more, and you have done all you could for her. I am sorry she had to go.

I'm so so sorry you lost your baby. i think it would be best to ask the vet directly about the procedure, in order to get a clear explanation.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question about procedures when Mia was put to sleep, because I've never had an animal I've put to sleep. Knowing what it was like for Lynxx after the feeding tube, I wish we had.

I'm very sorry that Mia got sick, and that she died. I know how hard it is watching your cat while their sick. Not wanting them to be in pain, but not wanting to say goodbye either.

MOST vets will use a sedative first to calm the cat, then administer the final solution (that's just what I call it) they use Sodium Phenobarbital which stops the heart. This can cause the eyes to stay open- which is why the vet always checks for the heartbeat and will also touch the eyeball to confirm. They took Mia back to shave the leg and get an accurate weight on her, sedate her and then send her off.

It isn't easy to watch and I have been in the room more times than I wish to count, but it allows the cat to die with dignity and travel out of the pain that just wouldn't let go.

I am very sorry that you lost Mia- I hope soon your heart will heal and you will love another cat again.

Yes, their eyes remain open when they out them down, it's normal. It creeped me out when Molly(Paul's dog) didn't close her eyes so I knew what to expect from Attitude.

They took Attitude back and put a catheter in her arm, brought her back then gave her the sedative then gave her the final shot as I held her in my arms. They then wrapped(swaddled) her in a towel and helped me put her in her carrier so I could take her home and bury her.

I have heard that they don't close their eyes when they are put to sleep. Sadly it's normal. It is creepy, I wouldn't look at Attitude's face once she was gone I didn't want to see her eyes open and lifeless. I only unwrapped her body so Nuts could say goodbye.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Taryn

I'm am so very sorry for the loss of your cat, Mia. What a shocking thing to happen, especially to a cat only 5 years old. It's very difficult. You did the right thing. You wanted her to not suffer.

I have been with cats when they were euthanized. Their eyes stay open. I have also been with cats when they died from "natural" causes due to old age, such as CRF. They also kept their eyes open when they passed. It is disconcerting.

I'd ask the vet your questions. He owes it to you to answer all your questions and put your mind to rest.

RIP little Mia.

Robin

I'm so sorry for your loss

MIA

_______________________________________

I am so sorry for your loss - you gave Mia release from pain, no matter how it hurt you. May time grant you healing as well.

I've put down several cats when I was working with the rescue... they never shut their eyes.

And actually when we put Apollo to sleep in June.. the tech told us everything.. like his eyes won't shut, he might urinate or defecate. Warned us for it.. the vet that I worked with at the rescue never did.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

So sorry you lost Mia. I know how hard it can be. Just know you did the right thing.

RIP Mia

I guess everything went as it should have. I just wasn't expecting the morbid nature of it all to hit me so deeply. Meaning the idea (despite the fact that it was the right thing to do) that I was killing Mia there right in front of me. It was very difficult. I still don't like thinking about it.

Thank you all . I appreciate the kindness.

It's a very hard thing to do. I was present for 6 and mom did one alone. The last two (Princess and Connor ) was very different and difficult. They twitched really bad. We knew about the eyes and mouth from previous cats. Connor and Princess were also the oldest. The vet said sometimes it happens. We got very upset and the vet was calming us down too. Very sweet women.

I am so sorry for your lost.

I'm so sorry she had to be put to sleep, atleast you didn't need to watch her suffer in pain for her to die, she's in heaven on the rainbow bridge playing with her toys and not suffering no more. It's sad to see a pet go. RIP mia.