Companion Animal End of Life Care for the Veterinary Technician - by Alyssa Eslinger & Joye Sears (Paperback)

About the Book

"The bond between humans and their beloved pets is the cornerstone of veterinary care, especially during those precious end-of-life moments. In this compassionate guide, we unveil the pivotal role that veterinary technicians play in this profound journey. The transition into the end of life is not just a chapter; it's the defining moment of the veterinary-client-patient relationship. Handled with care, it transforms into a deeply meaningful and rewarding experience, not only for the devoted pet owners but also for the dedicated veterinary team. Mishandled, it can become a source of anxiety and trauma. The standards of end-of-life care in veterinary medicine are evolving, and clients are seeking more comprehensive support than ever before. For veterinary technology students and practicing veterinary technicians, this guide is a lifeline. Updated to meet the evolving curriculum standards, it offers grounded and accessible information that is vital in training and daily practice. While existing textbooks have laid a strong foundation, Companion Animal End-of-Life Care Guide for the Veterinary Technician takes it further. This practical resource distills the most relevant insights from authoritative texts, making it the perfect companion for on-the-go reference. What sets it apart is its focus on EOL communication and pet loss support, areas often overlooked in existing titles. This guide is designed to be compact, affordable, and tailored to the specific needs of veterinary technicians. Join us on a journey that honors the cherished bonds between pets and their human families. 'Companion Animal End-of-Life Care Guide for the Veterinary Technician' is your trusted companion in this heartfelt mission, making every moment count, from beginning to end."-- Provided by publisher.

From the Back Cover

A practical, one-stop resource for veterinary technicians offering end-of-life services for companion animals

In Companion Animal End of Life Care for the Veterinary Technician, an experienced interdisciplinary team delivers a comprehensive guide for veterinary technicians seeking a resource covering all aspects of the veterinary technician's role in companion animal end-of-life care. The book explores everything from palliative nursing strategies to euthanasia techniques, with special attention to supporting and communicating with caregivers throughout the end-of-life period.

The editors offer invaluable support, knowledge, and skills to enhance your ability to provide patients with comfort and offer empathy to caregivers in challenging situations. In this book, you will find a practical approach and user-friendly format, a handy and accessible reference for daily veterinary practice. you will also discover:

• Hospice and palliative care principles, philosophy, and methods of delivery
• A thorough exploration of quality of life and end-of-life decision-making
• Practical communication skills and case study applications
• Euthanasia best practices
• The valuable role of veterinary social work and perspectives on pet loss support
• Grounded approaches to maintain technician and team wellbeing
• Careful alignment with evolving standards of end-of-life care and client expectations
• Distillations of expert insights from authoritative texts and current literature, providing access to the most relevant information for technicians in the field of end-of-life care

Perfect for practicing veterinary technicians with a desire to improve their standard of end-of-life care, Companion Animal End of Life Care for the Veterinary Technician will also benefit students of veterinary technology start their careers with the mindset and tools to lean into the meaningful experiences that can be accessed through compassionate end-of-life care.

About the Author

Alyssa Eslinger is a certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian with over 10 years of clinical experience. She founded a dedicated mobile end-of-life service before joining Dalhousie University as a full-time instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program. Dr. Eslinger now passionately shares her calling to end-of-life care with her students.

Joye Sears is a veterinary technician with 10 years experience in companion animal practice prior to becoming an instructor at Dalhousie University in 2015. She has a special interest in teaching compassionate end-of-life communication skills to future technicians.