Euthanasia

[Teresa]

I have a 14 yr old squirrel. She has a fatty tumor that has been removed a couple years ago. It has returned and now has wrapped around under her jaw. It’s effectin her trachea. She’s having a hard time eating and I can hear a noise almost like a chocking sound she is on medicine for anti inflammatory with pain med. my question is the vet is 3?hours away. I want her to pass at home but I don’t want her to suffer or not be able to breathe. Does anyone no if I could give her a pain medicine for people like norco. So she could just fall a sleep and pass peacefully. I don’t no the does for norco 10/325. She weigh around 3 pounds. If anyone has done this or knows dosage I would appreciate it.

[4Puddles]

I am so sorry to hear about your little one. Do you think you could call the vet who did the first surgery and talk with them over the phone? Maybe they could suggest something to help. If the mass is just a fatty mass, then maybe it can be debulked to help ease her breathing. I realize at this age you might not be interested in another surgery though. Unfortunately, it is rare for an animal to die peacefully at home. That is the whole benefit of euthanasia...drugs can be given to make them fall asleep (put them under anesthesia) first so the whole process is peaceful. If your little one is having trouble breathing, I would think giving her something to make her sleepy might make her calmer and less aware of how hard it is to breathe, but I cannot imagine that slowly suffocating would be comfortable. I don’t suppose there is any other vet closer that would be able to help with humane euthanasia? :grouphug

[Teresa]

Vet said there’s nothing more that can be done for her just keep her comfortable they can’t do any type of surgery she’s to old and won’t make it through surgery.

[4Puddles]

Have you tried mashing or puréeing her food to see if it is easier for her to swallow?

[cava]

As a former vet tech: if someone walked in with their 14 year old pet squirrel who has a mass that is making breathing difficult and the owner asked for us to humanely euthanize we WOULD SAY YES.

I know you want her to pass at home but if you're ready to help her go, call a vet close to you and tell them what's going on. We would never have told you no.

You are in my thoughts.

[Mel1959]

If you could post your town in Michigan maybe someone will know of a vet closer to you that would help. Your decision is very brave. :hug