The Palliative Care Consultation

The Palliative Care consultation is a 1 hour in-home consultation that includes:

– Review of your pet’s medical history: symptoms, diagnoses (if known), and if relevant, any recent tests, treatment and/or medications
– Evaluation of your needs and goals of care for your pet (i.e. things that are important to you, and that are important to your pet), so that we can tailor the Palliative Care plan to suit you and your pet’s needs
– A physical examination of your pet, with particular attention to the presence of pain, other causes of discomfort, and health or physical factors that may affect quality of life
– Education on your pet’s disease/conditions: how to recognise and manage pain and other symptoms, how these affect your pet and their quality of life, what medications and other support measures can help, and what to expect as the condition progresses
– Review of the home environment and tips on things that can improve your pet’s comfort in the home
– Discussion of options available for the ongoing care for your pet, including guidance on deciding when is time for euthanasia
– Development of a personalised plan for you and your pet
– Tailoring the medication regime for your pet, explaining what each medication is for, and what side effects, if any, to look for
– Demonstration and practical tips on how to give medications and, if applicable, other care techniques (e.g. subcutaneous fluid administration)
– Follow-up communications and guidance as the time for euthanasia, or death, approaches (additional consultations and communications incur additional fees)
– Support resources – practical and emotional – during the care process and after the death of your pet