When is it time to let go?
In my practice I frequently deal with animals suffering incurable
diseases such as cancer and neurological degeneration. Complementary
therapies are excellent modalities to treat these diseases.
Not only can we control the physical symptoms but also the
mental anxiety that often accompanies terminal illness. Even
though those little guys have incurable diseases, they have
a good quality of life.
However, there comes a moment when there
is no response to the treatment and it becomes clear that
death is approaching. We always wish that they die in their
sleep. But that is the exception. An animal may be in agony
for two or three days. Homeopathic remedies can be used to control
anxiety and ease the agony. However, waiting for somebody
to die is something that few can handle. In many cases, pain
is involved and it may become difficult to fully control it
with medication. Therefore, euthanasia may be the most compassionate
action to take. However, how are we to know that we have reached
that point?
Animals cannot express their choice in an unequivocal manner.
It is left to us to interpret their desires. I feel that
given the choice, even in pain or afflicted with a terminal
disease, animals want to live. The instinct of preservation
is the dominant factor. Therefore, we should give them palliative
treatment while the preservation forces are strong. It all
becomes a play between the vital force that seeks to preserve
the integrity of the organism, and the destructive action
of the disease that interferes with the integrative action
of the vital force. Homeopathic treatment strengthens the
vital force so, while it may not provide a cure, it allows
the animal to live with the disease.
Normally old and chronically ill animals may spend a great
deal of time sleeping and staying by themselves, being in their
own world, just looking about. However, they can be aroused
to do something fun and exciting. They have bursts of energy
to play, eat, greet you or go for a walk. The energy they
have may be just enough to wag their tail and smile at seeing
you. The deep primordial desire to live and to enjoy life
can be seen in the eyes. It appears as a shine on the eye
surface as the cornea reflects the light, in fast eye movements
that follow objects.
When the eyes appear dull, with no shine, the spirit is diminished
and the animal has lost the desire to live; when you look
into them it seems as if there is “nobody in there”;
this may be the time for you to follow your animal’s
wishes and help him die soon. He would like you to be with
him in the last moment.
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