muscle relaxant used prior to euthanasi

I just had my dog euthanized and it was the worst experience of my life!  Before she was euthanized she was given a muscle relaxant.  I felt so bad for her, she couldn't move and her tongue kept falling on the floor.  I have searched the internet to see if muscle relaxants were used prior to euthanasia but there wasn't much information.  She was also blinking which leads me to believe she was concious.  I was told she would be put to sleep before the final shot was given by the vet on a previous visit.

My question is: Is using a muscle relaxant prior to putting my dog to sleep common practice?  Was my dog aware of what was happening?  Did it ease her pain?  Or did it just help the vet with the final shot?  I need to know the truth.  I asked the vet if she could feel us petting her and she said that she may but that she was probably in Lala land.  Can you tell me if this is the case?

I need to know the truth.  I need to know if my dog felt anything and if she may have known or been scared by what was happening.  She was an intelligent dog, she was a golden retriever.

Thanks
Penny

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I am so sorry about your sad loss!

Tranquilizers or sedation medications are the usual medications given prior to a euthansia, but, they usually don't have an analgesic (pain relief) component.  If your dog was in any musculoskeletal pain the vet could have given her a muscle relaxer to ease the spasms, calm her musculoskeletal system, and help to reduce pain.  

Muscle relaxers can also sedate, but she would still be able to feel you petting her, and of course she knew that you were there.  I don't believe that she was frightened, but she may have been "picking up" on your sadness, anxiety, and other emotions that you may have had at that sad time.  

I am sure she was very intelligent, and Golden's are very empathetic pets; therefore, the only anxiety she may have felt, at that sad time, is being unable to give you comfort.

Euthansia is never a happy time, but please know that she did not suffer, and I do believe there is a heaven for all species of animals.

[Misfits4Me]

Penny, I just saw this...I don't know the answers to your questions, but please know of my sorrow for your loss....I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.    Karla

[pgun3]

Thanks so much!  We need your prayers badly!  Especially my husband, Caylee was his constant companion and he is lost and hurting so badly right now, his heart is breaking as is mine.  She was such a special member of our family and we are going to miss her terribly!!  She was the lite in our lives.  She made us sooo happy.  My husband has such regret and guilt for putting her down.  He feels he betrayed her trust.  She allowed him to do anything to her no matter what it was because he was her #1.  She loved him as much as he loved her!  She had to go everywhere with us and now we feel that our home and hearts are empty without her.  She was a piece of our puzzle which made us complete.  

Thanks again! Karla

Penny

[suzi-q]

My prayers and thoughts are with you.  I wondered many of the same questions as you when I put my Tiffy down in December...thanks for asking them.

Peace to all of you.