Dysthanasia (animal)

A geriatric mastiff with multiple tumors is being prepared for palliative surgery.

Animal dysthanasia (from the Greek: δυσ, dus; "bad, difficult" + θάνατος, thanatos; "death") refers to the practice of prolonging the life of animals that are seriously or even terminally ill and that are potentially experiencing suffering. Animal dysthanasia is a recent concept, emerging from changes in the social perception of animals and from advances in veterinary care.[citation needed]