Why was IM sedation used for my kitten's euthanasia instead of IV?

Question

I had to euthanize my new rescue kitten due to extremely enlarged heart and pneumonia. During the process, vet gave IM "sedative" which clearly hurt. It did not sedate him, and took 3 painful doses and over 30 min before fatal injection given. During this time he was shaking, pupils dilated, hyperventilating and clearly terrified. Is there a reason a vet would not use IV drugs, especially in a kitten with such a low ejection fraction who was not responding to IM? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 months and 14 days old | 5 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

It can be extremely difficult to get intravenous access in small kittens, especially with poor circulation and sedation is often used beforehand. The disoriented response is very rare but it is unlikely your kitten was actually aware as certain sedatives can cause :dissociation' where there is no link between behavior and sensation leading to erratic movements and delusions. In people, amnesia is often reported after the sedation wears off with no recollections of the effects.

Why was IM sedation used for my kitten's euthanasia instead of IV?

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