Veterinary misadventure

Heather--

I'm sure the vet would have warned you if you were in danger. Still, if you're worried, call the vet and double-check.

Welcome to A2K.

Veterinary Misadventure
Thanks for the welcome

Vet seemed embarrassed more than anything, and wiped down my arm.

I told him I had dreamt the night before that I had got the needle instead of the dog- he thought I should label myself as clairvoyant.

I know that animals used to be euthanased with barbituates- is this still the case? If so, suspect that not much would be in my system from my unexpected 'shower'.

Sorry to hear about the pooch

Animals are euthanized depending mostly upon weight but also species.
Dogs are either given a barbiturate overdose or an anesthetic agent (so no pain is felt) followed by potassium chloride which short circuits the heart causing a fatal heart attack.

Some barbiturates and anesthetics can be introduced through the skin but if immediately washed off the skin there is no chance of adverse reaction for you.

It sounds like your dog got the second procedure. You will be fine and delaying the potassium chloride would not have caused any discomfort to your dog as it was sound asleep at the time. Its a very nice way to go if its time.

Hopefully it was the potassium chloride- a strong 'salt' solution on my exterior shouldn't do any harm.

Not dropping dead during my sleep is probably also a good sign!

Heather--

Of course, down the road when Unforseen Snags complicate your Path in Life you can always say, "Had the vet been more careful about the syringe..."

Your precipitating curse has been defined.

Can you have more than one curse?

I think mine must have been 'may you live in interesting times'

Have never had a need to watch the soapies.........

Heather--

Every drama to this point was merely prolog.

The syringe spit on now.

Now....

Most euthanasia solutions do not contain potassium chloride. As a rule, they are strong barbiturate solutions in an ethylene glycol base. I have been sprayed a helluva lot more than once in my life, and it doesn't seem to have affected me except for brain function. (It must be that, because age couldn't be a factor, could it?) Anyway, it doesn't hurt you, except that it tends to be pretty sticky and taste crappy if you get a drop or two on your lips. It can be a bit traumatic, but not generally harmful.