Euthanasia in companion animals Flashcards
Define euthanasia
“good death” - To describe ending the life of an individual animal in a way
that minimizes or eliminates pain and distress
List and discuss the three basic mechanisms of ethanizing agents.
- direct depression of neurons: Release of inhibition of motor activity, vocalization, muscle contraction, convulsion
- hypoxia: High concentrations of gases (CO2, N2, Ar) that displace O2
- physical disruption of brain activity: death quickly follows, followed with exsanguination, painless if proper, must be skillfully executed
Define unconsciousness
loss of individual awareness
What is indirect hypoxia?
exsanguination - removal of all blood, methods to ensure death in already unconscious animal
adjunctive (supplemental) method
Why is hypoxia not used in all animal species?
Because some species are tolerant to prolonged periods of hypoxemia
What are the mechanism that are based on the physical disruption of brain activity?
- concussive stunning - blow to head
- direct destruction of the brain - captive bold
- depolarization of brain neurons - electrocution
How is death confirmed?
- lack of pulse
- breathing
- corneal reflex
- toe pinch
- can’t hear beathing sound or heartbeat
- rigor mortis - stiffening of joints
How are animal remains disposed?
- incinerate/cremate
- bury deeply
- cover/store animal remains
- tag animal remains and outer bags or container with poison tag
euthanasia
What are the acceptable methods?
for companion and avian animals
- pentobarbital (barbiturates and barituric acid derivatives IV);
- nonbarbiturate anesthetic overdose(IV, IP, IM ketamine/xylazine; propofol IV)
- tributame - only IV
- T-61 (tanax) - only IV
non-inhaled agents
euthanasia
What are the acceptable with conditions methods?
for companion and avian animals
- non-inhaled agents - pentobarbital (barbiturates and barituric acid derivatives); alternative routes
- inhaled agents - inhaled anesthetic (potential for recovery), CO, CO2 (not recommended for cats and dogs)
- physical methods - gunshot, pentrating captive bolt
alternate - intracardia, intrahepatic, intrasplenic, intrarenal
euthanasia
What are the adjunctive methods?
for companion and avian animals
- potassium chloride, N2, Ar, electrocution
euthanasia
What are the unacceptable methods?
for companion and avian animals
- injectable euthanasia agens, SC, IM, intrapulmonary
- household chemicals, disinfectans, cleaning agents, pesticides
- hypothermia, drowning
what is the euthanasia of dangerous or fractious animals?
*sedated –> ethanasia agents
reduce risk for perssonel and releive anxiety and pain for animal
what is the euthanasia of fetuses and neonates?
- injection of barbiturate/barbituric acid derivative (mid to late term)
- sodium pentobarbital
- IP injections should be avoided (later stage pregnancy) but fine for preweaning dogs
What is the euthanasia in breeding, shelter and rescue facilities?
- “heart stick”
- shelter - intrahepatic injection - sodium pentobarbital + lidacaine
- breeding - barbiturates IV/IP (dogs, cats), rabbit CO2
euthanasia
What are the additional physical methods for rats and mice
- focused beam microwave irradiation
- thoracic compression
Birds Euthanasia
acceptable: unconscious (iso- or sevoflurane) –> IV of injectable agent (sodium pentobarbital)
conditions
* Inhaled - iso/sevoflurane
* physical - cervical dislocation, decap
adjunctive - potassium chloride (IV, IC)
unacceptable - no compression
