Large Animal Euthanasia

Question 1

3 steps to euthanasia

Answer 1

1.sedation/tranquilization
2. unconsciousness
3. cardiorespiratory arrest

Question 2

modes of action for euth

Answer 2

hypoxemia
depression of neurons vital for life
physical damage to brain tissue

Question 3

reasons for euthanasia

Answer 3

• food production :(
• pain and suffering (colic and fracture)
• intractable conditions/situations (race track - fracture, emaciated neglect, hit by vehicle, etc)
  chronic incurable conditons

Question 4

what are the approved methods for euth

Answer 4

injectable barbiturates
captive bolt
gunshot
KCl while anesthetized

Question 5

injectable barbiturates cause

Answer 5

CNS depression
death occurs from respiratory arrest and myocardial hypoxia

Question 6

dosage of pentobarbital for avg adult horse

Answer 6

100mL IV

Question 7

dosage of thiopental

Answer 7

20-30 mg/kg IV

Question 8

when is captive bolt gun used

Answer 8

when tissue has to be free from drug residues
food animals

Question 9

disadvantage of captive bolt

Answer 9

brain matter can enter blood stream

Question 10

non-penetrating captive bolt

Answer 10

causes concussion –> unconsciousness
less reliable at causing immediate and permanent unconsciousness than penetrating type

Question 11

when is free bolt used

Answer 11

emergency, in field euthanasia of farm animals that cannot be restrained

Question 12

gunshot requirements

Answer 12

32 caliber or larger
must shoot not between the eyes but slightly above

Question 13

potassium chloride dose

Answer 13

iV injection 50-100mL
causes cardiac arrest and tissue hypoxia

Question 14

unapproved euth methods

Answer 14

any method that does not induced unconsciousness before cardiorespiratory arrest