SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EUTHANASIA

reformatted for hypertext language from original

Inhalant Agents:^a Anesthetics

Because in the liquid state most inhalant anesthetics act as topical irritants, animals should be exposed to the vapors of the anesthetic only. Air or oxygen must be provided during the induction period.

ETHER

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable - Should be used in approved hood according to institutional guidelines.

HALOTHANE

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable - Considered the most effective inhalant anesthesia for euthanasia.

METHOXYFLURANE

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable

ISOFLURANE

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable

NITROUS OXIDE (NO)

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Conditionally Acceptable - when used with other inhalant anesthetics

ENFLURANE

SPECIES - Cats, young dogs, birds, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable

^a Should not be used in dogs and cats <16 weeks of age p> Inhalant Agents: Non-Anesthetics

Most agents in this category require the use of special equipment.

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO₂)

SPECIES - Dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles and other small animals

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable - Bottled gas preferred, requires special equipment

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

SPECIES - Dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits and amphibians

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY- Acceptable - Bottled gas only, requires special equipment

NITROGEN (N₂)/ARGON (AR)

SPECIES - Dogs, cats, rodents, and rabbits

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally Acceptable - Animals should be anesthetized or heavily sedated

Non-Inhalant Pharmacologic Agents

Use of these agents requires adequate restrain and mastery of appropriate injection techniques.

BARBITURIC ACID

SPECIES - Most species

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable - Should be administered by IV whenever practical. IP is an acceptable alternative in small animals (<7 kg). p>T-61

SPECIES - Mammalian species

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable - When administered IV. Not available in U.S.

TRICAINE METHANESULFATE (MS 222)

SPECIES - Fish and amphibians

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable

BENZOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE

SPECIES - Fish and amphibians

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable

Physical Methods

These methods require that the user have complete mastery of the techniques to be used

ELECTROCUTION

SPECIES - Mammalian species

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally Acceptable - Two step procedure, requires special equipment

PENETRATING CAPTIVE-BOLT PISTOL

SPECIES - Large animals, dogs and rabbits

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally Acceptable - Requires special skills and equipment

CERVICAL DISLOCATION

SPECIES - Small mammals, birds, rats (200 gm or less) and rabbit under 1 kg

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally Acceptable - Proper technique is essential. Larger rats and rabbits require special equipment and demonstrated proficiency.

DECAPITATION

SPECIES - Small mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally Acceptable - Should be followed by pithing in poikilotherm.

PITHING

SPECIES -Some piokilotherms

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Conditionally acceptable - Death not immediate unless double pithed.

MICROWAVE

SPECIES - Small rodents

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Acceptable - Requires special restraint and focusing equipment. Microwave ovens are absolutely condemned for use.

Adjunctive Methods

When properly done these methods induce unconsciousness, but do not ensure death.

STUNNING

SPECIES - Small mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Single blow to head followed by a method that ensures death.

EXSANGUINATION

SPECIES - Most species

REMARKS ON SUITABILITY - Must be rendered unconscious by some other method first.

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