18 - CA Euthanasia 2 Glossary Terms

Altricial

Refers to species (such as dogs, cats, mice, and rats) born in a relatively undeveloped state, requiring nourishment and care; they are characterized by moderate neurologic immaturity and achieved sentience several days after birth.

Barbiturate (e.g., Sodium Pentobarbital)

A derivative of barbituric acid used as a primary injectable agent for euthanasia in mammals and birds.

Cervical Dislocation

A physical method of euthanasia involving the separation of the skull from the spinal column, permitted for small birds under specific conditions.

Coelomic Cavity

The single body cavity in birds that contains both the heart/lungs and abdominal organs, as birds lack a diaphragm.

Exsanguination

The process of draining blood; used as an adjunctive method of euthanasia in unconscious or insentient animals.

Focused Beam Microwave Irradiation (FBMI)

A physical method used by neurobiologists to fix brain metabolites in vivo in rats and mice while maintaining anatomic integrity.

Hypoxic Inhibition

A state where the lack of oxygen inhibits cerebrocortical activity, contributing to the unconscious state of certain fetuses in utero.

Intraosseous (IO)

An injection route into the bone marrow; in birds, this must avoid pneumatic bones to prevent respiratory distress or drowning.

Intraperitoneal (IP)

An injection route into the body cavity; recommended for preweaning mammals but avoided in late-term pregnancy to prevent accidental uterine entry.

Maceration

A physical method using rotating blades to cause immediate fragmentation and death in poultry up to 72 hours old and embryonated eggs.

Pneumatic Bones

Hollow bones in birds (e.g., skull, humerus, clavicle) that connect to the respiratory system and act as part of the air-conduction mechanism.

Precocial

Refers to species (such as guinea pigs) born in an advanced state, often able to feed themselves almost immediately; they remain unconscious in utero until just before or after birth.

Thoracic Compression

A controversial physical method of terminating the lives of small wild mammals and birds in field conditions by compressing the chest; it is generally considered unacceptable for conscious animals.