Euthanasia in Small Animals

When filing a euthanasia consent form, what is usually included on the form?

• Requires owner's details and signature

• Vet signature

• Discussion about the body of their pet, before the euthanasia

• Cost

Describe the euthanasia process, noting what drugs are typically used and what doses as well.

• Place IV catheter

• Pentobarbital sodium 200mg/ml

• Must keep record on how much used

• Schedule 3

• 80mg/kg in debilitated animals (Low end)

• 120-160mg/kg in younger, fitter animals

• Rapid IV iniection

How does phenobarbital cause euthanasia?

• Overdose of anaesthetic which will cause respiratory and cardiac arrest

What sort of warnings about the side effects on the patient should you explain to owners when performing an euthanasia?

• Sedative may take a while to take effect

• Certain medications may induce vomitting

• Phenobarbital itself may cause breathing to speed up, then slow down

  • The animal may also lose control of their bowels

  • Fluid may leak from nostrils or mouth

  • Agonal gasping

  • Eyes do not close

  • Muscle twitching

Where are the main sites in the body where Pentobarbital can be administered?

• Intravenous

• Cephalic* Usually preference

• Lateral saphenous

• Dorsal pedal vein

• Lateral/Marginal ear vein - rabbits

• Intra-organ

• Sedate if injecting into an organ

Describe the features of an intracardiac injection used to induce euthanasia.

• Needle size: 1-1.5in long needle, depending on animal (19 - 21 Guage)

• Right lateral recumbency - easy to palpate or auscultate for the apex beat

• Insert needle at 45°- 90° angle over apex beat

• Flash of bright red blood when drawing back

• Inject quickly and smoothly - immediate

• Upsetting for owners

Describe the features of an intrahepatic injection used to induce euthanasia.

• Needle size: 1-1.5in long needle

• Lateral recumbency

• Palpate and localise the xiphoid process, insert needle on either side of the xiphoid process (Craniodorsal), location not as certain

• Rapid action (~2mins)

Describe the features of an intrarenal injection used to induce euthanasia.

• **What animal is it most commonly used in?

• Cats and small mammals

• Needle size: 5/8 inch

• Choose the kidney that is easiest to isolate

• Painful (As encapsulated organ, massive pressure increase causing pain) but rapid acting (~ 1min)

Describe the features of an intraperitoneal injection used to induce euthanasia.

• **What animal is it most commonly used in?

• Small mammals and birds

• Needle size: 5/8"

• Lower left quadrant

• 15-20° with bevel upwards

• Slow acting (> 5mins)

• Potential for mis-injection into fat, viscera or subcutaneous space

Describe the features of inhalational agents which are used to induce euthanasia.

• Smaller animals < 7Kg

• Pungent odour - may hold breath

• Distress with some agents

• Slow acting (5-15 mins)

• Consider personnel health and safety.

How is death following euthanasia confirmed?

• No audible heartbeat

• Pale mucous membranes

• Apnoea

• Pupils fixed and dilated - eyes open

• No palpebral/corneal reflex - no blink

• Offer the owner time with their pet

• Ask if they would like collar, paw print, fur, etc

• Quieter exit from practice

What rules govern euthansia without an owner’s consent?

You can euthanize a patient without owner consent if you feel the animal's welfare is severely compromised.

BUT....always make sure you are protected legally.

Consent not required in emergency first aid situations or when welfare is compromised