Lecture 37 - Euthanasia

Adjunctive

What type of euthanasia methods are those which should not be used as a sole method but can be used in conjunction with others to cause euthanasia?

Euthanasia

Loss of consciousness, cardiac/respiratory arrest, and loss of brain function are the three basic mechanisms of what?

Direct Depression

Which euthanasia method uses agents to directly depress the neurons necessary for life function, such as barbiturates?

Hypoxia

Which euthanasia method uses displacement of oxygen, leading to death? It includes Nitrogen and CO2.

Physical Disruption

Which euthanasia method uses direct stoppage of brain activity, such as a captive bolt or gunshot?

Yes

Do lack of pulse/breathing, absence of corneal reflex, absence of response to firm toe pinch, graying of mucous membranes, and presence of rigor mortis confirm euthanasia?

Rigor mortis

The presence of what is the only single definitive sign of death in an animal?

CO2

Which inhaled euthanasia agent causes respiratory acidosis and anesthesia, but can cause distress and fear responses in the brain? Gradual displacement of oxygen using compressed gas cylinders is the only acceptable way to ensure regulation. Immature, burrowing, and diving animals will require extended exposure. Placing animals directly into a prefilled chamber is not allowed.

Inhalant

What category of euthanasia agents must be supplied in purified form and combined with a second method, such as exsanguination? They are not used in food animals, reptiles, amphibians, diving mammals/birds, or neonatal animals. Isoflurane is the most effective one.

Isoflurane

Which inhalant anesthetic is used for euthanasia, induces anesthesia rapidly, has a strong odor, and has low potency?

Enflurane

Which inhalant anesthetic is used in euthanasia, is effective, and is associated with seizure activity?

Sevoflurane

Which inhalant anesthetic used for euthanasia is less potent than isoflurane, has lower vapor pressure, is reported to have less odor, and is associated with seizure activity?

Desflurane

Which inhalant anesthetic used in euthanasia is potent, has a very strong odor, and is the least suitable one for this use?

CO

Euthanasia with what inhalant agent is painless and rapid, but is aversive for lab rodents and is a safety risk? It is acceptable with conditions.

Barbiturates

Use of what injectable drugs for euthanasia is the preferred method for many species and directly depresses the CNS? They have rapid onset, induce euthanasia smoothly with minimal discomfort, and are relatively inexpensive. IV use requires training, DEA regulations are in place, and the drug persists in the carcass, requiring special disposal.

Pentobarbitol

Which barbiturate used in euthanasia has quick onset, IV use, difficulty in fractious animals, alkalinity/irritation, and significant disposal issues? It is also called euthasol.

T61

Which injectable agent used in euthanasia has rapid onset and no terminal gap, but is currently not made in the US, requires slow IV injection, training, IV use, and is a controlled drug?

KCl

Which adjunctive euthanasia agent is cardiotoxic, has rapid onset, is not a controlled substance, has few residue issues, and no artifacts? It can cause spasms, pain on injection, and does not cause loss of consciousness. It can be given IV through a catheter or intracardiac under anesthesia.

Gunshot

What physical euthanasia method is acceptable with conditions, requires trained personnel, must enter the brain, requires targeting based on species differences, and has extreme safety requirements? It is the most common on-farm method.

Immersion

Which euthanasia method for fish and aquatics has the designation acceptable, and can use MS 222 or benzocaine? The animal should remain for 10-30 minutes after movement ceases.

Rapid Chilling

Which euthanasia method for fish and aquatics is designated acceptable with conditions, and is effective for small body tropical fish? The water should be 2-4 Celsius and it is not appropriate for cold-tolerant species.