17 - CA Euthanasia 1 Glossary Terms

Adjunctive Method

A secondary procedure used to ensure death in an animal that is already unconscious or moribund.

Agonal Breathing

Abnormal patterns of breathing or gasping that may occur during the transition to death; typically occurs when the animal is already unconscious.

Cerebral Cortex

The part of the brain responsible for higher-level functions; euthanasia agents must disrupt its activity to ensure a loss of conscious perception.

Clonic Spasm

A type of muscle seizure involving rhythmic contractions; may be observed as a reflex activity during certain euthanasia methods.

Corneal Reflex

An involuntary blinking of the eyelids elicited by stimulation of the cornea; its absence is used as a criterion for verifying death.

Exsanguination

The process of draining blood from the body; used as an adjunctive method to ensure death in unconscious animals.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues; one of the three basic mechanisms used to induce death during euthanasia.

Intra-organ Injection

The administration of euthanasia agents directly into organs (e.g., intrahepatic, intrasplenic); acceptable only in anesthetized animals when IV access is unavailable.

Narcosis

A state of stupor, drowsiness, or unconsciousness produced by certain drugs or gases (e.g., CO2).

Pentobarbital

A barbiturate and the preferred injectable agent for euthanizing dogs, cats, and small companion animals.

Pithing Rod

A physical tool used to destroy the brain and spinal cord after a primary stunning method; a form of physical disruption of brain activity.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death; the only single sign that confirms death.

Secondary Poisoning

The poisoning of a scavenger or predator that consumes the remains of an animal containing toxic chemical residues like pentobarbital.

Unconsciousness

The loss of individual awareness occurring when the brain's ability to integrate information is blocked or disrupted.

Zoonotic Disease

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans; a factor that must be considered during the safe handling and disposal of remains.