Humane Animal Euthanasia

Overview of Euthanasia

Euthanasia: Humane destruction of an animal by methods producing rapid unconsciousness and death without pain/distress.
- Defined by AWA & AWR

Army Regulation 40-905: Veterinary Health Services
- CH. 3, Section 3-4e
- CH. 5, Section 5-2
Technical Bulletin Medicine 283
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animal (8th Ed.)
American Veterinary Medical Association Euthanasia Guidelines

Prevent suffering from injuries, illnesses, or diseases
- Authorized by Regional 64F
Demonstrated habitual aggressiveness unsuitable for post-adoption.

Conduct in private room in veterinary clinic or quiet outdoor location
- Reduces distress for animals/owners
Include transparent discussion factors leading to euthanasia
Permit owners to be present during euthanasia
Veterinarian authorize decision of euthanasia based on physical exam findings and discussion with owner
Fully inform owners on process which include possible disturbing complications during euthanasia
- Potential excitation/muscle twitching post-administering
Ensure drugs/supplies are ready before procedure to ensure smooth operation
Communicate and confirm animal's death to owner
Ensure all documentation and charges in VSSM are settled in advance to scheduled euthanasia
- Reduces stress/mental strain on preoccupied owner

DD 1745 Animal Euthanasia: Documentation of written approval by owner necessary to perform euthanasia of a POA
- Cases of exclusion:
  - Animal is abandoned
  - To prevent suffering
  - Human health concerns
    - Such as rabies risk

Allow handlers to be present during euthanasia performed in clinic or kennel
Emergent Situations:
- Situations where euthanasia may be feasible due to DOD-owned animal/MWD being diagnosed with medical condition that immediately threatens life/limb to prevent suffering
  - VCO has authority of decision-making
Non-Emergent Situations:
- Situations including none immediate terminal illness or aggression
- Must involve coordination with the 64F Regional Consultant for authorization.
  - VCO doesn’t have authority and must consult with 64F (Regional Consultant)

AWR reinforces importance of establishing humane endpoints and euthanasia methods when animals are involved in animal use protocol (AUP)
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) provides oversight
- Requires humane/non-painful/non-stressful euthanasia protocols/methods for research animals (especially those enduring chronic suffering at end of procedure or during)

AVMA defines guidance on appropriate methods for euthanizing companion animals (POAs/MDWs)

AVMA Guidelines recommend methods for euthanizing emotionally supported companion animals.
AR 40-905 discusses specific euthanasia procedures within Veterinary Treatment Facilities, with separate sections dedicated to MWDs and privately owned animals.

Acceptable: Guaranteed humane death consistently as the sole technique.
Acceptable with Conditions: Euthanasia methods presenting conditions for humane death; concerns involve operator error or safety risks.
Unacceptable: Techniques considered inhumane under any circumstances, posing serious risks to the operator.
Adjunctive Methods: Not exclusively used, but assist in combination euthanasia methods.

Barbiturates and derivatives (e.g., pentobarbital):
- Method: IV injection via catheter preferred for dogs and cats; IP for smaller animals if impractical.
- Advantages: Fast, inexpensive, minimal discomfort.
- Disadvantages: Controlled substance requiring veterinarian administration and thorough documentation.
Nonbarbiturate Anesthetics (e.g., ketamine + xylazine):
- Can be acceptable when barbiturates are unavailable.
- Assurance of death is critical with this method.

Inhaled Agents (e.g., isoflurane): Requires conditions ensuring collaborative outcomes.
Physical Methods (e.g., gunshot): Limited to situations that disable severe pain or danger especially in emergencies.

Verification of Paperwork: Required confirmations before euthanizing.
Blood and Urine Collection: Necessary for testing purposes; appropriate collection methods specified such as via cystocentesis.
Animal Weighing: Essential for determining drug doses with a guideline of 1 mL of euthanasia solution per 10 lbs.
Preparation of Patient: Administer sedation first to reduce stress, making catheter insertion easier.
Administering Drugs: Including required sedatives before euthanizing via IV or IC methods.
Verification of Death: Confirmation methods include auscultation and pulse checking.
Disposing of Remains: Adhere to local policies and guidelines for proper disposal and potential necropsies.

Veterinary Team Support: Should acknowledge human-animal bonds, respect grief, and provide sensitive care during euthanasia consultations.
Symptoms of grief, including phases like denial, anger, and resolution, signify the importance of staff self-care and emotional awareness.
Signs of burnout among veterinary personnel include physical and emotional symptoms affecting well-being.

Maintain awareness of individual and team emotions, promoting support systems to handle euthanasia-related stresses constructively.

Schedule toward the end of business hours for quiet environments, allowing owners privacy for emotional processing.

General considerations reflect species and procedure guidelines which should be confirmed by IACUC oversight.
Chemical euthanasia preferred in controlled settings over physical methods unless protocol dictates otherwise.