|
Agent
|
Comments
|
| Air embolism |
Air embolism may be accompanied by convulsions,
opisthotonos, and vocalization. If used, it should be
done only in anesthetized animals |
| Blow to the head |
Unacceptable for most species |
| Burning |
Chemical or thermal burning of an animal is not an
acceptable method of euthanasia |
| Chloral hydrate |
Unacceptable in dogs, cats, and small mammals |
| Chloroform |
Chloroform is a known hepatotoxin and suspected
carcinogen, and therefore hazardous to personnel |
| Cyanide |
Cyanide poses an extreme danger to personnel and
the manner of death is aesthetically
objectionable. |
| Decompression |
Decompression is unacceptable for euthanasia
because of numerous disadvantages. (1) Many chambers
are designed to produce decompression at a rate 15 to
60 times faster than that recommended as optimum for
animals, resulting in pain and distress due to
expanding gases trapped in body cavities. (2) Immature
animals are tolerant of hypoxia, and longer periods of
decompression are required before respiration ceases.
(3) Accidental recompression, with recovery of injured
animals can occur. (4) Bloating, bleeding, vomiting,
convulsions, urination, and defecation, which are
aesthetically unpleasant, may occur in the unconscious
animals. |
| Drowning |
Drowning is not a means of euthanasia is
inhumane. |
| Exsanguination |
Because of the anxiety associated with extreme
hypovolemia, exsanguination should be done only in
sedated, stunned, or anesthetized animals. |
| Formalin |
Direct immersion of an animal into formalin, as a
means of euthanasia, is inhumane |
| Household products and solvents |
Acetone, quaternary compounds (including CCl4),
laxatives, clove oil, dimethylketone, quaternary
ammonium products, antacids, and other commercial and
household products or solvents are not acceptable
agents for euthanasia |
| Hypothermia |
Hypothermia is not an appropriate method of
euthanasia |
| Neuromuscular blocking agents (Nicotine, magnesium
sulfate, potassium chloride all curariform agents) |
When used alone, these drugs all cause respiratory
arrest before, unconsciousness, so the animal may
perceive pain after it is immobilized |
| Rapid freezing |
Rapid freezing as a sole means of euthanasia is not
considered to be humane. If used, animals should be
anesthetized prior to freezing. |
| Strychnine |
Strychnine causes violent convulsions and painful
muscle contractions |
| Stunning |
Stunning may render an animal unconscious, but it
is not a method of euthanasia (except for neonatal
animals with thin craniums). If used, it must be
followed by a method to ensure death. |
Emergency Information
