Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals (1992) / Chapter Skim
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7 Euthanasia
7 Euthanasia
Pages 102-116
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From page 102... ...
The 1986 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia (AVMA, 1986) is a comprehensive review of euthanasia, and persons involved in euthanasia of animals should refer to it.
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From page 103... ...
WHEN TO PERFORM EUTHANASIA Some factors to consider in deciding whether to perform euthanasia are weight loss; emaciation; failure to gain weight (in a growing animal) ; severe pain that cannot be controlled; inordinate tumor growth or ascites; prolonged selftrauma; generalized alopecia caused by disease; prolonged diarrhea for which treatment is precluded in the protocol; coughing, wheezing, or severe nasal discharge; shallow and labored breathing; prolonged lethargy associated with rough hair coat, hunched posture, abdominal distention, or impaired movement; severe anemia or leukemia; icterus; CNS signs, such as convulsions, paralysis, paresis, tremors, and progressive head tilt; uncontrolled hemorrhage; urinary dysfunction (polyuria or anuria)
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From page 104... ...
The assessment tools and measures to be considered for such studies include electroencephalograms, electrocardiograms, electromyograms, arterial blood pressure, respiration and heart rates, serum biochemical characteristics, pupil diameter, and behavior. Although decapitation is considered by many knowledgeable
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From page 105... ...
In some animals, particularly under deep CO2 anesthesia, heartbeat can be maintained after visible respiration has ceased, and the animal might eventually recover. SELECTION OF EUTHANATIZING AGENTS AND METHODS A means of euthanasia is chosen on the basis of animal species, size, tractability, excitability, presence of painful injury, distress, disease, restraint of the animal, protocol requirements for tissue collection or analysis, and other considerations.
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From page 106... ...
can be grouped into three categories: inhalational agents, physical methods, and noninhalational pharmacologic agents. The selection of the appropriate technique depends on an evaluation of the factors and criteria previously discussed.
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From page 107... ...
Inhalational agents are usually administered in closed containers or chambers and have been used for small animals, such as rodents, rabbits, birds, puppies, kittens, and cats. Adequate ventilation and a means of exhausting waste gases should be provided for the safety of attendants using these agents.
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From page 108... ...
These gases are not recommended for euthanasia of newborn animals, because newborn animals have been accustomed to low oxygen concentration in the uterus and are more resistant to hypoxic conditions (Rowsell, 1981~. Although some of the agents have been widely used, most have sufficient disadvantages that preclude their common use for euthanasia of laboratory animals.
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From page 109... ...
Stunning Stunning is used primarily on small laboratory animals with relatively thin craniums. A sharp blow must be delivered to the central skull bones with sufficient force to produce massive hemorrhage and thus immediate depression of the CNS.
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From page 110... ...
A penetrating captive bolt has been described for euthanasia of dogs and rabbits (Dennis et al., 19881. Cervical Dislocation Cervical dislocation is commonly used to euthanatize small laboratory animals (e.g., poultry, mice, and immature rats and rabbits)
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From page 111... ...
Exsanguination Because of the anxiety associated with extreme hypovolemia, exsanguination should be done only in sedated, stunned, or anesthetized animals (AVMA, 1986~. NONINHALATIONAL PHARMACOLOGIC AGENTS Several noninhalational agents are used for euthanasia.
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From page 112... ...
Because there is a potential for human drug abuse, barbiturates are controlled substances that require Drug Enforcement Agency registration and record-keeping. Trained personnel are required to administer the drugs intravenously.
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From page 113... ...
Barbiturates Barbiturates Stunningb Cervical dislocation (small rabbits) Carbon dioxidea Carbon dioxidea Barbiturates Cervical dislocation (< 200 g)
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From page 114... ...
Hamsters and guinea pigs are more difficult to kill with this method, because of their short necks, stronger neck muscles, and loose skin over the neck and shoulders. Stunning by cervical concussion can cause unconsciousness, but extreme care should be used to ensure that this technique is performed properly.
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From page 115... ...
It has previously been assumed that stopping blood supply to the brain by decapitation causes immediate unconsciousness followed by rapid loss of sensation. That view has recently been questioned, because the CNS of reptiles and amphibians tolerates hypoxic and hypotensive conditions (UFAW/WSPA, 19891.
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From page 116... ...
The anatomic features of some species preclude this method. Pithing requires some dexterity and skill and should be conducted only by trained personnel.
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