Euthanasia Flashcards
2 requirements for euthanasia
must relieve fear and apprehension
must induce unconsciousness as rapidly as possible, ensuring minimum of pain and suffering
3 modes of action
hypoxemia
depression of neurons vital for life
physical damage to brain tissue
4 reasons for euthanasia
food production
pain and suffering
intractable conditions (hard to deal with)
chronic incurable conditions
example of intractable conditions
large car accidents
4 approved methods of euthanasia
injectable barbiturates
captive bolt
gunshot
KCl when anesthetized
injectable barbiturates: mode of action/how death occurs, benefits, examples
CNS depression
death occurs from respiratory arrest and myocardial hypoxia
rapid onset of action, smooth induction, minimal side effects
pentobarbital, thiopental
captive bolt: when used (what kind of animals), mode of action, 3 types
food animals
produce unconsciousness
followed by exsanguination
penetrating, non penetrating, free bolt
penetrating captive bolt: definition, how loss of consciousness is produced, what follows
pointed bolt propelled by pressured air or blank cartridge
bolt damages cerebrum and part of cerebellum
causes concussion, destruction of vital centers of brain, increased intracranial pressure = loss of consciousness
need exsanguination after
non penetrating captive bolt: definition, how loss of consciousness is produced, what follows, benefits vs drawbacks
bolt blunt with mushroom shaped tip
bolt strikes forehead and retracts immediately
concussion = unconsciousness
need exsanguination after
less reliable
more popular with concerns about mad cow disease
free bolt: definition, when used, how it works, what follows
used for emergency in the field when farm animals can’t be restrained
projectile is not retractable –> similar to conventional firearm
fires small projectile through skull once pressed firmly against forehead
can leave to die or admin lethal drugs
gunshot: what caliber, where placed
32 caliber or larger
NOT between the eyes
potassium chloride: where injected, effects, benefit, when approved
IV
cardiac arrest and tissue hypoxia
economical
when unconscious/anesthetized
examples of unapproved methods
electrocution
exsanguination alone
O2
nitrogen inhalation
air embolism
hazards during euthanasia
animal falling down
uncontrolled movement
ensure death before leaving
eating carcass if barbiturates were used
how to ensure death before leaving
absence of heart beat, respirations, corneal reflex