Euthanasia

Question 1

2 requirements for euthanasia

Answer 1

must relieve fear and apprehension
must induce unconsciousness as rapidly as possible, ensuring minimum of pain and suffering

Question 2

3 modes of action

Answer 2

hypoxemia
depression of neurons vital for life
physical damage to brain tissue

Question 3

4 reasons for euthanasia

Answer 3

food production
pain and suffering
intractable conditions (hard to deal with)
chronic incurable conditions

Question 4

example of intractable conditions

Answer 4

large car accidents

Question 5

4 approved methods of euthanasia

Answer 5

injectable barbiturates
captive bolt
gunshot
KCl when anesthetized

Question 6

injectable barbiturates: mode of action/how death occurs, benefits, examples

Answer 6

CNS depression
death occurs from respiratory arrest and myocardial hypoxia
rapid onset of action, smooth induction, minimal side effects
pentobarbital, thiopental

Question 7

captive bolt: when used (what kind of animals), mode of action, 3 types

Answer 7

food animals
produce unconsciousness
followed by exsanguination
penetrating, non penetrating, free bolt

Question 8

penetrating captive bolt: definition, how loss of consciousness is produced, what follows

Answer 8

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

Question 9

non penetrating captive bolt: definition, how loss of consciousness is produced, what follows, benefits vs drawbacks

Answer 9

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

Question 10

free bolt: definition, when used, how it works, what follows

Answer 10

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

Question 11

gunshot: what caliber, where placed

Answer 11

32 caliber or larger
NOT between the eyes

Question 12

potassium chloride: where injected, effects, benefit, when approved

Answer 12

IV
cardiac arrest and tissue hypoxia
economical
when unconscious/anesthetized

Question 13

examples of unapproved methods

Answer 13

electrocution
exsanguination alone
O2
nitrogen inhalation
air embolism

Question 14

hazards during euthanasia

Answer 14

animal falling down
uncontrolled movement
ensure death before leaving
eating carcass if barbiturates were used

Question 15

how to ensure death before leaving

Answer 15

absence of heart beat, respirations, corneal reflex

Question 16

disposal options (5)

Answer 16

bury on property depending on legality/equipment
land fill, rendering, simple/mass cremation, private cremation

Question 17

insured horses: restrictions and requirements

Answer 17

need to get insurance company consent before euthanizing
won’t permit for loss of use or loss of value –> requires suffering
requires opportunity for necropsy

Question 18

what is the preferred method of euthanasia

Answer 18

barbiturates