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VET333 > Week 13- Applications to clinical practice > Flashcards

Week 13- Applications to clinical practice Flashcards

(65 cards)

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1
Q

If euthanasing a cow via point blank shooting, which of the following specifications would be appropriate?

a.The use of a rimfire rifle and super-sonic ammunition delivering 439 J of kinetic energy.

b.The use of a centrefire rifle and sub-sonic ammunition delivering 211 J of kinetic energy.

c.The use of a shotgun and pellets delivering 86 J of kinetic energy.

d.The use of an air rifle and pellets delivering 104 J of kinetic energy.

A

The use of a rimfire rifle and super-sonic ammunition delivering 439 J of kinetic energy.

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2
Q

If using two-stage euthanasia for sheep, which sedation method would be most likely to be used before killing?

a.IM tiletamine-zolazepam.

b.IV xylazine.

c.IM medetomidine.

d.IV pentobarbitone.

A

IV xylazine.

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3
Q

What colour are the charges recommended for euthanasia of adult bulls when using a Blitz Kerner® model penetrating captive bolt?

a.Blue.

b.Green.

c.Red.

d.Yellow.

A

Red

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4
Q

What is the dose of KCl required for euthanasia (under general anesthesia) of a horse?

a.2.5–7.5 mg/kg.

b.30–50 mg/kg.

c.75–100 mg/kg.

d.250–300 mg/kg.

A

75–100 mg/kg.

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5
Q

If euthanasing a horse, what body compartment does the intra-thecal route refer to?

a.The epidural space.

b.The cerebrospinal fluid.

c.The left ventricle.

d.The thecal artery.

A

The cerebrospinal fluid.

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6
Q

A. Give four methods of carcass disposal that could be discussed with a farmer after euthanasia of a cow on their farm.

B. Which of these would you recommend if the cow had been euthanased with IV pentobarbitone?

A

A.
Leave in situ
Burial on-farm
Burning
Composting

B. Deep burial

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7
Q

What are the (3) of the five conditions of nonhuman animal euthanasia?

A

1) the animals death must be intentional and not an accident

2) the primary intention must be alleviation of suffering

3) the method used must be as painless as possible

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8
Q

Considerations for livestock euthanasia?

A
  1. Cost
  2. Temperament and human safety
  3. The need for restraint and handling
  4. Severity of injury – can they be moved?
  5. How rapidly can the method be deployed?
  6. One animal or multiple?
  7. The need to salvage the carcass or collect diagnostic samples
  8. Audience – who will be watching?
  9. Disposal – is deep burial feasible?
  10. Skill, training, licences of personnel
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9
Q

Euthanasia methods 2 main groups

A

1-Physical

2-Chemical

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10
Q

Physical euthanasia methods:

A

Most commonly cause traumatic pathology of the brain
* Captive bolt
* Firearms
* Blunt trauma (small animals)

Other methods separate the brain from the spinal cord
* Decapitation
* Cervical dislocation (e.g. for rodents)

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11
Q

What is the most important determinant of how quickly and reliably an animal will be killed via physical euthanasia?

A

-quantity of kinetic energy (Joules; J)

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12
Q

What are the two broad types of captive bolts?

A
  1. Penetrating captive bolts
  2. Non-penetrating captive bolts
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13
Q

Penetrating captive bolts

A

Penetrating models kill animals (irreversible
insensibility)

Only penetrating captive bolts should be
used for euthanasia scenarios

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14
Q

Non-penetrating captive bolts

A

-only stun animals
-Non -penetrating captive bolts are commonly used for the killing of cattle during religious (Halal) slaughter in abattoirs

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15
Q

Captive bolt kinetic energy level requirements

A
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16
Q

What are the negative experiences with captive bolts usually due to?

A

-The use of an under-powered captive bolt (low
kinetic energy)
-Poor anatomical placement

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17
Q

T or F: An adequately-powerful penetrating captive bolt is as effective as a single stage euthanasia

A

T

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18
Q

What are the power sources for different captive bolts?

A
  • Gunpowder ‘blank’ cartridges (‘charges’ or ‘activators’)
  • Pressurised gas (‘pneumatic’)
  • Electric
  • Spring-powered
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19
Q

What are the most powerful captive bolts?

A
  • Gunpowder powered captive bolts
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20
Q

What are the three main models of captive bolt

A
  1. Blitz Kerner®
  2. CASH Special®
  3. Matador®
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21
Q

What is the appropriate type (colour) of captive bolt cartridge for weight/species?

Small pigs, calves, sheep

Store pigs, light cows

Large pigs, heavy cows

Large boars, bulls

A

Green: small pigs, calves, sheep

Yellow: store pigs, light cows

Blue: larger pigs, heavy cows

Red:large boars/ bullls

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22
Q

What do the colours of each cartridge mean?

A

They correspond to how much gunpowder
is in each cartridge

the mass weight of gun powder is usuually measured in grains

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23
Q

What are the two type of cartridges used in captive bolts and rifles?

A
  1. Rimfire– LOW powered (low kinetic energy)
  2. Centrefire– HIGH powered (high kinetic energy)
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24
Q

The ‘Cash Special®’ captive bolt

A

-penetrating captive bolt used on the murdoch university farm

-uses .22 calibre rimfire cartridges

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25
‘Blitz Kerner®’ cartridge size?
.38 calibre centrefire cartridges
26
What equipment do you need when euthanizing an animal with a captive bolt?
Captive bolt unit Gunpowder charges – ENSURE YOU HAVE SPARES Pithing rod Stethoscope Safety glasses
27
Pithing
-used as a fail safe Pithing is a secondary killing method that can be easily applied immediately after an animal is rendered insensible with a penetrating captive bolt * Simply insert a pithing tool through the hole in the skull and macerate the brain * It takes only 5 seconds * It can be easily done with a long screwdriver
28
Captive bolt landmarks cattle
29
Captive bolt landmarks goats
30
Captive bolt landmarks pigs
31
What method of killing is used for juvenile pigs and why?
Blunt trauma (swinging by hind legs) is common for juvenile pigs Issues with captive bolt: * Not immediate (locked safe) – leading to a delay before death * OH&S, the need for a second person, and the potential for hand injuries * Anatomical landmarks are more difficult than in ruminants due to the presence of sinuses and a deep-seated brain
32
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shooting to euthanize an animal?
Advantages * Instantaneous insensibility (if all goes well) * Practical for certain situations (e.g. large rural properties) * Carcasses remain edible Disadvantages * Can be dangerous for humans * Aesthetically unpleasant * Instantaneous insensibility may not occur if underpowered ammunition is used, or anatomical landmarks are wrong
33
When should you use centrefire rifles vs rimfire rifles?
-Centrefire rifles are preferred for large species at long distances -Rimfire rifles and shotguns can be used for livestock
34
How many J is a rimfire cartridge? How about Centrefire?
Rimfire cartridges: generally <300 J -need to be used at point blank range Centrefire cartridges: generally >1,000 J
35
Rimfire cartridges commonly used? How does it to relate to their usability?
Usually rimfire: 1. .22 WMR 2. .22 LR 3. .17 HMR Bullet weight ~ 40 grains * Ek generally <300 J * The highest energy levels for a rimfire would be delivered by a .22 WMR rifle firing 46 grain supersonic bullets: * ~ 487 J -have to be very accurate in order to achieve immediate insensibility, often have to shoot animals multiple times
36
Why should you not use subsonic ammunition to euthanize livestock?
Subsonic ammunition travels slower than the speed of sound, while supersonic ammunition travels faster * The speed of sound = 343 m/s Standard ammunition is supersonic Subsonic rounds are generally quieter and can offer a softer recoil, but they transfer little kinetic energy to shot animals and pose a high risk of non-fatal wounding
37
What electrolyte solutions are used for euthanizing livestock/ horses?
* Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4 ) is sometimes used in livestock * Potassium chloride (KCl) is most often used in horses Downside: they require very large volumes
38
How does KCl work for euthanasia?
KCl eliminates the potassium concentration gradient in cardiac muscle, and the depolarised muscle cannot repolarise -method of killing is cardiac arrest, so animals must be heavily sedated with an alpha-2 agonist such as xylazine
39
How does MgSO4 work?
Magnesium (Mg) plays a crucial role in cardiac action potentials by regulating the movement of ions through voltage-dependent channels * It acts as a cofactor for the Na-K ATPase pump * Extreme hypermagnesaemia (high blood [Mg2+]leads to cardiac arrest
40
What is the dosage of penobarbitone used to euthanize animals?
~150 mg/kg IV
41
Why is it advantagous to use two stage euthanasia with a captive bolt?
This offers the advantage of a carcass that is not toxic
41
How do you ensure an animal is dead after euthanasia?
Just like for other species, you need to perform standard checks after euthanasia measures are applied: * Absence of corneal (blinking) reflex * Absence of heartbeat * Absence of breathing If animals show signs of life, euthanasia need to be repeated or additional measures applied * e.g. pithing after captive bolt use
42
What is the five-finger head check and what are the components?
-a method used to confirm death -tests for reflexes that are dependent on the brainstem being intact Each finger of one hand corresponds to one sig: 1. Absent corneal reflex fixed 2. Fully dilated pupil 3. Relaxed jaw 4. Flaccid tongue 5. No breathing
43
How long do pentobarbitone residues remain in tissues?
Pentobarbitone restudies remain detectable in the tissues of dead large ungulates that are buried or composted for >365 days -deep burial is needed for any animal euthanised with pentobarbitone
44
How often do vets euthanase horses?
* This is not like livestock * In one French study, 71% of horse deaths were reported as euthanasia events
45
What are the most common causes of horse euthanasia?
Colic Lameness * 62% of euthanasias occur on-farm, not at a clinic
46
Two main options for equine euthanasia
Chemical: As applied to livestock: 1. IV Barbiturate overdose 2. IV electrolyte solutions – Potassium Chloride (KCl) for horses 3. Intra-thecal local anaesthetics Physical: 1. Gun shot 2. Captive bolt
47
What are some cons of using barbiturates for euthanasia?
* Abused by people (suicide) * Toxicity risk for scavenging animals (secondary or ‘relay’ toxicity)
48
Advantages and disadvantages of using barbiturates for euthanasia?
Advantages * Rapid * Minimal discomfort for the horse * Aesthetic for the owner Disadvantages * Requires IV access * Animal must be held for injection * Carcasses can't be used for animal (or human) consumption * Carcass requires specific disposal to avoid poisoning of domestic dogs and wildlife scavengers
49
What is the dosage of pentobarbitone used for euthanasia?
@~150 mg/kg
50
What can occur if you under-dose pentobarbitone?
likely to produce reversible anaesthesia
51
Should you use succinylcholine or suxamethonium for horse euthanasias?
No, very low safety margins. * This is a neuromuscular blocker (NMB) * It causes paralysis * These drugs were used in past decades for ‘immobilising’ large mammals -are NOT needed for euthanasia of horses and raise all sorts of legal and safety risks for veterinarians
52
What electrolyte solution is most commonly used for horse euthanasia?
Potassium chloride (KCl) is most often used -have to use very large injection volumes, but it does not produce toxic residues.
53
Dosage of KCl for horse euthanasia
Dose = 75 – 150 mg/kg IV [= 355 mg / mL] so required volume is (100-200mL)
54
What is needed for the KCl euthanasia in horses 1- amount 2-syringes (how many/size) 3-other supplies?
1- 40 grams of KCl per 1000lbs is good for most horses 2- 60cc synringes 3-hot water (to dissolve the crystals) 4-large IV bore catheter
55
What are the welfare concerns with KCl euthanasia?
* No action on the central nervous system * No analgesia or amelioration of anxiety have to use general anaesthetic
56
Intra-thecal injection for euthanasia
Direct injection of local anaesthetics into medullary region of the CNS after induction of anesthesia may causes loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, bradycardia, atrioventricular block and finally cardiac arrest
57
Why are intra-thecal injections good to use?
A smooth transition to cardiac arrest with the horse unconscious * This must be after general anaesthesia * Brain activity ceases before cardiac arrest $$$Inexpensive and rapid -non-toxic carcass!
58
Where is local anaesthetic injected using intra-thecal euthanasia?
Lignocaine (lidocaine) or bupivacaine are injected through the atlanto-occipital joint and into the Foramen Magnum
59
Landmarks for horse captive bolt use
a frontal shooting position of 20 mm above the intersection of lines drawn from the middle of each eye to the base of the opposite ear with the muzzle of the firearm angled towards the neck The HSA suggests a frontal shooting position of 10 mm above the intersection of lines drawn from the middle of each eye to the base of the opposite ear with the muzzle of the firearm angled towards the neck
60
Where to aim captive bolt (horse)
61
Why is cremation not typically used for horses
-expensive $1000-2500
62
What are the disposal options for horses euthanized with pentobarbitone?
There are several options: * Burial (with permit) * Cremation * Composting in landfill – specific areas * Rendering – ‘biodigeste
63
What type of location should you choose to euthanize a horse in?
* Familiar surroundings for the horse → less stress * An open area with soft ground * Out of public sight * Close to a disposal site or with good vehicle access for body removal
64
What is a major issue with horse euthanasia?
INSURANCE- ALWAYS ALWAYS ASK IF THE HORSE IS INSURED Several types of insurance: * Mortality insurance * Standard * Specific (broodmare, stallion, foal, unborn foal) * Loss of use insurance * Major medical insurance (vet fees)

VET333 (7 decks)

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