Euthanasia Of Animals - Clinical Pathology And Procedures

Euthanasia of animals is a common procedure performed by veterinary professionals. Nevertheless, because of the seriousness of the action, it deserves appropriate consideration.

Humanely terminating life in a safe and effective manner requires an understanding of the relevant physiology and anatomy in the particular species.

Many countries and professional organizations have developed guidelines and recommendations for animal euthanasia, such as the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Some euthanasia guidelines are more specific for certain species and environmental settings, while others attempt to provide broad guidance.

Most recommendations emphasize that, when selecting the best method to use, personnel performing euthanasia should consider certain factors:

  • ability to induce loss of consciousness and death with minimal pain and distress

  • time required to induce loss of consciousness

  • reliability

  • safety of personnel

  • irreversibility

  • compatibility with intended animal use and purpose

  • documented emotional effect on observers or operators

  • compatibility with subsequent evaluation, examination, or use of tissue

  • drug availability and human abuse potential

  • compatibility with species, age, and health status

  • ability to maintain equipment in proper working order

  • safety for predators or scavengers should the animal’s remains be consumed

  • legal requirements

  • environmental impacts of the method or disposition of the animal’s remains

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