PERFORM ANIMAL EUTHANASIA

PERFORM ANIMAL EUTHANASIA
EO PERFORM ANIMAL EUTHANASIA

EO 003.02 PERFORM ANIMAL EUTHANASIA
References AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, June 2007 Alberta Regulation 229/2000, Livestock Disease Act

Agenda Criteria for a Painless Death Ethical Considerations Animal Behavioural Considerations Human Behavioural Considerations Mode of Actions of Euthanizing Agents Inhalant Agents Non-inhalant Agents Physical Methods Responsibilities of the Owner Special Considerations It is our responsibility as PMed Techs and ultimately as Human Beings to ensure that if an animal’s life is to be taken, that it is done with highest degree of respect. Over the next three periods you will be taught the process to Perform Animal Euthanasia

A Humane Death Euthanasia is the act of inducing humane death in an animal Highest degree of respect Painless Anxiety and Distress free The term Euthanasia is derived from the Greek terms EU meaning Good and THANATOS meaning Death. A “good death” would be one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Euthanasia techniques should result in rapid loss of consciousness, followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and the ultimate loss of brain function.

Criteria for a Painless Death Pain – sensation that results from nerve impulses reaching the cerebral cortex via neural pathways Two Pain Categories Sensory-Discriminative Motivational-Affective Pain is the sensation that results from nerve impulses the cerebral cortex via ascending neural pathways SENSORY-DISCRIMINATIVE – indicates the site of origin and the stimulus giving rise to the pain. It is accomplished by mechanisms similar to those used that provides the individual with information about intensity, duration, location and the quality of the stimulus. MOTIVATIONAL-AFFECTIVE – the severity of the stimulus is perceived and the animal’s response is determined. This process involves the formation for behavioural and cortical arousal by involving input to the forebrain for perceptions such as discomfort, fear, anxiety and depression.

Criteria for a Painless Death Stress – the effect of physical, physiologic or emotional stressors that induce an alteration in an animal’s homeostasis Three Phases of Stress Eustress Neutral Stress Distress Stress and the resulting responses have been divided into three categories Eustress – harmless stimuli initiate adaptive responses that are beneficial to the animal Neutral Stress – the animal’s response to stimuli causes neither harmful nor beneficial effects to the animal Distress – an animal’s response to stimuli interferes with it’s well being and comfort

Physical Handling Control and Restraint Species Breed Size State of Domestication Degree of Taming Presence of Injury or Disease Degree of Excitement Method of Euthanasia As with many other procedures some methods of Euthanasia require Physical Handling of the animal. The amount of control and kind of restraint will be determined by the animal’s species, breed, size, state of domestication, degree of taming, presence of painful injury or disease, degree of excitement and method of Euthanasia. Proper handling is vital to minimize pain and distress in animals, to ensure safety of the person performing Euthanasia and always to protect other people and animals.

Methods of Euthanasia Species of the Animal Available Means of Restraint Skill of Personnel Number of Animals HUMANE DEATH Selection of the most appropriate method of Euthanasia in any given situation depends upon the species of the animal involved, available means of animal restraint, skill of personnel and the number of animals involved. Acceptable methods are those that consistently produce a HUMANE DEATH when used as the sole means Euthanasia, conditionally acceptable methods are those that by the nature of the technique or because of the potential of error or safety hazards might not consistently produce HUMANE DEATH or are not well-documented. Unacceptable methods are those deemed INHUMANE under any conditions. Appendix 1 – lists acceptable and conditionally acceptable methods of Euthanasia categorized by species Appendix 4 – provides a summary of unacceptable methods

Ethical Considerations Professional Concerns Societal Concerns Federal, Provincial and Local Laws Ethical Considerations that must be addressed when Euthanizing healthy and unwanted animals reflect professional and societal concerns. They are always complex and warrant thorough considerations by those concerned with the welfare of the animal. Euthanasia must be performed in accordance with applicable Federal, Provincial and Local Laws governing drug acquisition and storage, occupational safety, and methods used for Euthanasia and disposal of the animal

Verifying Death Examination for Cessation of Vital Signs It is imperative that death be verified after Euthanasia and before disposal of the animal. An animal in deep narcosis may appear dead, but may eventually recover. Death must be confirmed by Cessation of Vital Signs.

Minimize Animal Distress Gentle Restraint Careful Handling Talking during Euthanasia Calming Effect Route of Least Distress The need to minimize distress must be considered in determining the method of Euthanasia. Gentle Restraint, Careful Handling, Talking During Euthanasia often have a Calming Effect on animals. Sedatives or Anesthetics given prior to the procedure may delay the onset of the Euthanizing Agent. Preparation of observers should also be taken into consideration. A route of injection must be chosen that causes the least distress in the animal.

Minimize Animal Distress Wild, Feral, Injured or Diseased Animals Methods of Pre-Euthanasia handling may not be suitable for non-domesticated animals. Because handling of these animals unaccustomed to human contact the degree of restraint should be considered. Calming may be accomplished by minimizing visual, auditory and Tactile stimulation.

Human Behaviour Psychological Response Grief at the loss of life When animals must be euthanized, moral and ethical concerns must dictate that humane practices must be observed. Human psychologic responses to euthanasia animals need to be considered, with grief at the loss of life being the most common reaction. There are six circumstances that you must be aware of the effects of animal euthanasia on people.

Veterinary Clinic Owners make decisions Rely on Veterinarian’s judgment Owners present during the procedure Owners of the animal make the decision relying upon the veterinarian’s advice and judgment about whether and when to euthanize. Often a very difficult decision for the owner to make. When owners choose to be present during the procedure, they must be prepared for what will happen. The Vet must explain the procedure thoroughly. Further discussed later in lecture.

Animal Care & Control Facility Unwanted, homeless, diseased and/or injured Distress Constant exposure and high turnover of employees training & educational programs peer support time off for stress Facility where unwanted, homeless, abandoned, diseases and/or injured animals must be euthanized. This process is almost a daily occurrence. Distress develops among employees directly involved in performing euthanasia repeatedly. Constant exposure to euthanasia procedures can cause a psychologic state by a strong sense of work dissatisfaction or alienation, creating a high turnover of employees.

Laboratory Similar to pet owners Researchers, technicians and students become attached

Wildlife Control Injured and/or Diseased animals Threatening property and human safety Excessive numbers Extreme distress and anxiety Wildlife control personnel are often responsible for euthanizing wild animals that are often injured, diseased, threatening property and/or human safety or any in excessive numbers. These people must deal with these animals sometimes under public pressure to save the animal rather than to euthanize can experience extreme distress and anxiety.

Slaughter Facilities Very large numbers of animals Physically and emotionally desensitized The sheer volume of animals processed daily can take a toll on employees both physically and emotionally to the point of being desensitized to the process.

Public Exposure Zoo animals Roadside and Racetrack accidents Nuisance or injured animals Natural Disasters Human attitudes and responses must be considered when dealing with these types of animals drawing public exposure. Natural disasters and foreign disease present with a public challenge. These situations should not alter responsibility of using the most rapid, painless and humane method possible under the circumstances.

Basic Modes of Action 1. Direct or Indirect Hypoxia 2. Direct Depression of Neurons 3. Physical Disruption of Brain Activity

Hypoxia Loss of consciousness Painless Distress Free Hypoxia causes loss of consciousness. For death to be painless and distress free, loss of consciousness must precede loss of motor activity. Agents that that induce muscle paralysis, such as muscle relaxants, without loss of consciousness are not acceptable.

Direct Depression of Neurons Depress nerve cells of the brain Loss of consciousness followed by death Non-purposeful vocalization or muscle contraction Death by cardiac arrest This process depresses the nerve cells of the brain, followed by loss of consciousness and then death, usually very quickly. Often there are non-purposeful vocalizations and muscle contractions. Death is due to cardiac arrest following direct depression of the respiratory centres.

Physical Disruption of Brain Activity Concussion Electrical Depolarization of neurons destruction of the mid-brain causing cardiac and/or respiratory arrest This process is conducted by a direct blow to the head (concussion) or by electrical depolarization of the brain neurons causing the destruction of the mid-brain inducing cardiac and/or respiratory arrest.

Inhalants Inhaled gas Time Consuming Suitability Any gas that is inhaled must reach a certain concentration in the lungs prior to it being effective, therefore these agents may take time to be effective. Suitability of these agents depends on whether the animals may experience distress prior to the loss of consciousness

Inhalant Anaesthetics Halothane Enflurane Isoflurane Sevoflurane Methoxyflurane Desflurane Ether Nitrous Oxide There are seven inhalants that have varying degrees of acceptability, depending upon the suitability. They can be used with or without Nitrous Oxide (N2O), however Nitrous Oxide is never to be used alone. In Order of preference: Halothane is the most effective. Ether is highly flammable. Nitrous Oxide – never to be used alone Although acceptable these agents are not normally used in larger animals because of their cost and difficulty of administration

Advantages for Inhalant Anaesthetics Recommended for smaller animals where venipuncture may be difficult Non-flammable and non-explosive under normal circumstances

Disadvantages for Inhalants Anaesthetics Animals may struggle and become anxious vapours may be irritating and cause excitement Ether is very flammable Methoxyflorane is slow acting Occupational Exposure by personnel Potential for human abuse

Inhalant Agents Carbon Dioxide – (CO2) Acceptable for the appropriate species (see appendix 1 of reference) CO2 gas cylinder – only acceptable source CO2 is acceptable for appropriate species such as dogs, birds and rabbits to name a few; Compressed CO2 gas cylinders are the only acceptable method of delivery. CO2 generated by any other source is unacceptable. Inhalation of very high concentrations may be distressing to certain species as the gas will dissolve in the moisture of the nasal mucosa.

Advantages of CO2 Rapid Depressant Readily Available Inexpensive Non-flammable Non-explosive Minimal hazard to users Non-accumulating Disadvantages of CO2 Incomplete filling of chamber Some species may have a tolerance Time consuming Some species breathe to slowly High Concentrations may be distressful

Inhalant Agents Carbon Monoxide – (CO) Acceptable for dogs, cats and other small mammals CO gas cylinder – only acceptable source

Advantages of CO Painless Minimal Discomfort Insidious Rapid effect in 4 – 6% concentrations Disadvantages of CO Exposure to personnel Other equipment used must be explosion proof

Inhalant Agents Nitrogen (N2)/Argon (Ar) Death induced by Hypoxemia Distressful to some species – rats N2/Ar gas cylinder – only acceptable source

Advantages of N2/Ar Readily Available Minimal hazard to personnel Disadvantages of N2/Ar Loss of consciousness preceded by hypoxemia – distressful Introduction of O2 too soon may induce full recovery

Non-Inhalant Pharmaceutical Agents Injectable agents are the most rapid and reliable method of Euthanasia Administered through intravenous injection Minimal fear or distress to the animal Intra-peritonial Injection Intra-cardiac Injection Aggressive, fearful, wild or feral animals should be sedated prior to IV Injection When restraint necessary for administering an IV injection would impart distress or pose risk to personnel, intraperitonial or intracardiac injection may be the preferred route of injection. Intraperitonial may be used provided that a neuromuscular blocking agents are not used. Intracardiac injection may only be used if the animal is heavily sedated, anaesthetized or comatose.

Barbituric Acid Derivatives Depresses the Central Nervous System in descending order Administered only through IV Injection Potent Long-acting Stable Inexpensive Sodium Pentobarbital Descending order – Cerebral Cortex with loss of consciousness, depression of the respiratory centre, cardiac arrest Desirable barbiturates must be potent, long-acting, stable in solution and be inexpensive – Sodium Pentobarbital best fits these three criteria and is therefore most widely used.

Advantages of Sodium Pentobarbital Speed of action Minimal discomfort Smooth drug action Inexpensive Disadvantages of Sodium Pentobarbital Personnel trained in IV Injection Animal restraint required Terminal “Gasp” Persists in the carcass Toxic for scavengers Federal Drug Regulations The advantages for using Sodium Pentobarbital for Euthanasia in small animals far outweighs the disadvantages

Barbituric Acid Derivatives Potassium Chloride Unacceptable in unanaesthetized animals Acceptable to induce cardiac arrest in anaesthetized animals Although unacceptable and condemned when used in unanaesthetized animals, the use of supersaturated potassium chloride injected intravenously or intracardially in an animal under general anaesthesia is an acceptable practice to produce cardiac arrest and death.

Advantages of Potassium Chloride Not a controlled substance Less toxic for scavengers Disadvantages of Potassium Chloride Rippling of muscle tissues Seizures It is of utmost importance that personnel performing this procedure are highly trained and knowledgeable and are competent in assessing anaesthetic depth

Barbituric Acid Derivatives Pentobarbital Combinations Chloral Hydrate T-61 Tricaine Methane Sulfonate (MS 222) Pentobarbital Combinations – added local anaesthetic – slowly cardiotoxic Chloral Hydrate – depresses the cerebrum slowly, progressive depression of the respiratory centre, may be preceded by gasping, muscle spasms and vocalization. T-61 – mixture of 3 drugs to produce Euthanasia – general and local anaesthetics and Curariform by IV Injection only – banned in US Tricaine Methane Sulfonate (MS 222) – used for Euthanasia of amphibians and fish

Unacceptable Injectable Agents Strychnine Nicotine Caffeine Magnesium Sulfate Potassium Chloride Cleaning Agents Solvents Disinfectants Salts Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Physical Methods Captive Bolt Gun Shot Cervical Dislocation Decapitation Electrocution Microwave Irradiation Kill Traps Thoracic Compression Exsanguination Maceration Stunning Pithing Blow to the Head EXTREME CAUTION & CARE When properly used by skilled personnel and well-maintained equipment, physical methods may result in less fear and anxiety and can be more rapid, painless, humane and practical than other forms of Euthanasia. These methods may be the most appropriate for rapid relief of pain and suffering. Exsanguination, Stunning & Pithing Most physical methods produce an inherent risk to both the animal and humans. Extreme Caution and Care must be used with these methods

Penetrating Captive Bolt Concussion and trauma to the cerebral hemisphere and brainstem Used in slaughter houses for Ruminants, Equine and Swine Aesthetically displeasing

Blow to the Head Anatomic features of the animal Humane for neonatal animals with thin craniums Single sharp blow Rapid death when properly performed

Gun Shot Immediate Death – brain Performed outdoors away from public access Dangerous Weapon, Aesthetically unpleasant, may not be able to examine for rabies A properly placed gunshot can cause immediate insensibility and humane death. In some circumstances a gunshot may be the most practical form of Euthanasia. Must always be performed outdoors. The goal is the destruction of the brain. A shot to the heart may not produce immediate death. This method must not be used routinely in animal control facilities.

Cervical Dislocation & Decapitation Rapid action and loss of consciousness No chemically contaminated carcasses Aesthetically unpleasant, mastering a technical skill Cervical Dislocation – poultry, mice and other small birds Decapitation – obtain undamaged brain tissue from lab rodents and rabbits

Electrocution Induce death by cardiac fibrillation Humane act if animal is unconscious Economical Hazardous to personnel, Aesthetically unpleasant – violent extension and stiffening of limbs, head and neck Does not always work on small animals Special skills and equipment Techniques that apply electric current from head to tail, head to foot or head to moistened metal plates are unacceptable.

Microwave Irradiation Only acceptable use is for very small laboratory specimens Thoracic Compression Only acceptable use is for small to medium size birds when other methods are not practical Specialized microwave, not a commercial type

Kill Traps Does not always render a rapid and stress free death Should be followed immediately by another method Use is controversial

Adjunctive Methods Exsanguination, Stunning and Pithing These methods can only be conducted in conjunction with other physical and/or chemical methods Never Conducted as a sole means of Euthanasia

Wildlife Methods for captive animals more difficult to conduct in wild and feral animals Gun Shot or Kill Traps Appropriate firearm and ammunition Skilled personnel Abide and comply with governmental laws and regulations For wild and feral animals, many of the recommended methods of Euthanasia for captive animals are more difficult to conduct. In these cases, gun shot and kill traps may be the only practical method. The firearm and ammunition must be appropriate for the species and purpose. Personnel must be sufficiently skilled to be accurate, in the use and safety of the firearm, and always abide and comply with governmental laws and regulations

Diseased, Injured, or Live-Trapped Wildlife or Feral Species Wildlife Injury Immediate action is usually required Euthanasia of diseased, injured, or live-captured wild and feral animals should be performed only by qualified personnel. Injuries such as sever trauma from a vehicle may require immediate action. The pain and suffering in the animal may best relieved most rapidly by physical methods such as gun shot or penetrating bolt followed by exsanguination.

Disposition of Dead Animals 1. Dispose of the animal within 48 hours of its death 2. The animal has died from an infectious disease or from a reportable disease, the owner of the animal shall dispose of it in accordance with the directions of an inspector appointed under the Health of Animals Act (Canada) Prevent scavengers from gaining access to the dead animal, or Transport to a rendering or incineration plant The owner of a dead animal shall dispose of the animal within 48 hours of its death in accordance with this section. When an animal is known or suspected to have died from an infectious disease or from a reportable disease, the owner of the animal shall dispose of it in accordance with the directions of an inspector appointed under the Health of Animals Act (Canada), but in no case may the animal be disposed of by natural disposal. The owner of a dead animal that has been euthanized with drugs or other chemical substances shall immediately take steps to prevent scavengers from gaining access to the dead animal between the time the animal is euthanised and the final disposal of the animal.

Burial of Dead Animals Burying the animal in a burial pit, if the pit is 1. at least 100 metres from wells or other domestic water intakes, streams, creeks, ponds, springs and high water marks of lakes and at least 25 metres from the edge of a coulee, major cut or embankment, 2. at least 100 metres from any residences,

Burial of Dead Animals at least 100 metres from any livestock facilities, including pastures, situated on land owned or leased by another person, at least 300 metres from a primary highway, at least 100 metres from a secondary highway, and 6. at least 50 metres from any other road allowance

Burial of Dead Animals The pit is covered with 1. a minimum of one metre of compacted soil 2. the bottom of the pit is at least one metre above the seasonal high water table

Conclusion In conclusion, over the past three periods, you have been instructed on the requirement for Euthanasia, methods of Euthanasia and the disposal of the dead animal. You will now be able conduct these procedures with confidence and minimal supervision.

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PERFORM ANIMAL EUTHANASIA

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