Chapter 8 - Analgesia, anesthesia, and euthanasia of aquatic animals

Abstract

Analgesia and anesthesia of vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic animals are matters of increasing concern. Fortunately, data on the effective use of substances to minimize nociceptive response and stress in these species are growing, and they have been compiled herein. First, the aspects related to nociception, including the mechanisms of nociception transduction involving ion channels and G-protein-linked receptors, as well as facts about the major analgesics, are addressed. Then, on the subject of anesthesia, synthetic and natural alternatives which have been applied to these organisms are presented, along with specifications such as concentrations of the substance, characteristics of the test animals, and physiological outcomes triggered by exposure. Thus, this chapter presents the state of the art of this research area, which ultimately aims to ensure animal welfare.