Euthanasia Procedure Research Articles

Harvesting Monodelphis Embryos

INTRODUCTIONMonodelphis domestica, the gray, short-tailed, or laboratory opossum, is the most commonly used laboratory marsupial. In addition to the factors that make it a convenient laboratory animal (small size, ease of care, nonseasonal breeding), it is the first marsupial whose genome has been sequenced. Monodelphis has proven useful as a model organism for studies on spinal cord regeneration, ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanoma, and genetic influences on cholesterol, as well as comparative studies of the immune system. In addition, Monodelphis has been used to understand the basic functions of the olfactory system and the role of various olfactory chemicals in social and reproductive behavior. Recently, Monodelphis has been used to understand fundamental aspects of marsupial development, anatomy, evolution, and evolutionary consequences of the derived marsupial mode of development and reproduction. Monodelphis embryos are easily harvested, as described in this protocol. Depending on the specific use for the embryo, there may be slight differences in euthanasia procedure, fixation, and embryo treatment. Most commonly, specimens will be used for anatomical or molecular (e.g., in situ hybridization) techniques, in which case they will be fixed in standard fixatives appropriate for the particular protocol.

Procedimientos para Eutanasia Humanitaria de Ganado Enfermo, Herido y/o Debilitado Poster Sobre Eutanasia en Ganado Bovino

VM-157, a full-color wall chart by Jan K. Shearer, Paul Nicoletti and Pedro Melendez, is the Spanish language version of VM-153, "Humane Euthanasia Procedures: For Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock Wall Chart." It describes the correct way to humanely euthanize cattle using gunshot or penetrating captive bolt. Published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, April 2007.

Procedimientos Para Una Eutansia Humanitaria, Eutanasia Humanitaria de Ganado Enfermo, Herido y/o Debilitado

VM-156, a 16-page full-color publication by Jan K. Shearer, Paul Nicoletti and Pedro Melendez, is the Spanish language version of VM-15, "Humane Euthanasia Procedures for Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock." It includes sections on indications for euthanasia, methods, anatomical landmarks, exsanguination, and confirmation of death. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, April 2007.

Procedimientos de Eutanasia Humanitaria de Ganado Enfermo, Herido y/o Debilitado, Tarjeta de Referencia Eutanasia en Ganado Bovino

VM-158, a full-color desk card by Jan K. Shearer, Paul Nicoletti and Pedro Melendez, is the Spanish language version of VM-154, "Humane Euthanasia Procedures for Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock, Desk Card on Euthanasia of Cattle." It describes the correct way to humanely euthanize cattle using gunshot or penetrating captive bolt. Published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, April 2007.

Humane Euthanasia Procedures for Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock, Desk Card on Euthanasia of Cattle

VM-154, a full-color desk card by Jan K. Shearer and Paul Nicoletti, describes the correct way to humanely euthanize cattle using gunshot or penetrating captive bolt. Published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, April 2007.

Humane Euthanasia Procedures for Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock Wall Chart

VM-153, a full-color wall chart by Jan K. Shearer and Paul Nicoletti, describes the correct way to humanely euthanize cattle using gunshot or penetrating captive bolt. Published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, April 2007.

Peritoneostomy with latex coated polypropylene: experimental study in rats

To evaluate if latex coated polypropylene mesh leads to less adhesions formation. 90 rats were distributed in three groups. Group I (control) was submitted to median laparotomy and posterior synthesis; Group II (polypropylene) was submitted to a segment resection of the abdominal wall, and the defect was corrected with a polypropylene mesh; Group III using the new material (latex coated polypropylene). After 45 days the euthanasia procedure was done and the adhesions were evaluated in 2 ways: 1) classification in a grading system; 2) evaluation of the adhesion area, which was calculated by resection of the adhesions after dying with Indian blue ink. The classification in a grading system showed that Group III animals had less adhesions formation (P<0.05), but the evaluation of the adhesion area did not show any difference (P>0.05). The severe complications (fistula, evisceration and obstruction), which were lethal, were not reduced by the latex coated material. Latex coated polypropylene causes fewer adhesion formations than polypropylene alone, although it does not diminish the severe early complications.

Apersonal view of euthanasia procedures . . . . Thoughts on the electronic microchip debate . . . . Views WNV prevention suggestions as outdated . . . . More on animal friendly curriculums

Apersonal view of euthanasia procedures . . . . Thoughts on the electronic microchip debate . . . . Views WNV prevention suggestions as outdated . . . . More on animal friendly curriculums

Factors associated with client, staff, and student satisfaction regarding small animal euthanasia procedures at a veterinary teaching hospital.

To identify factors influencing satisfaction with procedures for small animal euthanasia and to compare the relative importance of those factors among clients, staff, and students at a veterinary teaching hospital. Survey. 18 nonclinical hospital staff members, 13 clinical staff members, 10 veterinary technicians, 19 veterinary students, and 91 clients. Participants were asked to complete a survey that was designed to assess satisfaction with various aspects of the euthanasia procedure. Overall response rate was 48% (151/313). Respondents most strongly agreed with the statements that clients should have the option to be present, that having a private place was important, and that employees should be trained to attend to the emotional needs of the client. When asked to place factors in order of importance, those that were ranked the highest included compassionate and caring attitudes of the hospital employees, the option for the client to be present during the euthanasia, and the client being informed and well prepared. Overall, all groups (nonclinical staff, clinical staff, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and clients) identified the same factors as being important in the euthanasia of a pet. Results may help facilitate healthy euthanasia experiences.

Effects of euthanasia on brain physiological activities monitored in real-time

Animal experimentation is terminated by the euthanasia procedure in order to avoid pain and minimize suffering. Very little is known about the real time physiological changes taking place in the brain of animals during the euthanasia. Since there is no way to evaluate the suffering of animals under euthanasia, it is assumed that objective physiological changes taking place could serve as a good way to compare various types of euthanasia procedures. In the present study we compared the effect of euthanasia induced by i.v. injection of concentrated KCL to that of Taxan T-61 (a standard mixture used by veterinarians). The responses of the cat brain were evaluated by monitoring the hemodynamic (CBF), metabolic (NADH redox state), electrical (EcoG) and extracellular ion levels, as an indicator to the ionic homeostasis.

Regional distribution of glutamate in the central nervous system of rat terminated by carbon dioxide euthanasia.

Carbon dioxide euthanasia is an established method for the termination of small laboratory animals. It has also been employed by the authors in neurobiological research on the post-mortem glutamate concentration in the structures of rat brains. The following investigations were aimed at optimizing the termination procedure based on the CO2 saturation rate of the inhaled air. Two rates of CO2 flow were applied, and the higher one significantly augmented the glutamate level in the hippocampus and cerebellum. The relationship between this finding and signs of central fear reaction is discussed. The authors conclude that lower rather than higher CO2 flow in euthanasia procedures is gentler and is therefore preferable for use with laboratory animals.

Guidelines for an acceptable euthanasia procedure

The Netherlands is one of the very few countries that has guidelines for the practice of euthanasia. Each year there are about 9700 explicit requests for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS), of which approximately 3600 patients are agreed upon in The Netherlands. Other countries have criticized the Dutch policy concerning EAS. First of all, it has been suggested that palliative care in The Netherlands is not adequate and that euthanasia is often requested by patients with depression. Additionally, part of the criticism is based on the regulation of the euthanasia procedure in The Netherlands.This chapter describes the guidelines for the procedure for euthanasia in The Netherlands, and focuses on some of the practical problems and issues of euthanasia. Also, the current situation concerning euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in The Netherlands is summarized and described.