Veterinary Medical Association Research Articles

A retrospective study of pet owners' complaints against veterinary practices in Türkiye (2012-2021).

The objective of this study was to examine in detail the complaints against veterinarians submitted by pet owners and evaluated by the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association in Türkiye, with the aim to create awareness among Turkish veterinarians about the nature of the complaints and how they might reduce the risk of making medical errors. 127 files of complaints. A total of 127 written complaints from pet owners filed between January 2012 and December 2021 were analyzed. The pet owners' complaints were subjected to a conventional content analysis to identify the primary, secondary, and tertiary themes. Each case was evaluated by a 3-level complaint-coding taxonomy. The first level included 3 domains (themes), namely clinical, management, and relationship, while the second level was ordered in a total of 7 subcategories of complaint types. Thereafter, the third-level minor themes were grouped into related subcategories. From 127 file complaints, 296 specific issues were identified. Of these, 62% were in the clinical domain, 24% in the management domain, and 14% about poor behavior of the attending veterinarians. The most common (43%) complaint was medical errors. An increased awareness of common medical errors should be promoted among Turkish veterinarians in order to reduce the risk of negligence and malpractice.

Assessing and comparing disease prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices among veterinarians in Illinois, United States of America

Veterinarians play an essential role in safeguarding and promoting animal and human health by timely reporting of notifiable diseases to animal and public health agencies and by educating animal owners on effective disease prevention measures. Moreover, clinical veterinarians can prevent the transmission and spread of zoonotic diseases by adopting effective biosecurity practices in their clinics.An online questionnaire was administered between October and November 2021 to veterinarians registered with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinarians were surveyed on their disease risk perception, biosecurity practices, and disease reporting knowledge. In total, 104 veterinarians (64 % females and 46 % males) completed the questionnaire, of whom 88 % were veterinarians working in clinical practice (88 % companion animals and 12 % bovine or swine), while 12 % were employed in non-clinical settings. The disease-reporting knowledge score was higher for veterinarians with biosecurity training (IRR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.47–1.75). Compared to large animal veterinarians, companion animal veterinarians had lower odds of having biosecurity training (OR=0.68; 95 % CI=0.02–0.28) and were less familiar with current biosecurity guidelines (OR=0.12; 95 % CI = 0.03–0.51). Veterinarians familiar with biosecurity guidelines had a higher probability (OR=4.4; 95 % CI: 1.21–16.28) of perceiving biosecurity practices as practical while working with animals. Conversely, veterinarians who perceived that they could transmit diseases to animals had lower odds (OR: 0.42; 95 % CI: 0.20–0.91) of wearing protective clothing while dealing with confirmed cases of zoonotic diseases.Based on our study results, a gap in disease-reporting knowledge was identified among companion animal veterinarians. Biosecurity training improved the disease-reporting knowledge of veterinarians, suggesting that providing continuing education for veterinarians would be beneficial to disease reporting. A disconnect between disease risk perception and biosecurity practices was identified and further studies are needed to understand this discrepancy to design effective education programs.

Lessons learned: Shaping the evolution of veterinary specialty education.

In response to concerns regarding numerous complex issues facing the veterinary specialty profession, several organizations, including the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, have made a clarion call to the American Veterinary Medical Association to begin discussions surrounding the formation of an accrediting body for internships, residencies, and fellowships. A proposed name for such a body is the Accreditation Council on Graduate Veterinary Medical Education, in alignment with the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME); the term "graduate" refers to specialty education that occurs after the first 4 years of the MD or DVM degree. Although the structure and financing of graduate education differ between the human medical and veterinary professions, we can nevertheless learn much from the history of evolution of human medical specialization as we navigate the path ahead.

Swine industry stakeholders' perception on the use of water-based foam as an emergency mass depopulation method.

The U.S. pork supply chain is vulnerable to various internal and external threats and in need of prompt, comprehensive response plans. Under urgent circumstances, for example in the case of foreign disease incursions, swine farms will have to perform on-farm animal depopulation to prevent disease spread. Several animal depopulation methods including water-based foam (WBF) have been proposed and are under evaluation for feasibility in the field. However, the psychological/emotional impacts of applying depopulation methods for personnel managing and carrying on the tasks are not currently well understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate WBF as an alternative for depopulation compared to existing methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Swine industry stakeholders were invited to voluntarily observe a WBF depopulation trial and to provide their self-reported perspectives before and after the observation. A survey was designed to explore key areas on expected and perceived method effectiveness, efficiency, and animal welfare considerations, as well as to evaluate short-term post-observation psychological impacts. Among 42 recruited stakeholders, 31.0% (13/42) were educators/researchers followed by animal health officials (26.2%, 11/42) and veterinarians (23.8%, 10/42), with an average of 11.7 ± 12.6 (n = 39) years of work experience. After the trial, respondents' positive perception of WBF depopulation increased specifically regarding the animal loading process being less stressful than restrained in-barn depopulation options (P = 0.003) and by the observation of fewer swine escape attempts and vocalizations than expected (P < 0.001). Respondents' positive perception of WBF also increased regarding to the time required to fill the trailer with foam, to stop hearing animal vocalization, and stop hearing animal movement, as the observed trial times were faster than their pre-observation estimates (P < 0.001). Additionally, 79.5% (31/39) of respondents agreed that the rapid destruction of animal populations had priority over animal welfare under urgent scenarios. Minor post-traumatic stress disorder-like (PTSD-like) symptoms from the observed trials were reported (26.7%, 4/15 respondents) one month after the observation. This study showed that the WBF depopulation process was perceived positively by swine stakeholders and may have limited short-term psychological impacts on personnel involved in animal depopulation.

Clinical Year Veterinary Students’ Expectations of New Graduate Independence Exceed Their Self-Perceived Competence and Expectations of Community Practitioners

Veterinary medicine is unique in that graduating veterinarians can be licensed to practice independently at the time of graduation. A veterinary curriculum needs to not only prepare graduate veterinarians to meet the expectations of their professional community, but also to ensure those veterinarians have an accurate perception of expected job requirements. This paper evaluates and compares veterinary students’ perceived expectations of graduate-level independence with their self-perceived competence over their clinical (fourth) year. Additionally, we compare these findings to practitioner expectations of graduate level independence. A survey assessing nine technical and three non-technical categories was distributed to clinical year students at the beginning and end of their clinical year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM). These results were compared to previously obtained survey data from community practitioner members of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA). Results indicate an improvement in student self-perceived competence in technical tasks over the clinical year, with the final measures of self-perceived competence aligning with community practitioner expectations of graduate level independence. However, our results demonstrate a significant difference between student expectations of graduate-level independence, their self-perceived competence, and the community practitioner expectations of graduate independence. These results indicate that veterinary students have unrealistic expectations of their expected independence at graduation and that their self-perceived competence cannot meet these perceived expectations of independence. This misalignment and perceived self-deficit could perpetuate stress and burnout. Further investigation into the cause of this misalignment may help inform educational interventions that encourage students to set realistic expectations.

Teaching Tip: Designing Three-Dimensional (3-D) Printed Struvite and Calcium Oxalate Crystals for Microscopic Examination

Accredited colleges of veterinary medicine are required by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) to provide learners with hands-on diagnostic method training, including urinalysis. Although teaching hospitals and affiliated clinical partners offer opportunities to test and interpret urine, caseload is unpredictable. Textbook images and published case reports offer substitutes for experiential learning. However, these read-only modalities lack experiences for learners to evaluate slides microscopically for crystalluria. This teaching tip describes the development of three-dimensional (3-D) printed struvite and calcium oxalate models for skills training. Micro-precision 3-D printed models were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Geometric representations in the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP) file format were exported for 3-D printing on 2 μm resolution platforms. Prints were manufactured from high temperature laminating (HTL) resin and affixed to glass slides. Although these 3-D prints are macroscopic rather than microscopic, their orientation on a fixed template side by side allows learners to differentiate between shapes, a skill that is key to urine sediment examination. These proof-of-concept prototypes will be integrated into the author's pre-clinical curriculum so that learners can gain experience identifying and differentiating between printed struvite, calcium oxalate monohydrate, and calcium oxalate dihydrate models as they would during routine inspection of urine. Formal feedback on the efficacy of these printed models will be solicited from learners and the instructional team. Future iterations will miniaturize the printed models to reflect their real-to-life microscopic dimensions more accurately.

Teaching Tip: Design and Implementation of a Safe Equine Radiation-Free Radiographic Simulator for Veterinary Skills Training in the Pre-clinical Curriculum

The ninth standard of accreditation as outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) mandates that all accredited colleges of veterinary medicine must provide instruction in medicine and surgery, including principles of practice, hands-on experiences with diagnostic methods, and interpretation of clinical findings. In equine practice, diagnostic imaging is used as a first-line diagnostic approach and is an integral part of pre-purchase and lameness examinations. Accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation relies heavily upon procedural techniques to acquire diagnostic images and overcome both motion artifacts and obliquity. Because the sizes and temperaments of equine patients potentiate hazardous working conditions for the veterinary team, learners might benefit from simulations that allow them to practice holding the x-ray generator and the imaging plate for diagnostic image acquisition in the absence of live horses. This teaching tip describes the development of a novel equine radiographic simulator for skills training in the veterinary curriculum. The model allows learners to handle imaging equipment safely and without radiation exposure as they develop proficiency positioning radiographic plates and placing directional markers. Learners can also test their understanding of radiographic positioning in reverse: if given a radiograph, they can be asked to describe how the x-ray generator was positioned to obtain the diagnostic image. Future iterations will investigate the simulator's efficacy with respect to learning outcomes when the model is paired with an assessment rubric as part of an objective standardized clinical examination.

Equine Gunshot Euthanasia: Creation of a 3D-Printed Model with Integrated Sensors for Training.

Challenges and issues related to the use of pentobarbital euthanasia and disposal of animal remains within the US have recently been reviewed. Environmental and public health challenges increasingly necessitate consideration of alternative methods such as gunshots, an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) "acceptable with conditions" method, for the humane euthanasia of horses. A recent study reported a correctly aimed gunshot provides a humane option for euthanizing horses. However, although aiming guidelines exist, studies examining bullet trajectories in animals euthanized by gunshot have reported that inadequate disruption of the brain is a serious welfare issue. Here, we report the development and production of a portable, reusable, equine gunshot euthanasia training model. Using 3D printing, an anatomically accurate model of an equine head has been developed, with external aiming landmarks and equipped with integrated laser sensors and LED eyes. The laser sensors are embedded in two specific anatomical tracts (pons and medulla) with aiming paths associated with the aiming landmarks to train correct aiming angle. The LED eyes are linked to the laser sensors to provide instant feedback on aiming accuracy. When a beam from a commercially available blue training gun laser travels along the correct aiming path and strikes the sensor inside the head, the lights in the model's eyes go out and there is an audible signal, providing immediate feedback on the accuracy of the shot. The model facilitates the training of veterinary personnel and first responders in successful gunshot euthanasia, providing instantaneous feedback on the likelihood of a shot causing immediate, humane death in a live animal.

Profitability of rural practice

There is a crisis in rural veterinary medicine as rural practitio­ners face challenges in different business environments. Rural veterinary practices are complex organizational systems with economic and demographic challenges directly associated with various causal conditions which affect practice profitability and efficiency. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, data was collected from 16 mixed rural veteri­nary practices in the southeastern United States over 4 years. A 3-year financial analysis found profits and owners’ compen­sation of 20.3% of gross revenues, cost of goods sold (COGS) of 37.8% of gross revenues, practice and doctor averages cli­ent transactions of $102 and $117, respectively. Population and income averages within 40 miles of the practice were 452,939 people with household incomes of $67,780. Compared to the averaged Well-Managed Practice Benchmarks 2019, American Animal Hospital Association 2019, and American Veterinary Medical Association 2017 data, potential causal conditions chal­lenges for rural practices limiting profitability are COGS, clini­cal revenue production, and clinical work efficiency.

An evaluation of Türkiye livestock congresses (1968-2000)

Eight livestock congresses were held between 1968-2000 under the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) leadership to improve animal husbandry in Türkiye. In these congresses, besides problems in the livestock sector, issues related to the production and consumption of animal products were also discussed. The aim was for the organizers and participants to be composed of different fields related to animal husbandry and thus address the issue from every perspective. The establishment of an autonomous "Ministry of Livestock" was demanded in all congresses. Problems and solution proposals regarding animal husbandry in Türkiye were scientifically discussed with veterinarians, producers, industrialists, consumers, and government representatives. As a result, this study, which was carried out to evaluate the issues addressed in Türkiye Livestock Congresses and contribute to the determination of the problems and solutions of the livestock sector, can shed light on the resolution of today's livestock problems.

Assessing and improving on-farm biosecurity knowledge and practices among swine producers and veterinarians through online surveys and an educational website in Illinois, United States.

There is a growing risk to the health and productivity of the Illinois and United States swine population from foreign and endemic infectious diseases. Effective on-farm biosecurity practices play a pivotal role in preventing these high-consequence pathogens from affecting swine farms. Veterinarians are essential in providing disease prevention advice to swine producers that can help them implement effective biosecurity practices on their farms. Our descriptive study objectives were to assess Illinois swine producers' and veterinarians' biosecurity perception, knowledge, and practices to identify knowledge gaps and address these by developing an online educational website. We developed two independent online questionnaires using QualtricsXM software. Swine producer members of the Illinois Pork Producers Association and veterinarians registered with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association were contacted via e-mail through their associations and asked to complete an online survey. In total, 13 swine producers across 9 Illinois counties operating 82 farms (8 managed single farms and 5 managed multiple farms) responded to the swine producer survey. Despite some biosecurity awareness among swine producers, the need for a biosecurity-related outreach program was evident. Among the 7 swine veterinarian responders, 5 predominantly treated swine (oversaw an average of 21.6 farms), and 2 were mixed animal practitioners. The swine veterinarian survey showed a disconnect between their biosecurity perception and practices. We developed a biosecurity educational website and used Google Analytics to collect website traffic and user data. The 4 months of data showed good coverage that included the highest proportion of users from the Midwest and North Carolina, the largest swine-production regions in the US, and China and Canada, the leading producers of swine worldwide. The most accessed webpage was the resources page, and the swine diseases page had the highest engagement time. Our study highlights the effectiveness of combining online surveys with an educational website to assess and improve the biosecurity knowledge of swine producers and veterinarians that can be applied to assess and improve the biosecurity knowledge and practices of other livestock farmers.

ICSI equine embryo production with oocytes aspirated during estrus or diestrus

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has advanced equine reproduction using genetically superior or imported semen, enabling older mares with fertility issues to foal again or make use of vitrified embryos facilitating embryo transfer. One focus of our lab is to maximize embryo production by increasing rates of oocyte recovery and maturation which have resulted in a greater number and rate of blastocyst development. One variable is the stage in the ovarian cycle, estrus or diestrus, when ovum pickup (OPU) is performed. The OPU technician evaluates if the mare is in estrus or diestrus just prior to OPU as following: estrus is identified as the presence of a dominant follicle, uterine edema and upon uterine palpitation, there is weak uterine tone. Diestrus is identified with the presence of a corpus luteum without the presence of uterine edema and a firm uterine tone. We analyzed 3,686 sessions of OPU between July 2021 toNovember 2022 in our commercial program. A total of 14,993 follicles were aspirated with 1,682 OPU sessions in the estrus phase and 14,627 follicles from 2,004 OPU sessions in the diestrus phase. A total of 13,240 (7.6 oocytes per OPU) oocytes were recovered in the estrus phase and 12,985 (6.4 oocytes per OPU) in the diestrus phase. A total of 15,588 oocytes were injected, 7,857 from estrus phase follicles and 7,731 from diestrus phase follicles. In the estrus phase, 2,269 (17%) embryos were produced from all oocytes, while in the diestrus phase, 2,109 (16%) embryos were produced from aspirated oocytes (Chi square p>0.05). There was no significant difference in oocyte retrieval (88%) or embryo production rates according to cycle phase of the donor mare. These results corroborate previously published results (Walbornn et al. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.2022; 260 (7):1-7).

Taking responsibility for mental health in the workplace

In PracticeVolume 45, Issue 4 p. 245-246 Opinion Taking responsibility for mental health in the workplace Glen Cousquer, Glen CousquerSearch for more papers by this author Glen Cousquer, Glen CousquerSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/inpr.315Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. References BRSCIC, M., CONTIERO, B., SCHIANCHI, A. & MAROGNA, C. (2021) Challenging suicide, burnout, and depression among veterinary practitioners and students: text mining and topics modelling analysis of the scientific literature. BMC Veterinary Research 17, 294 HANH, T. N. (2015) Silence: the power of quiet in a world full of noise. Rider HSE (2022) Protecting people and places. HSE strategy 2022 to 2032. https://bit.ly/43MHP5U. Accessed 20 April 2023 HÜBL, T. & SHRIDHARE, L. (2022) The ‘Tender Narrator’ who sees beyond time: a framework for trauma integration and healing. Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change 2, 9– 27 MACY, J. & BROWN, M. (2021) Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects. New Society Publishers MATÉ, G. (2022) The myth of normal: trauma, illness and healing in a toxic culture. Penguin Random House WATERS, S. & PALMER, H. (2021) Work-related suicide: a qualitative analysis of recent cases with recommendations for reform. https://bit.ly/3mIsYch. Accessed 20 April 2023 WHO (2021) 1 in 100 deaths is by suicide. https://bit.ly/3AhOCqV. Accessed 20 April 2023 WITTE, T. K., SPITZER, E. G., EDWARDS, N., FOWLER, K. A. & NETT, R. J. (2019) Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 595– 608 Volume45, Issue4May 2023Pages 245-246 ReferencesRelatedInformation

The veterinarian's role in and attitude to the disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals

A wide range of pharmaceutical chemicals have been documented in rivers, streams, lakes, coastal waters, groundwater, sewage sludge, landfill leachate, soils, air, and plant and animal tissues nationwide and around the world. Veterinarians’ unique relationship with pharmaceuticals compared to other health professionals provide a wide breath of potential pathways. Given the role that veterinarians can play as both a source of new pharmaceuticals to the environment and a method of drug disposal, as well as their role as trusted professionals, the veterinarian is key to keeping unused and unwanted medicine out of the environment. However, little is known about their behaviors. The objectives were to: learn about the drug disposal practices of the veterinarian and their clients from the veterinarian's perspective; learn about the importance of the topic of drug disposal to veterinarians; and determine the outreach needs and preferences of veterinarians and how best to educate about this issue. This research was conducted through a cross-sectional online survey of licensed veterinarians in states within the Great Lakes region working with those states’ veterinary medical associations or licensing boards. The 587 respondents were 72% female, 81% small animal practice, and 52% practicing in suburban geographic areas. Legal disposal requirements were the biggest factor influencing veterinarians to change pharmaceutical disposal behaviors followed by avoiding misuse and abuse. Veterinarians discussed disposal with clients in only 11% of appointments with clients. The most notable barriers include not remembering to mention, not enough time, not high enough priority, or not enough information known by the veterinarian. Continuing education opportunities need to be provided across the spectrum of practicing veterinarians so they can have a greater understanding of the problem of pharmaceutical waste and potential avenues they can implement to mitigate.

Veterinarians show resilience during COVID-19: challenges faced and successful coping strategies.

To identify challenges veterinarians faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, explore how they coped, identify coping strategies associated with greater resilience, and determine incentives and barriers to performing healthy coping behaviors. 266 surveys completed by veterinarians in the Potomac region. A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically through veterinary medical boards and professional associations between June and September 2021. Most survey responses came from veterinarians working in Maryland (128/266 [48%]) and Virginia (63/266 [24%]) who were predominantly white (186/266 [70%]), female (162/266 [61%]), and working in small-animal clinical practice (185/266 [70%]). The greatest workplace challenges experienced were increased workloads (195/266 [73%]) and reevaluating existing workflows (189/266 [71%]). Separation from loved ones (161/266 [61%]) was the greatest personal challenge. Of the veterinarians who completed the 10-point Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (n = 219), which measures resilience on a scale from 0 (no resilience) to 40 (greatest resilience), the mean score was 29.6 (SD, 6.9), with a median of 30 (IQR = 10). Intrinsic factors most strongly associated with greater resilience were increasing age (P = .01) and later career stage (P = .002). Job satisfaction, autonomy, good work-life balance, and approach-focused coping strategies were positively associated with resilience. Overwhelmingly, the primary reported barrier to performing healthy coping behaviors was limited time to devote to self-care (177/266 [67%]). A combination of individual approach-focused coping strategies and organizational interventions are crucial to support a resilient veterinary workforce.

Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine: an integrated curriculum prepares practice-ready veterinarians through experiential learning.

"Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine: an integrated curriculum prepares practice-ready veterinarians through experiential learning" published on 01 Mar 2023 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

Comparison of Community Practitioner and Clinical Educator Expectations of Veterinary Graduates.

One goal of veterinary curricular development and revision is to ensure graduating veterinarians meet entry-level competencies to perform successfully in their community. Most curricula are developed by clinical educators in a university setting; therefore, we must determine whether clinical educators can predict community practitioner expectations. This article evaluates practitioners' expectations of new graduate independence in veterinary tasks and compares these expectations with those of clinical educators at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM). A survey was designed to measure expectations of graduate-level independence within nine technical and three non-technical categories. Members of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) and UW-SVM clinicians were invited to participate. Expected levels of independence were compared between these two populations and between WVMA specialists and generalists. Results indicated significant differences in the expected levels of graduate independence between UW-SVM clinicians and WVMA members, with UW-SVM clinicians generally expecting higher levels of independence for both technical and non-technical tasks. Although most SVM clinicians are specialists, this difference does not appear to reflect a difference in expectations between specialists and generalists, as WVMA specialists had lower expectations of graduate independence for most technical and non-technical tasks than did WVMA generalists. These results suggest that academic clinicians are not able to predict practitioners' graduate expectations or that graduates in practice are not meeting the levels of independence expected by their clinical educators. Further investigation into the differences in expectations will enable fruitful partnerships between academic clinicians, practitioners, and students in curricular design and revision.

Shortness of breath, inappetence, and progressive swelling on the left side of the muzzle and underneath the eye of a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever.

"Shortness of breath, inappetence, and progressive swelling on the left side of the muzzle and underneath the eye of a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever" published on 02 Jan 2023 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

From principles to practice-embedded longitudinal clinical reasoning curriculum is a cornerstone for the Michigan State DVM and Veterinary Nursing programs.

"From principles to practice—embedded longitudinal clinical reasoning curriculum is a cornerstone for the Michigan State DVM and Veterinary Nursing programs" published on 01 Jan 2023 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

Euthanasia of Neonatal Rats and Mice using Carbon Monoxide.

Minimization of potential pain and distress of rodents undergoing euthanasia is a touchstone of veterinary clinical medicine. Evaluation of this issue in postweanling rodents has supported revisions to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Guidelines on Euthanasia in 2020. However, relatively little information is available on humane aspects of anesthesia and euthanasia in neonatal mice and rats. These neonates are not reliably euthanized by exposure to commonly used inhalant anesthetic agents due to their physiologic adaptations to hypercapnic environments. Therefore, options such as prolonged inhalant anesthetic gas exposure, decapitation, or use of injectable anesthetics are recommended for neonates. All of these recommended methods have operational implications, ranging from reported job dissatisfaction by animal care staff to rigorous reporting requirements associated with the use of controlled substances. This lack of a euthanasia method that does not entail operational issues hampers the ability of veterinary professionals to provide appropriate guidance to scientists working with neonates. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of carbon monoxide (CO) as an alternative euthanasia agent for mouse and rat pups on postnatal days (PND) 0 to 12. The study demonstrates that CO may be a potential alternative for preweanling mice and rats at PND6 or older but is not appropriate for neonates at PND5 or younger.