Species-Specific Euthanasia Considerations Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Species-Specific Euthanasia Considerations flashcards as text
Which euthanasia method is generally considered most appropriate for neonatal kittens and puppies under 2 weeks of age when injectable agents are not available?
Answer: Physical methods such as cervical dislocation
Physical methods like cervical dislocation are conditionally acceptable for neonates under 2 weeks because their nervous systems are immature and they lack the muscle mass needed for reliable injections.
When euthanizing feral or fractious cats, what approach is typically recommended before administering injectable euthanasia solution?
Answer: Administer an intramuscular sedative or anesthetic first
An intramuscular sedative or anesthetic (e.g., telazol or ketamine combinations) is given first to ensure safe handling and humane administration of the euthanasia solution.
For rabbits, which euthanasia route is preferred when using pentobarbital sodium?
Answer: Intravenous injection via the marginal ear vein
The marginal ear vein provides reliable IV access in rabbits, allowing pentobarbital to act rapidly and humanely.
Which statement is correct regarding euthanasia of reptiles?
Answer: Reptiles may retain reflexes and cardiac activity much longer than mammals after euthanasia
Reptile cardiovascular and neurological systems are highly tolerant of hypoxia, so they can retain reflexes and cardiac activity for extended periods after euthanasia drug administration.
When euthanizing birds in a shelter setting, which method is most commonly recommended and humane?
Answer: Intravenous or intrahepatic injection of pentobarbital
Intravenous (jugular or wing vein) or intrahepatic pentobarbital injection is recommended for birds as it provides rapid loss of consciousness.
For large dogs over 40 kg, which intravenous access site is most commonly used for euthanasia injection?
Answer: Cephalic vein
The cephalic vein on the foreleg is the standard and most accessible IV site for dogs of all sizes in a shelter euthanasia setting.
Which species requires special consideration because CO2 is NOT considered an acceptable sole euthanasia method?
Answer: Rabbits
Rabbits are aversive to high CO2 concentrations and may experience significant distress; CO2 is not an acceptable sole method for rabbits according to AVMA guidelines.