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
For guinea pigs and other small rodents in a shelter, what is the preferred humane euthanasia method?
Answer: CO2 exposure followed by confirmation of death
CO2 exposure at the proper fill rate causes rapid loss of consciousness in small rodents, and confirmation of death must follow to ensure the procedure is complete.
When performing intracardiac (IC) injection for euthanasia, what is the critical requirement?
Answer: The animal must be fully anesthetized or confirmed dead
Intracardiac injection is only acceptable when the animal is fully unconscious (deeply anesthetized) or already confirmed dead, as it is painful if performed on a conscious animal.
Which route of pentobarbital administration is conditionally acceptable in cats when IV access cannot be established?
Answer: Intraperitoneal
Intraperitoneal injection is a conditionally acceptable route in cats when IV access is impossible; onset is slower but effective with sufficient dose.
For livestock such as cattle and horses, what euthanasia method is most commonly used when firearms or penetrating captive bolt is not available?
Answer: Intravenous pentobarbital via jugular vein
Intravenous pentobarbital administered via the jugular vein is the standard chemical euthanasia method for large livestock when physical methods are unavailable.
What is the primary welfare concern when euthanizing neonatal pigs using CO2?
Answer: Neonatal pigs are more resistant to CO2 and may experience prolonged distress
Neonatal pigs have higher hypoxic tolerance, making CO2 induction slower and potentially distressing; additional sedation or an alternative method may be warranted.
For ferrets, which vein is typically used for intravenous pentobarbital administration?
Answer: Jugular vein
The jugular vein is generally the most accessible and reliable site for IV injection in ferrets due to their small limb veins.
Which statement about euthanasia of fish is most accurate according to current humane euthanasia guidelines?
Answer: MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) or clove oil can be used to achieve anesthesia prior to a physical method
MS-222 or clove oil anesthetizes fish before a secondary physical method confirms death, meeting humane euthanasia standards for fish.