| The time now is Sep 09, 2010 - 07:40 AM |
| Author |
Message |
LisaAnnie
|
|
Post subject: EUTHANASIA
 Posted: Jan 21, 2005 - 09:57 PM
|
|
Moderator
Joined: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 6611
Location: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Status: Offline
|
|
EUTHANASIA
Authors: Ann Topmiller and Lisa Cook
This is not a pleasant subject, but it is one that is of no less importance to keepers than good husbandry issues. Why is this topic needed? Because many keepers have no access to reptile vets, and/or their local vets don't always know what they can use to gently, and humanely euthanize a suffering dragon or other reptile.
Adolf Maas, DVM consulted with us for this article. We discussed different practices that have been suggested through the years.
DO NOT FREEZE
Dr. Maas is strongly against putting a reptile in the freezer, saying that he can't imagine a more painful way to bring about death. The brain cells must freeze before the reptile can die, and they are the very last part of the body that freezes. If you have used this method, don't berate yourself...it was/is listed in many keeper books as an acceptable method of euthanasia.
DO NOT DECAPITATE
While this will certainly end the life of the animal, Dr. Maas does not recommend that any of us attempt this method. As a vet, he would not choose to euthanize any creature in this fashion. Once again, this method has been listed in keeper books for years.
DO NOT SHOOT
Dr. Maas stated that if this was the only option open to a keeper, he suggests that they use a shotgun in order to dispatch the dragon instantly. Unless a keeper is familiar with dragon anatomy, a rifle bullet could easily miss the brain, causing great suffering.
VET ASSISTED EUTHANASIA
There are many ways in which any veterinarian can safely, quickly, and humanely euthanize a dragon. Even a non-reptile practioner has the means readily available. Here is a list of options that are at a vet's disposal. If the vet is unfamiliar with dragon anatomy we have listed alternative measures.
INTRA-CARDIAC injection of Sodium Pentobarbital overdose
INTRA-HEPATIC injection of Sodium Pentobarbital overdose
INTRA-COELOMIC injection of Sodium Pentobarbital overdose
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Overdose of KETAMINE
Overdose of IV LIDOCAINE
Overdose of ANESTHETIC GAS |
Last edited by LisaAnnie on Oct 13, 2006 - 03:38 PM; edited 1 time in total
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
LisaAnnie
|
|
|
Post subject:
Posted: Jan 21, 2005 - 10:06 PM
|
|
Moderator
Joined: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 6611
Location: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Status: Offline
|
|
FOR KEEPERS WANTING TO DO FURTHER READING ON THE SUBJECT OF FREEZING REPTILES....
Here's an excerpt from Melissa Kaplan's beyond excellent site.....
Why Induced Hypothermia Is Inappropriate for Euthanasia
When reptiles are subjected to freezing temperatures, extracellular fluids begin to form ice crystals long before the reptile loses consciousness and pain perception. This extracellular freezing creates an osmotic imbalance, drawing water out of cells. The circulation is then impeded which inhibits prevents gas exchange, nutrient uptake, etc. Ice crystals begin to create small punctures in cell walls. For more information on euthanasia, see Stephen L. Barten DVM's article, Euthanasia of Reptiles."
FOLLOW THIS LINK to Melissa Kaplan's site...scroll down to find the above paragraph, and a link to Dr. Barten's article.
http://www.anapsid.org/euth.html |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Powered by PNphpBB2 © 2003-2006 The PNphpBB Group
Credits |
|
|
