VPT 321: Veterinary Neuropharmacology (2+1)

DRUGS FOR EUTHANESIA

• These drugs are used to produce a quick, painless death when other treatment is no longer effective. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) panel on euthanesia states that barbiturates are the "preferred method" of euthanesia for small animals.
• Most agents contain pentobarbitone (for the cardiovascular and respiratory depressant actions).
• Many agents also include a drug that will induce arrhythmias, thus hastening the death of the animal.
• In some instances the animal should be administered an ataractic (e.g. Acepromazine/diazepam) prior to the pentobarbitone, especially if the animal is in pain or is agitated.