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
When euthanizing a dog that is extremely fearful and exhibiting defensive aggression, what is the safest first step?
Answer: Administer an intramuscular sedation protocol before attempting IV access
Intramuscular sedation allows the animal to calm before IV placement, reducing stress for the animal and injury risk for the technician.
For small exotic mammals such as hedgehogs and sugar gliders, what euthanasia approach is generally recommended?
Answer: Intraperitoneal pentobarbital following isoflurane sedation if needed
Isoflurane sedation followed by intraperitoneal or intrahepatic pentobarbital allows safe, humane euthanasia in small exotic species where IV access is extremely difficult.
Which physical characteristic of neonatal dogs and cats (under 2 weeks) affects the selection of euthanasia method?
Answer: Their immature nervous systems and small veins make IV injection impractical
Neonates have underdeveloped veins and incomplete neurological development, making IV injection extremely difficult and favoring alternative acceptable methods.
What additional step is required after administering a euthanasia agent to a reptile to confirm death?
Answer: Check for cessation of heartbeat using auscultation or ultrasound for an extended observation period
Because reptiles can retain cardiac function long after drug administration, extended auscultation or cardiac ultrasound over several minutes is required to confirm death.
When euthanizing a pregnant animal, what welfare consideration must the technician address?
Answer: Late-term fetuses may require a secondary physical method after the dam is confirmed dead
Late-term fetuses may survive briefly after the dam is euthanized; a secondary physical method ensures their humane death as well.
For birds, which injection site is often used as an alternative when wing vein access is not possible?
Answer: Intrahepatic (liver) injection
The intrahepatic (directly into the liver) route is a recognized alternative in birds when peripheral vein access cannot be achieved, allowing rapid drug delivery.
Which statement about using ketamine as a sole euthanasia agent for any species is correct?
Answer: Ketamine alone is not approved as a sole euthanasia agent; it must be combined with another agent
Ketamine alone does not reliably cause death and must be combined with other agents (e.g., medetomidine, acepromazine, or pentobarbital) to achieve humane euthanasia.