CET Euthanasia Procedures and Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended intracardiac injection technique when the animal is NOT in deep unconsciousness?
- It is acceptable if the animal appears calm
- Intracardiac injection must never be performed on a conscious or lightly sedated animal (Correct answer)
- It may be used if IV access is unavailable
- It is permitted with local anesthetic applied to the chest
Correct answer: Intracardiac injection must never be performed on a conscious or lightly sedated animal
Intracardiac injection is only acceptable in animals that are deeply unconscious or already in cardiac arrest, never in conscious or lightly anesthetized animals.
Question 2: Which AVMA-recognized method is classified as acceptable for euthanasia of cats and dogs in a shelter setting?
- Carbon monoxide chamber
- Intravenous sodium pentobarbital (Correct answer)
- Cervical dislocation
- Thoracic compression
Correct answer: Intravenous sodium pentobarbital
Intravenous sodium pentobarbital is the AVMA's preferred acceptable method for dogs and cats due to its rapid, humane action.
Question 3: During an intraperitoneal euthanasia injection, why is the procedure considered less ideal than IV administration?
- It requires a larger needle gauge
- Onset of unconsciousness is significantly delayed compared to IV (Correct answer)
- It is more expensive per dose
- The drug is poorly absorbed in the peritoneum
Correct answer: Onset of unconsciousness is significantly delayed compared to IV
Intraperitoneal injection results in a much slower absorption rate, leading to delayed unconsciousness which prolongs the dying process.
Question 4: A technician is euthanizing a fractious feral cat. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Proceed directly with intravenous injection
- Administer a sedative or pre-euthanasia agent to reduce stress (Correct answer)
- Use an intracardiac injection to avoid handling
- Place the cat in a CO2 chamber immediately
Correct answer: Administer a sedative or pre-euthanasia agent to reduce stress
Pre-euthanasia sedation reduces animal stress, ensures safety for staff, and facilitates a humane and smooth euthanasia process.
Question 5: Which vein is most commonly used for intravenous euthanasia in dogs?
- Jugular vein
- Femoral vein
- Cephalic vein (Correct answer)
- Saphenous vein
Correct answer: Cephalic vein
The cephalic vein on the forelimb is the most commonly accessed site for IV injections in dogs due to its visibility and accessibility.
Question 6: After administering euthanasia solution, which sign confirms cardiac arrest has occurred?
- Pupil dilation and cessation of heartbeat confirmed by stethoscope (Correct answer)
- Animal closes its eyes
- Muscle relaxation is observed
- Respiratory rate slows to 4 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Pupil dilation and cessation of heartbeat confirmed by stethoscope
Confirmed cardiac arrest requires auscultation with a stethoscope to verify cessation of heartbeat, along with observation of fixed dilated pupils.
Question 7: What does the term 'two-syringe technique' refer to in euthanasia practice?
- Using one syringe for pre-sedation and a second for the euthanasia agent (Correct answer)
- Drawing the euthanasia solution into two syringes for large animals
- Flushing the IV line with saline before and after the drug
- Administering two different euthanasia agents simultaneously
Correct answer: Using one syringe for pre-sedation and a second for the euthanasia agent
The two-syringe technique involves administering a sedative or pre-euthanasia agent first, then following with the euthanasia agent to reduce animal stress.
CET Euthanasia Procedures and Techniques 2
What is the recommended intracardiac injection technique when the animal is NOT in deep unconsciousness?