CET Species-Specific Euthanasia Considerations 2

Question 1

For guinea pigs and other small rodents in a shelter, what is the preferred humane euthanasia method?

Accepted Answer

CO2 exposure followed by confirmation of death

Answer

Cervical dislocation only

Answer

Intraperitoneal pentobarbital with no verification needed

Answer

Decapitation as a sole method

Question 2

When performing intracardiac (IC) injection for euthanasia, what is the critical requirement?

Accepted Answer

The animal must be fully anesthetized or confirmed dead

Answer

The animal may be conscious if the technician works quickly

Answer

IC injection is only permitted in cats, not dogs

Answer

The animal must be under chemical restraint but may be lightly sedated

Question 3

Which route of pentobarbital administration is conditionally acceptable in cats when IV access cannot be established?

Accepted Answer

Intraperitoneal

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Intranasal

Answer

Intramuscular

Question 4

For livestock such as cattle and horses, what euthanasia method is most commonly used when firearms or penetrating captive bolt is not available?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous pentobarbital via jugular vein

Answer

High-dose intramuscular telazol

Answer

CO2 chamber exposure

Answer

Intraperitoneal potassium chloride

Question 5

What is the primary welfare concern when euthanizing neonatal pigs using CO2?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal pigs are more resistant to CO2 and may experience prolonged distress

Answer

CO2 is ineffective in pigs regardless of age

Answer

Neonatal pigs require higher oxygen supplementation before CO2 exposure

Answer

CO2 causes violent muscle activity in neonatal pigs that injures staff

Question 6

For ferrets, which vein is typically used for intravenous pentobarbital administration?

Accepted Answer

Jugular vein

Answer

Cephalic vein

Answer

Coccygeal vein

Answer

Saphenous vein

Question 7

Which statement about euthanasia of fish is most accurate according to current humane euthanasia guidelines?

Accepted Answer

MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) or clove oil can be used to achieve anesthesia prior to a physical method

Answer

Flushing live fish down the drain is acceptable in all circumstances

Answer

Rapid chilling with ice water is a fully acceptable sole euthanasia method for all fish

Answer

CO2 bubbled into water is universally approved as a sole method for all fish species