CET Species-Specific Euthanasia Considerations 3

Question 1

When euthanizing a dog that is extremely fearful and exhibiting defensive aggression, what is the safest first step?

Accepted Answer

Administer an intramuscular sedation protocol before attempting IV access

Answer

Proceed with IV injection immediately to reduce handling time

Answer

Use a CO2 chamber as the primary method

Answer

Perform cervical dislocation as a rapid alternative

Question 2

For small exotic mammals such as hedgehogs and sugar gliders, what euthanasia approach is generally recommended?

Accepted Answer

Intraperitoneal pentobarbital following isoflurane sedation if needed

Answer

CO2 chamber as the only method due to difficulty with injections

Answer

Intracardiac injection while the animal is conscious

Answer

Cervical dislocation without prior sedation

Question 3

Which physical characteristic of neonatal dogs and cats (under 2 weeks) affects the selection of euthanasia method?

Accepted Answer

Their immature nervous systems and small veins make IV injection impractical

Answer

They have no pain receptors and any method is acceptable

Answer

They require higher drug doses per kilogram than adults

Answer

Their skin is too thick for subcutaneous injections to be effective

Question 4

What additional step is required after administering a euthanasia agent to a reptile to confirm death?

Accepted Answer

Check for cessation of heartbeat using auscultation or ultrasound for an extended observation period

Answer

Wait 5 minutes only, as reptiles die as fast as mammals

Answer

Check pupillary reflex only

Answer

No additional steps are needed; drug administration is sufficient

Question 5

When euthanizing a pregnant animal, what welfare consideration must the technician address?

Accepted Answer

Late-term fetuses may require a secondary physical method after the dam is confirmed dead

Answer

The fetuses will die automatically without any additional consideration

Answer

Pregnant animals require double the standard dose of pentobarbital

Answer

Pregnant animals must be euthanized with CO2 only to protect the fetuses

Question 6

For birds, which injection site is often used as an alternative when wing vein access is not possible?

Accepted Answer

Intrahepatic (liver) injection

Answer

Intraperitoneal injection

Answer

Intracardiac injection under sedation

Answer

Intramuscular injection only

Question 7

Which statement about using ketamine as a sole euthanasia agent for any species is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine alone is not approved as a sole euthanasia agent; it must be combined with another agent

Answer

Ketamine alone is a AVMA-approved sole euthanasia agent for dogs and cats

Answer

Ketamine is the preferred intramuscular euthanasia drug for large mammals

Answer

Ketamine can be used as a sole euthanasia agent only for reptiles