Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most commonly used euthanasia agents for mice, yet it is highly aversive and nociceptive. Inert gases are a possible alternative, however there are qualitative reports of seizures resulting from exposure. Here we evaluate epileptiform activity caused by inert gases (N2, He, Ar and […]
Abstracts: Euthanasia of cattle: practical considerations and application
Acceptable methods for the euthanasia of cattle include overdose of an anaesthetic, gunshot and captive bolt. The use of anaesthetics for euthanasia is costly and complicates carcass disposal. These issues can be avoided by use of a physical method such as gunshot or captive bolt; however, each requires that certain […]
Vet Ethics: Chico – killer dog or misunderstood victim?
In April this year, an online petition was organized to save the life of dog in Germany who had killed two of its owners. The petition on Change.org garnered hundreds of thousands of online votes calling for the dog, Chico, not to be ‘euthanised’. In addition, a demonstration was held […]
Vet Ethics: Canine culls – some considerations
Following a political and humanitarian crisis in Nigeria in 1971, some French doctors came together to form a group called Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF – also known as Doctors Without Borders – has been involved in many significant crises like those in Rwanda, the Congo, and Bosnia. In its […]
Rat aversion to isoflurane versus carbon dioxide
Some experts suggest that sedation of laboratory rodents with isoflurane before euthanasia with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is a humane alternative to euthanasia with CO(2) alone, but little research has compared aversion with these agents. Albino rats were tested in a light-dark box where they had the choice between remaining in […]