Equine Euthanasia

Question 1

What are horses sedated with prior to euthanasia?

Answer 1

Alpha-2 agonist (xylazine)

Question 2

IV barbiturate (sodium pentobarbital)

Answer 2

• (+) = dependable & safe
• (-) = $$, controlled, drug residues
• IVC vs. direct stick
• requires sedation, restraint

Question 3

Intrathecal local anesthetic (lidocaine or mepivacaine)

Answer 3

• (+) = dependable, safe, no dangerous residues
• (-) requires general anesthesia + CSF centesis
• Can take longer for cessation of CNS activity

Question 4

IV KCl

Answer 4

• (+) = dependable, safe, cheap
• (-) = requires general anesthesia
• often choice for horses already under for colic sx, etc. & O decides to PTS

Question 5

Where to aim gunshot/captive bolt

Answer 5

slightly above intersection of lateral ear + medial canthus

Question 5

Exsanguination

Answer 5

• Performed only after unconsciousness has been attained
• Most commonly performed by severing one or both of the carotid arteries
• Another method in larger horses is to cut the posterior aorta (via rectal palpation)

Question 5

Preferred / unpreferred locations for euthanasia

Answer 5

preferred = private, level, grassy location out of public view. Location convenient for disposal method.

Unpreferred = stall (unsafe; difficult carcass removal)

Question 6

Ways to confirm death

Answer 6

1. auscultate heart
2. observe respiration
3. corneal reflex