Euthanasia agents

When all assessments are complete, euthanize larvae by immersion in a 0.3 mg/mL solution of Tricaine (15). An alternative method of euthanasia for fish larvae of 4-7 dpf is immersion in a 1.2% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution (16). Leave the larvae in euthanasia agent for at least 10 min. 

Animals may be affected by the short-acting barbiturates much in the same way as humans. Lethargy, coma, respiratory depression, ataxia, hypothermia, and hypotension have been described in poisoning. Some short-acting barbiturates are utilized as veterinary euthanasia agents. The treatment of overdose is similar to that in humans. 

The euthanasia agent used on study, Socumb, was dosed at the manufacturer s recommended dose level of 1 mlVlO lb this dose of the 6 grain/ml> solution resulted in a pentobarbital dose of 86 ng/kg, which was above the pentobarbital dose of 30 to 60 msGfg listed in the protocol. 

The major euthanasia agents used in veterinary medicines are the barbiturates and these have already been discussed in Chapter 5. When formulated for euthanasia, these products, and indeed other products used for this purpose, are not normally sterile unlike other parentally, and especially intravenously, administered formulations as this is considered unnecessary as the patients concerned will not recover from the effects of the drug and so the secondary effects of bacteria and other extraneous agents are irrelevant. The products are often frequently formulated with a dye to distinguish them from other similar but sterile formulations. Euthanasia agents differ from all other veterinary medicinal products in pharmacovigilance terms in that lack of efficacy, that is failure to cause death of the patient, is a reportable adverse event (lack of expected efficacy). 

In order to reduce the risk of changes in temperature and pH, oocyte collection should take no more than 5 min from euthanasia to oocyte collection (i.e., practice). Typically cervical dislocation is used to prevent possible exposure to agents that may affect oocyte or embryo quality and to reduce the time from euthanasia to oocyte collection. 

TABLE 12-7 Termination of Mouse and Albino Rat by Euthanasia (by parenteral administration of pharmacological agents)... 

Pharmacy legislation defines the framework in which pharmacists can prepare medicines, however there are other legislative and quality frameworks that they must be aware of if other categories of products are requested, such as biocides, medical devices, or placebo s, or agents used for euthanasia Veterinary and homeopathic medicines are also dealt with, as are raw materials, especially hazardous materials and precursors. 

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