Avian & Exotic Euthanasia - PDF Free Download

Avian & Exotic Euthanasia Krista A Keller, DVM, Dipl ACZM Thrive Veterinary Hospital Euthanasia Resource Goals Discuss species specific protocols Exotic companion mammals (and pigs!) Parrots (and other avian species) Reptiles Take Aways No gas down euthanasias!! No IC sticks without anesthesia 1

Goals for Euthanasia Humane euthanasia for patient Stress reduction Analgesia Compassionate experience for the client Understanding the process Giving time/space to mourn Offering the same options for disposition of remains Necropsy evaluation Cremation with return of ashes Collection of fur, feathers, etc Clay paw imprints Gas Down Euthanasias Gas Down Euthanasias Advantages Hands off! Low cost Low tech Disadvantages Pt cannot fall asleep with the cl Exposure to volatile gases Stressful to pt Species that hold breath Advantages for US Disadvantages to Pt/Cl 2

Non Gas Euthanasia Sedate/anesthetize pt Done with the client Place IVC Done in treatment Intracardiac/IV euthanasia Done in treatment Intravenous euthanasia Done with client Non Gas Euthanasia Advantages Pt falls asleep with cl NO exp to volatile gases Benefits Pt/Cl Reduced perceived stress Disadvantages Takes time (schedule and charge for it) More expensive (charge for it) Technical abilities required Disadvantages for us (modulatable) Comparison Advantages Disadvantages Gas Down Euth Hands off Low cost Low tech Pt cannot fall asleep with client Exposure to volatile gases Stressful for pt Species that hold breath Non Gas Euth Pt falls asleep with client No volatile gas exposure Reduced perceived stress Takes more time More expensive Technical abilities required 3

Exotic Companion Mammals Exotic Companion Mammals Premedication Midazolam + butorphanol +/- ketamine IM In many species the ketamine effects are seen prior to the midazolam effects (stagger?) Typically induces a light state of anesthesia Exotic Companion Mammals Euthanasia Catheter placement Rabbits, ferrets o Lat saphenous o Cephalic Pot bellied pigs Aural Intracardiac injection Small, dehydrated rabbits, ferrets, pigs All other small mammals 4

Exotic Companion Mammals Where is the heart? Rodents Rabbits Hedgehogs Sugar Gliders Exotic Companion Mammals Where is the heart? Rodents Rabbits Hedgehogs Sugar Gliders Exotic Companion Mammals Where is the heart? Rodents Rabbits Hedgehogs Sugar Gliders 5

Exotic Companion Mammals Exotic Companion Mammals - Pigs Oral Sedation Done with client Injectable sedation Done with client Place IVC Done with client Intracardiac/IV euthanasia Done in treatment Euthanasia Done with client Avians 7

Avians Premedication Midazolam + butorphanol +/- ketamine IM Ketamine in chickens/ducks, but not in parrots Typically induces a light state of anesthesia Avians Euthanasia Injections Jugular vein Ulnar vein Metatarsal vein Catheters IO catheter (ulna/tibia) IV catheter o Ulnar vein o Metatarsal vein Avians Euthanasia Intracardiac injections DIFFICULT Heart is within keel Tranhepatic approach Anterior approach Costal approach 8

Avians Avians Transhepatic approach Avians Anterior approach 9

Avians Costal approach Avians Reptiles 10

Reptiles Premedication Euthasol transmucosal induces heavy GA! Stubborn tortoise protocol Reptiles Euthanasia Intracardiac injection Euthasol diluted with KCl Myometrium has intrinsic electrical conductivity Reptiles Euthanasia in snakes (IV injection) Intracardiac Palpation Ultrasound Doppler Ventral tail vein 11

Reptiles Euthanasia in lizards (IV injection) Intracardiac thoracic inlet approach Ventral coccygeal vein Reptiles Euthanasia in lizards (IC injection) Reptiles Euthanasia in chelonians (IV injection) Ventral carapacial IC through thoracic inlet approach Dorsal coccygeal Jugular Brachial 12

After Euthanasia Ensure you are working with a cremation company that works with ALL species Treat them like any other client that lost a beloved pet Sympathy card Necropsy? Offer collection of fur, feather, etc Clay paws After Euthanasia Claw pay imprints Use Excel Work Sheets 13

Questions? 14