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Chapter 004: Euthanasia and Necropsy

Marc Foster

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Published in Chapter 004 Euthanasia And Necropsy (American College Of Laboratory Animal Medicine)

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Euthanasia and necropsy are essential procedures in the care and management of laboratory animals. Euthanasia is the humane ending of an animal's life, while necropsy is the post-mortem examination of an animal's body to determine the cause of death.

Chapter 004, Euthanasia and Necropsy (American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine)

by Yosef D. Dlugacz

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Both euthanasia and necropsy are important for ensuring the welfare of laboratory animals. Euthanasia can be used to relieve pain and suffering in animals that are terminally ill or injured. Necropsy can help to identify the cause of death and prevent future animal deaths.

Euthanasia

There are a variety of euthanasia methods that can be used for laboratory animals. The most common methods include:

Carbon dioxide inhalation

Injections of barbiturates or other anesthetics

Decapitation

Cervical dislocation

The choice of euthanasia method depends on the species of animal, the size of the animal, and the availability of equipment.

Before euthanasia is performed, the animal should be anesthetized. Anesthesia helps to prevent pain and distress during the euthanasia process.

Necropsy

Necropsy is the post-mortem examination of an animal's body to determine the cause of death. Necropsy is typically performed by a veterinarian or other qualified professional.

The necropsy procedure involves a thorough examination of the animal's body, including the external surfaces, internal organs, and tissues. The veterinarian will look for any abnormalities that may have contributed to the animal's death.

The necropsy report will typically include a description of the animal's body, a list of any abnormalities that were found, and the veterinarian's opinion on the cause of death.

Euthanasia and necropsy are essential procedures in the care and management of laboratory animals. Euthanasia can be used to relieve pain and suffering in animals that are terminally ill or injured. Necropsy can help to identify the cause of death and prevent future animal deaths.

By following the guidelines in this chapter, laboratory animal practitioners can ensure that euthanasia and necropsy are performed in a humane and ethical manner.