Exotic Animal Formulary5

Table 5-17
Euthanasia Agents Used in Birds. a
Agent Dosage Species/Comments
Carbon dioxide
(CO 2 )
70% 333 Most species/danger to person administering gas;
compressed gas is the only recommended source 442
Carbon
monoxide
(CO)
Isoflurane
Methoxyflurane
Minimum 6%
concentration
in a closed
container 333
Saturated cotton
ball in closed
container or
face mask 333
Saturated cotton
ball in closed
container or
face mask 333
Most species/unconsciousness occurs rapidly;
inexpensive; 333 danger to person administering gas;
compressed gas recommended
Most species/very rapid induction; wing flapping and
vocalizing may occur
Most species/induction may be slower than with
isoflurane
Pentobarbital
sodium
0.2-1 mL/kg IV,
ICe 333
Most species/birds may react unpredictably with IV
administration; ICe administration is smooth,
quiet; proper carcass disposal is advised as
secondary poisoning of wild scavenging birds may
occur; 336,690,832 induces significant histopathologic
changes that may impair interpretation (especially
for lungs) 294,632
Potassium
chloride
1-2 mEq/kg IV 442 Most species/must be provided in conjunction with
prior general anesthesia
3-10 mEq/kg 632 Parrots/PD; no histologic artifacts; death in 0.5-1.1
min; performed under isoflurane anesthesia
a
The American Veterinary Medical Association accepts inhalant anesthetic overdose, carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, KCl (after anesthesia), and barbiturate overdose as humane euthanasia methods. 442
Cervical dislocation and decapitation are conditionally acceptable for research and poultry. Thoracic
compression is commonly used for wild passerine birds. 591
Table 5-18
Miscellaneous Agents Used in Birds.
Agent Dosage Species/Comments
2-deoxy-2-fluoro-dglucose
(fluodeooxyglucose
128.5 ± 20.2 MBq (3.5
± 0.5 mCi) 380 Bald eagles/PD; PET scan
403