Death and Euthanasia as Contemporary Topics in Equine Curricula

Few college-level curricula in equine management classes address the topics of death and euthanasia, even though every horse eventually will experience the process. A comprehensive educational approach includes topics on assessing the need for euthanasia, decision making techniques, acceptable euthanasia methods, physiology of dying, and appropriate carcass disposal options, as well as addressing the emotional context of the human-horse bond and the grief process. Suggested projects for students include the development of an equine euthanasia plan or a quality of life assessment. Since death and euthanasia are integral components in the U.S. societal issues concerning the number of unwanted horses, the slaughtering of horses for human consumption, and the development of minimum welfare standards and regulations, education and research in these subjects will help to effectively resolve these situations and enhance the welfare of horses.     

《畜牧与兽医》追忆溯源——中央大学畜牧兽医系的编辑出版工作纪要

近来,有读者来函或在网上反映,本刊创刊时间似应从1950年追溯至1935年。为此,编者查阅了若干资料,现将署名祝寿康,1997年发表于内部刊物上的一篇文章转载于此,可以佐证本刊的历史渊源。中央大学畜牧兽医系即今南京农业大学动物科技学院和动物医学院。作者系南京农业大学动物医学院教授(已离休),著名兽医解剖学家,曾于1955~1958年兼任南京畜牧兽医图书出版社经理部经理。由于本刊前身先后用名《畜牧兽医季刊》和《畜牧兽医月刊》,而建国后,在1950年则以《畜牧与兽医》名称出版发行,是当时畜牧兽医专业在国内最早出版发行的杂志,当时就以1950年为创刊年份,延续至今。根据历史追溯,本刊自2008年第40卷第1期起将创刊年份更定为1935年1月。告以读者,深表谢意。     

从中兽医学角度阐述母牛产后疾病

在牛疾病中,母牛产后疾病占有较高比例,具有高发病的特点,且对牛养殖造成较大的危害。本文重点从中兽医学角度阐述母牛产后疾病的类型、病因、临床症状、治疗原则以及中药处方等相关知识。     

Cerebral and Brainstem Electrophysiologic Activity During Euthanasia with Pentobarbital Sodium in Horses

Background

An overdose of pentobarbital sodium administered IV is the most commonly used method of euthanasia in veterinary medicine. Determining death after the infusion relies on the observation of physical variables. However, it is unknown when cortical electrical activity and brainstem function are lost in a sequence of events before death.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To examine changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex and brainstem during an overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution for euthanasia. Our testing hypothesis is that isoelectric pattern of the brain in support of brain death occurs before absence of electrocardiogram (ECG) activity.

Animals

Fifteen horses requiring euthanasia.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Horses with neurologic, orthopedic, and cardiac illnesses were selected and instrumented for recording of electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), and ECG. Physical and neurologic (brainstem reflexes) variables were monitored.

Results

Loss of cortical electrical activity occurred during or within 52 seconds after the infusion of euthanasia solution. Cessation of brainstem function as evidenced by a lack of brainstem reflexes and disappearance of the BAER happened subsequently. Despite undetectable heart sounds, palpable arterial pulse, and mean arterial pressure, recordable ECG was the last variable to be lost after the infusion (5.5–16 minutes after end of the infusion).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution administered IV is an effective, fast, and humane method of euthanasia. Brain death occurs within 73–261 seconds of the infusion. Although absence of ECG activity takes longer to occur, brain death has already occurred.