78
ABSTRACTS
was found by the Committee to be the most satisfactory for dogs and cats of
all sizes. The recurrent tarsal vein in the dog and. radial vein in the cat should
be used and the dose should not be less than ⅓ of a grain per pound body,
weight (0.045 grm. per kilo) for small animals and not less than ¼ grain per pound body
weight (0.034 grm. per kilo) for large animals." Intravenous administration of Evipan
sodium (Bayer) is also recommended. The dose employed should not be less than ⅔
grain per pound body weight (0.09 grm. per kilo) in 10 per cent solution. In the dog'
the intravenous use of " Fluid Avertin " (Bayer) at the rate of 1 c. c. per 15 lb. body
weight is also considered a humane and satisfactory method of euthanasia. This agent
is not, however, recommended for general adoption in cats. Chloroform, which is widely
used as a lethal agent, was administered by various routes and it was observed that in
general it was not desirable for cats but was valuable for dogs if given intranasally or
by inhalation after proper morphine narcosis.
It is not generally recognised that magnesium sulphate when introduced directly
into blood stream is a powerful and rapidly acting narcotic poison. The intravenous
use of this agent is in the opinion of the Committee a very satisfactory and reliable method
of painless destruction of dogs. It was observed that accidental introduction of the
solution in subcutaneous tissues did not produce any painful result and in such an even
tuality it is recommended that injection in some other vein or other method of euthanasia
should be adopted. The technique is fully described and the concentration of the solu¬
tion recommended is 100 grains of the hydrated salt in 100 ml. of water injected at 40
to 50° C. The dose advocated is from 5 ml. in the case of small terriers to 20 ml. in
large dogs such as Airdale terriers.
The efficacy of the lethal chambers depending on the use of chloroform in combina
tion with carbon dioxide, motor-car exhaust fumes and coal gas, was extensively inves
tigated but is not recommended as it was observed that their use was not free from dis
tress.
The action and use of captive-bolt pistols is discussed in detail and the Committee
observed that this method of destruction is most rapid and humane. When the premises
are suitable it is the method of choice for dogs. No assistance is required, the degree
of skill necessary is small and accidents are rare. This method is not considered suitable
for cats due to gross contamination of the fur by blood consequent to the involuntary
movement which occurs prior to cessation of heart beats.
Two methods of electric shock employed for the humane destruction of small animals,
namely electric stunning and the cabinet method, were dealt with in extenso as also the
working and construction of the requisite appliances. Both are considered rapid and
humane provided the technique, which does not require great skill or assistance, is cor
rect. The chief cost is the initial outlay. Where large numbers of unwanted animals are
to be destroyed, the use of an electric chamber is considered to be by far the best and
is strongly recommended.
That this valuable report, emanating from the labours of such an eminent personnel
of the Committee, supplies a real need there can be no question. It should prove an
acquisition to all interested in the subject.
[H.B.S.]