Featured Item: |
Euthanasia Guidelines (2007)A. The prime consideration in selection of a drug for euthanasia purposes should concern the capacity of that drug or combination of drugs to produce painless death. The sole use of skeletal muscle relaxants does not pharmacologically meet that requirement and their single use for euthanasia purposes is regarded by the American Association of Equine Practitioners as unprofessional and inhumane. This does not preclude the use of medically acceptable skeletal muscle relaxants as an adjunct to the use of barbiturates or such other drug, or combination of drugs, to facilitate a humane and aesthetic procedure. Any other method or compound used must conform to the guidelines set forth by the AVMA Panel on euthanasia. B. Guidelines for Recommending Euthanasia – The following criteria should be considered in evaluating the immediate necessity for intentional euthanasia of the horse to avoid and terminate incurable and excessive suffering: 1. Is the medical condition chronic and incurable?
2. Does the immediate medical condition have a hopeless prognosis for life?
3. Is the horse a hazard to itself or its handlers?
4. Will the horse require continuous medication for the relief of pain for the remainder of its life?
5. Will the medical condition result in a lifetime of continued individual confinement?
C. Euthanasia Justification – Justification of euthanasia of an insured horse for humane reasons should be based on medical grounds, rather than economic considerations. Furthermore, and in accordance with the AVMA’s position on the euthanasia of unwanted animals, the AAEP is not opposed to the euthanasia of unwanted animals, when appropriate, by properly trained personnel, using acceptable humane methods.
D. Further considerations with cases involving multiple practitioner involvement and/or insurance matters: 1. The attending, consulting and referring veterinarians should follow the Ethical and Professional Guidelines under section IV. “Attending, Consulting and Referring” as described in the AAEP Resource Guide & Membership Directory.
2. Careful consideration, regardless of the role a given practitioner has assumed, should be given to possible “conflicts of interest”, as referenced in the Ethical and Professional Guidelines in the AAEP Resource Guide & Membership Directory.
|
|
American Association of Equine Practitioners |
