Anaesthesia of decapod crustaceans

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Marine Biology
• Veterinary Anesthesiology

Background:

• Decapod crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, are recognized as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, distress, and discomfort.
• Current practices involving these animals often cause pain and impair welfare, necessitating effective pain management and welfare strategies.
• General anesthesia and sedation are vital for mitigating suffering during various procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and recommend appropriate anesthetic and sedative agents for decapod crustaceans.
• To highlight practices that impair decapod welfare and necessitate pain management.
• To guide the ethical treatment and veterinary care of decapod crustaceans.

Main Methods:

• Review of anesthetic and sedative agents applicable to decapod crustaceans.
• Identification of common procedures requiring anesthesia or sedation.
• Categorization of effective and detrimental anesthetic agents.

Main Results:

• Effective anesthetic agents for bath administration include eugenol, isoeugenol, lidocaine, halothane, and specific essential oils.
• Injectable agents such as alphaxalone, eugenol, ketamine-xylazine, and others are suitable for decapod anesthesia.
• Several agents, including hypothermia, CO2, and MS-222, are detrimental or ineffective and should be avoided.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesia is essential for ensuring the welfare of decapod crustaceans during procedures like surgery, transport, and euthanasia.
• The depth of anesthesia required varies with the procedure, ranging from sedation to surgical anesthesia.
• Prioritizing decapod welfare through ethical treatment and appropriate veterinary care, including pain-free methods, is paramount.