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Transmucosal pentobarbital is a successful euthanasia method in pond slider turtles (Trachemys scripta).
Zachary C Ready1,2, Krista Keller1,2
1Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|May 4, 2023
Summary
Transmucosally administered pentobarbital can induce euthanasia in pond slider turtles. The oral route is preferred over the cloacal route due to a higher success rate and fewer complications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Herpetology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Euthanasia methods for reptiles are less established than for mammals.
- Transmucosal administration offers a potential alternative route for drug delivery in turtles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of transmucosal pentobarbital for euthanasia in pond slider turtles.
- To compare the oral and cloacal routes for pentobarbital administration.
Main Methods:
- 16 pond slider turtles were administered pentobarbital (100 mg/kg) via esophageal gavage (oral) or cloacal administration.
- Efficacy was assessed by monitoring reflexes, heart rate, respiratory rate, and response to stimuli until death.
Main Results:
- Both oral and cloacal routes resulted in euthanasia within approximately 24 hours.
- The cloacal route had a 75% leakage rate, with 25% requiring a secondary euthanasia method.
- No significant difference in time to loss of parameters was observed between routes.
Conclusions:
- Transmucosal pentobarbital is effective for euthanasia in pond slider turtles.
- The oral route is recommended due to lower complication rates compared to the cloacal route.
