Using post-mortem computed tomography to identify traumatic cranial lesions in small stranded odontocetes euthanised...

Area of Science:

• Marine Mammal Science
• Veterinary Pathology
• Forensic Imaging

Background:

• Stranded cetaceans often require euthanasia due to severe compromise.
• Ballistics are a common method for euthanasia in these situations.
• Assessing the welfare implications of euthanasia methods is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe ballistics-induced head trauma in stranded cetaceans requiring euthanasia.
• To infer welfare implications of these euthanasia events using post-mortem imaging.
• To evaluate the efficacy of ballistics as a euthanasia method.

Main Methods:

• Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) on six cetacean carcasses after ballistics euthanasia.
• Assessment of cranial damage: osseous lesions, intracranial fractures, projectile fragments.
• Collection of stranding data, euthanasia procedures, and marksperson reports.

Main Results:

• PMCT indicated variable likelihood of instantaneous insensibility (2 likely, 3 moderate, 1 low).
• Efficacy depended on shot placement, projectile characteristics, and aim.
• Verification of insensibility was reportedly checked in only two cases.

Conclusions:

• Ballistics euthanasia efficacy in cetaceans can vary, impacting welfare.
• Shot placement, aim, and equipment influence the likelihood of rapid insensibility.
• Verification of insensibility is critical for humane euthanasia.