Iguanas euthanasia

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:21:34 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]I'm sure you don't practice neck dislocation on rabbits or birds[/quote]

In certain circumstances, I do.

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]There are a lot of vets don't like shooting large animals.[/quote]

Which is a shame- we should be using the best and most humane method for the individual- not the one that is easiest or best for us.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:05:54 GMT

I've actually euthanased a couple of iguanas as a student using the method I described. Was at a practice that did a reasonable amount of exotic stuff (not a specialist or anything).

They used halothane on a swab in a container - leave for 10-15 minutes - check completely floppy and insensitive - pith. Easy and worked well.

Used it on a snake too.

I'm sure you don't practice neck dislocation on rabbits or birds, but it is an acceptable method that results in rapid death and likely less stress than restraint of a wild animal for handing and injections. There are a lot of vets don't like shooting large animals.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 21:54:13 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]If that's a dig at me - remember that ALL MRCVS need to be able to perform emergency first aid and euthanasia of ALL species.[/quote]

This wasn't an emergency situation Michael. If it was, a quick decapitation (small) or even IP pentobarb (big) would be quicker and more humane.

Why would you give (incorrect) advice about a species that you do not see? If the OP had followed your advice, there would have been a significant risk of this reptile being pithed whilst conscious. (They can survive extremely low blood oxygen levels). Either that or it would have had the stress of a mask for a very long time!!!!

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 21:34:19 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]I am happy to know, and accept, where my particular skills and knowledge base lie and refrain from offering advice about species in which I know very little! [/quote]

If that's a dig at me - remember that ALL MRCVS need to be able to perform emergency first aid and euthanasia of ALL species.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:48:56 GMT

[quote user="Hannah Wynne Richards"] As usual. Gillian's input on exotics is terrific[/quote]

Thanks Wynne - but my input is always pretty basic stuff for anyone who sees exotics on a regular basis. I wouldn't dream of commenting on how to treat anything bigger than a great dane though - I am happy to know, and accept, where my particular skills and knowledge base lie and refrain from offering advice about species in which I know very little!

[quote user="Hannah Wynne Richards"]Just one thought though. How many veterinary surgeons have never taken a tail blood from a cow?[/quote]

I really hope the answer to that question is 'none', or veterinary training really does need a review!

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Linda Filshie — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:41:20 GMT

[quote user="Hannah Wynne Richards"]

As usual. Gillian's input on exotics is terrific

Just one thought though. How many veterinary surgeons have never taken a tail blood from a cow?

Wynne

[/quote]

I would hope they'd at least had a go during rotations/extramural studies.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Virginia Campbell — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:33:44 GMT

Who knew ailing iguana owners would have brucellosis to thank for their vet's silky smooth euthanasia technique? Next time the public complain about money lavished on "the farmers" we can point out another benefit :-)

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Hannah Wynne Richards — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 09:03:06 GMT

As usual. Gillian's input on exotics is terrific

Just one thought though. How many veterinary surgeons have never taken a tail blood from a cow?

Wynne

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Charlotte Marshall — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 22:58:25 GMT

I've only ever done one. I used the ventral tail vein as Gillian suggests. I did find it easy to do.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 22:27:10 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]Gas with iso then pith IIRC[/quote]

Not recommended. Iguanas can hold their breath for an extremely long time - unless you've got a couple of hours to spare?

IV pentobarbitone into ventral tail vein. - very easy - just pretend it is a small cow! Midline, hit bone then withdraw slightly while aspirating. Move end of needle very slightly to the side if you've not hit blood....but it really is easy. (If it is a big iggy, make sure you're using a long enough needle to hit the bone.). Watch out for its feet - those claws are really sharp and can do some damage. Ideally, wrap in a towel and just leave tail sticking out - keep hold of it though as they can whip them!

I just tell people to wait 24hrs before burying as there have been very rare instances of recovery. If you are absolutely sure the iguana is dead/unconcious you can also freeze the body for a few hours to ensure death.

RE: Iguanas euthanasia

Michael Woodhouse — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:05:31 GMT

Gas with iso then pith IIRC. We've had this before.