Message Number: SG9847 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: Ferret Wise Shelter
Date: Thu, 05 Aug 2004 23:43:43 -0400
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Euthanasia Question
Message-Id: <5.1.1.6.2.20040805233247.02cf9ab0@mail.usaexpress.net>
Hi folks --
I am a certified Euthanasia Technician.
Yes, I took the courses and in the end administered IP procedures to
several kittens with feline distemper & upper respiratory.
In the course content we were taught about the various vehicles utilized
for euthanasia and were informed that once the administered fluid got to
into the bloodstream & to the brain it is much like a person going under
anesthesia for a surgery-- a slight hum and the light goes grey and a sift
drifting off. I remember my anesthesia pre ops and it was just like that.
The fact that owners can hold the ferret with IP and the ferret will sense
the closeness is a benefit in my estimation.
We were also taught the heart stick is a VERY INHUMANE form of
administering euthanasia the reason being is that the ribs are covered with
many nerve endings which sense pain-- just like humans and unless the
animal is deeply sedated the pain would be compounded and stressful. This
was a HSUS certification course at a local humane society and was taught
by a LEADING CET Trainer :
Douglas Fakkema
Animal Care & Control Consultant
18 Hillcreek Blvd., Charleston, SC 29412
843-406-7902 voice, 843-406-7903 fax
I suggest that all shelterers who have to debate euthanasia for their
residents geta good understanding of the process and take a seminar. It
helped me immensely as I was guilt ridden with making choices- and after
spending several weekends in courses I fully understood the different
solutions, howe they work, what does not work well and why etc.
I have peace of mind now and it has helped us establish a good procedural
method for our shelter residents.
Alicia D
www.ferretwise.org
Send comments to Pam at pjdutche@email.unc.edu. Please note that this address is only useful for questions about the FHL archive. Questions about ferret health, or those intended for the FHL, should be sent to the Ferret Health List.