From:
Ferret Wise Shelter
Date: 2004-08-06 03:43:43 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Euthanasia Question
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
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