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Concerns about Carbon Dioxide Use in Euthanasia and Anesthesia |
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly used for euthanasia and anesthesia of laboratory rodents. It is a common euthanasia agent because of its ease of use, its relative safety, and its ability to euthanize large numbers of animals in a short period. In large institutions, and in those with significant rodent-breeding programs, occasions arise when many rodents are euthanized in a short time, and an appropriate gas agent is often the best method.
However, CO2 is not a physiologically inert compound, and the published evidence on whether it causes pain or distress in animals is sufficiently mixed as to raise questions about its routine use.
The HSUS has authored a publication in the journal, Laboratory Animals (2005) entitled, Carbon dioxide for euthanasia: concerns regarding pain and distress with special reference to mice and rats (39, 137-161). This paper reviews the published evidence and includes information on the effects of CO2 in both humans and animals. Alternatives to the use of CO2 as a sole agent for euthanasia are also suggested. Contact ari@hsus.org for a reprint of this paper or click here to view the abstract and download the PDF.
The HSUS welcomes your constructive feedback on this review of the use of carbon dioxide for euthanasia and anesthesia. We would appreciate it if you would include information about your personal experience with the carbon dioxide technique, as well as your position and years of experience in the field of laboratory animal medicine and/or research. Finally, please indicate whether or not you give your permission to The HSUS to post your comments (in whole or in part) on our website or in our newsletter, the Pain & Distress Report. Please send your feedback to ari@hsus.org.
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