Do you have a copy of the 1993 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia (JAVMA
Vol 202, No 2, Jan 15 93 page 229-249)?  This document clearly describes
acceptable and unacceptable methods, including sodium pentobarbital use
(acceptable).  As long as the animal is sufficiently anesthetized to a
surgical plane, there should be no pain felt by the animal.  Remember that
animals may make involuntary movements not associated with pain sensation,
staff should be fully trained to recognize the difference between a pain
reflex and an involuntary movement.  The best reason for exsanguination is
to remove as much blood as possible from the tisses for the best possible
histologic sections, another reason is to collect blood samples at necropsy
for chemistry or hematology analysis.  Many laboratories choose
pentobarbital anesthesia/exsanguination as the most humane method of
euthanasia for laboratory animals, and this process will work fine as long
as staff are trained in administration and gauging the level of anesthesia.


If you have any more questions, or need a copy of the Report, please let me
know
Barb
Supervisor, Histo/Necropsy
Glaxo Wellcome


> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Williams, Matthew J [PRI] [SMTP:MWillia7@prius.jnj.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, April 06, 1999 1:59 PM
> To:	'HistoNet Server'
> Subject:	exsanguination
> 
> 'Net folk-
> 
> I am looking for any documentation that explains the reasons for and
> supports the process of exsanguination of laboratory animals before a
> necropsy. A discussion has arisen over this subject, and the possibilty
> that
> it is an inhumane and unduly painful method (even though the animals are
> anesthetized with sodium thiopental). If you care to get back to me
> directly
> my address is Mwillia7@prius.jnj.com.
> 
> Thanks!
>