[November 26, 2025] Veterinary Euthanasia Techniques: A Practical Guide 2nd Edition

Veterinary Euthanasia Techniques, 2nd Edition: Practical and Compassionate Guidance

This book provides practical how-to guidance for compassionately and confidently caring for various species of animals through euthanasia. It is a must-have reference for anyone involved in animal welfare work and veterinary euthanasia, including general practice vets, specialists, students, and veterinary technicians.

Key Features

• Species-Specific Organization (NEW!): The book has been reorganized by species to make information easier to find. Each species-specific chapter covers restraint, equipment, sedatives, and techniques.
• Expanded Species Coverage: Offers guidance for euthanasia techniques in dogs, cats, exotic animals, horses, and production animals. This new edition also includes zoo and marine animals.
• Complete Technique Breakdown: Covers pre-euthanasia sedation and anesthesia (including unconscious and sedation assessment) and detailed euthanasia techniques (inhalant, injectable, and physical). Guidance is provided on:
  • How death is achieved.
  • Positioning and restraint.
  • How to choose an appropriate method.
• Current Drug and Welfare Updates: Sections discussing drugs and data have been updated throughout, with new discussions on how to handle pentobarbital shortages and crucial animal welfare considerations.
• Comprehensive Aftercare: Includes information on burial aftercare, covering the burial process, composting, cremation/incineration, alkaline hydrolysis, and rendering.
• Client and Historical Context: Addresses client considerations concerning companion animals, and reviews the history of the field, current research, and emerging trends.