Figure 2. Simulation of euthanasia in a consultation room. The heavily sedated dog is cradled by his owner while the veterinary team access the lateral saphenous vein on the hind limb for the injection of pentobarbital. Note the soft blanket for the dog to rest on.

Advocating sedation pre-euthanasia in small animal practice

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) guidelines for euthanasia recommend injection of an overdose of a barbiturate solution, using pre-medicants for frightened or vicious animals...