End-of-Life Decisions: Palliative Care, Hospice, and Euthanasia for Exotic Animals

Abstract

A great deal of attention has been directed toward developing better options for palliative care and hospice, and improving euthanasia techniques in all species. Euthanasia of exotic pets is technically more difficult because of anatomic differences and small patient size. Traditional intravenous euthanasia techniques in conscious patients are stressful and should generally be avoided in exotic pets; simple intramuscular administration of high dosages of anesthetics followed by delivery of euthanasia solutions is preferred. Options for mammals, birds, and reptiles are presented.

Keywords: Euthanasia; Exotic animals; Hospice; Palliative care.