Euthanasia Education in Veterinary Schools in the United States
Kathleen Cooney, George E. Dickinson, Heath C. Hoffmann
Abstract
Euthanasia of animals plays a significant role in veterinary practices and is a pivotal experience for veterinarians and their clients. It is good animal welfare to have a humane method of euthanasia, correctly applied, and a well-educated individual regarding such techniques. The purpose of this research was to determine how US veterinary medicine schools are preparing students to perform euthanasia. A survey of the 30 US veterinary schools was electronically mailed by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in the fall of 2019, with a return rate of 10. Findings revealed that the average number of hours devoted to euthanasia methods and techniques was 2.8, yet euthanasia facilitation was considered a core competency by all schools responding. Not all veterinary students perform or are present for euthanasia. The most frequent method for teaching euthanasia was intracardiac and intravenous with dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and exotics. Whichever method of euthanasia is used, personnel performing euthanasia must be trained, knowledgeable, and proficient in the chosen techniques. The findings in this article suggest, however, that euthanasia techniques are inconsistent, and potentially incomplete, and that veterinary schools should consider incorporating more advanced euthanasia training programs into the curriculum.