This resource was updated as part of the veterinary review process. It was originally published on February 18, 2021.
Making euthanasiaThe act of ending someone’s life to spare them from suffering or a significantly reduced quality of life that cannot be managed. decisions can be one of the hardest and emotionally taxing aspects of providing compassionate, lifelong care to animals. Unfortunately for pig caregivers, this already potentially difficult situation can become even more excruciating because finding a veterinarian who is willing and able to euthanize a pig using gentle, non-physical methods can be challenging. Sadly, it’s much more common for a veterinarian to recommend the use of a firearm rather than the administration of an approved euthanasia solution to end a pig’s life, even if that pig is a beloved companion.
In this resource, we’ll discuss what we mean by “gentle, non-physical” euthanasia methods and consider some of the obstacles that can come up when trying to find a veterinarian willing to perform euthanasia in this way. In addition to offering tips for caregivers in navigating these obstacles, we’ve also included veterinary resources caregivers can share with receptive veterinarians to help ensure their residents are euthanized in a way that feels consistent with sanctuary care.
Gentle, Non-Physical Euthanasia
Before we discuss specific euthanasia methods, let’s start with some background. In the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides Guidelines regarding euthanasia to provide “guidance for veterinarians about how to prevent and/or relieve the pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.” The Guidelines break euthanasia methods into the following categories: inhaled agents, non-inhaled agents, and physical methods. For each species covered in the Guidelines, euthanasia methods are classified as acceptable, acceptable with conditions, or unacceptable, which they define as follows (emphasis added):
- “Acceptable methods are those that consistently produce a humane death when used as the sole means of euthanasia.”
- “Methods acceptable with conditions are those techniques that may require certain conditions to be met to consistently produce humane death, may have greater potential for operator error or safety hazard, are not well documented in the scientific literature, or may require a secondary method to ensure death. Methods acceptable with conditions are equivalent to acceptable methods when all criteria for application of a method can be met.”
- “Unacceptable techniques are those methods deemed inhumane under any conditions or that the [Panel On Euthanasia] found posed a substantial risk to the human applying the technique.”
For pigs, the only euthanasia method that is acceptable without conditions is the intravenous administration of barbiturates and barbituric acid derivatives (i.e., euthanasia solution – which falls under the non-inhaled agent category). The AVMA classifies physical methods (such as firearms and captive bolt guns) as acceptable with conditions, but at The Open Sanctuary Project, we believe pigs (and other farmed animalsA species or specific breed of animal that is raised by humans for the use of their bodies or what comes from their bodies.) deserve to be euthanized using non-physical methods. More specifically, we recommend that individuals who require euthanasia be anesthetized and then euthanized using a species-appropriate euthanasia solution administered in accordance with AVMA guidance.
As explained in The Guidelines, “The use of injectable euthanasia agents is one of the most rapid and reliable methods of performing euthanasia. It is usually the most desirable method when it can be performed without causing fear or distress in the animal. When appropriately administered, acceptable injectable euthanasia agents result in smooth loss of consciousness prior to cessation of cardiac and/or respiratory function, minimizing pain and distress to the animal.” Our own experience and conversations with other sanctuary pig caregivers support this claim. Though challenges can certainly arise, and not every euthanasia goes as smoothly as we would hope, we feel this method is best able to provide the gentle ending to a beloved resident’s life that we strive for in sanctuary spaces.
While the well-being of the individual in need of euthanasia should be at the forefront of all euthanasia decisions, it’s also important to consider the impact a particular method might have on other residents and sanctuary humans. While euthanasia may always cause some degree of distress to others, the violence inherent in physical methods is likely to cause more significant distress (even if all conditions outlined by the AVMA have been met) than the administration of euthanasia solution. Though the process is not exactly the same in pigs as it is in cats and dogs, this method will likely feel familiar to those who have witnessed the non-physical euthanasia of a beloved cat or dog.
Potential Obstacles To Gentle, Non-Physical Euthanasia
Whereas a sanctuary should center the needs of the individual when making euthanasia decisions, in agricultural settings (especially commercial operations), cost and “practicality” often carry substantial weight. Rather than paying a veterinarian to euthanize an individual who is suffering, farmers may kill the individual themselves (often using physical methods), or they may send them to slaughter. Since most veterinarians may rarely (if ever) be enlisted to euthanize farmed animals with the intravenous administration of approved euthanasia solutions, this may not be something they have been trained to do. A veterinarian can certainly learn to perform euthanasia in this way, but when it comes to pigs, the learning curve can be a bit steep. Next, we’ll consider three of the potential obstacles that may arise when seeking gentle, non-physical euthanasia for your pig residents.
Potential Obstacle #1 – The Veterinarian’s Comfort With Pigs
Each veterinarian has different species-specific expertise and less specific knowledge of other kinds of animals. While there are certainly veterinarians who focus on pig care and medicine, not all large animal veterinarians have experience working with pigs, and those who do may not have experience working with mature large breedDomesticated animal breeds that have been selectively bred by humans to grow as large as possible, as quickly as possible, to the detriment of their health. pigs. Similarly, not all exotic veterinarians have mini pigThe term “mini pig” is used to categorize smaller breeds of pigs, such as Potbellies, Julianas, and Kunekunes, and to differentiate between these breeds and large breed pigs, such as Yorkshires, Landrace, or Hampshires, who are sometimes referred to as “farm pigs”. The descriptor “mini” can be a bit misleading- some breeds of mini pigs can weigh over 200 pounds! Terms like “teacup”, “micro”, “pocket”, “nano”, and “micro mini” are deceptive terms that are sometimes used to intentionally mislead people into thinking an individual pig will remain a certain size. experience, and those who do might not be comfortable applying their knowledge to large breed pigs. Additionally, as mentioned above, veterinarians who primarily work with pigs in agricultural settings may not have any experience euthanizing pigs with non-inhaled agents.
Administering euthanasia solution requires the veterinarian to be in close contact with the individual. Particularly if the veterinarian has not worked closely with you or your pig residents, they may be (understandably) nervous about whether or not they can safely perform this task (ensuring the pig is anesthetized before administering euthanasia solution can help keep the veterinarian safe and is discussed next). Whenever possible, establishing a working relationship with the veterinarian before euthanasia is required can be very beneficial. This gives you both time to get to know each other and get a sense of how you both do things, what you’re both comfortable with, and how to best work together. It also gives the veterinarian time to get used to working around your pig residents and time to see you working with them. Hopefully, by working together, your veterinarian will see that you and your team know how to safely work around your pig residents and that you can assist the veterinarian while ensuring their safety. A veterinarian who was previously wary of agreeing to euthanize a pig with euthanasia solution may eventually come around, especially if they feel confident that you will have their back and won’t criticize them as they attempt something they’ve never done before.
Potential Obstacle #2 – Sedation/Anesthesia
Both for resident comfort and human safety, we generally recommend that pig residents be anesthetized prior to euthanasia, ideally with an intramuscular injection, which will be easier and less stressful to administer than an intravenous injection. If necessary, oral sedatives can be given to the individual prior to the veterinarian’s arrival and can make administering the intramuscular injection even less stressful. Unfortunately, compared to other farmed animal residents, sedating/anesthetizing pig residents can be a bit more challenging, especially if this is not something a veterinarian has experience with. Pigs typically have a thick layer of fat, and if drugs are injected into fat rather than muscle, sedation may be delayed. Additionally, individuals who are stressed may “fight” the effects of sedatives, and external stimuli can delay sedation. To reduce this risk, it’s best to have your veterinarian administer the injection and then have everyone leave the individual alone for 10-15 minutes. You or your veterinarian can then quietly and calmly check in on the resident to see if they are properly sedated/anesthetized or remain alert.
While overdosing anesthesia and sedatives should be avoided in all other situations (because it can result in severe complications), when administered in preparation for euthanasia, it’s typically better if your veterinarian doses too high rather than too low. In some cases, after the initial dose of sedative is administered, your veterinarian may need to follow up with more medication to achieve deeper sedation or unconsciousness. If you and your veterinarian have discussed additional folks being present for the euthanasia, be sure to wait until your veterinarian is confident that the individual is appropriately sedated and follow their instructions with regards to noise level, physical touching of the individual, etc, to prevent stimulation which could counteract sedation.
Potential Obstacle #3 – Venous Access
As we explained above, the AVMA considers intravenous administration (administration into a vein) of barbiturates and barbituric acid derivatives to be an acceptable method of euthanasia. Unfortunately, venous access can be challenging in pigs. Not only do they have a limited number of visible veins, but their skin is also thick and tough, making intravenous injections more difficult than in other mammalian farmed animal species. Many sources recommend using marginal ear veins for venous access, but this can be complicated, especially if the individual is dehydrated, emaciated, or ill. Other options discussed in veterinary literature and/or that have been used to euthanize sanctuary pigs include jugular, tail, leg, and mammary veins. If available, your veterinarian may want/need to use an ultrasound to assist in needle placement into a vein.
While we prefer the intravenous administration of euthanasia solution for pig euthanasias, it’s important to have a backup plan in place if this is not possible. Some veterinarians simply may not be comfortable attempting intravenous administration, and for those who are, there is no guarantee they will be successful every time (and this is true even for very experienced veterinarians). Though it may be upsetting to think about, in a fully unconscious individual, your next best option may be to request intracardiac administration of euthanasia solution, but this must only be done after the individual is fully unconscious. Some veterinarians may actually prefer this method and feel it is more reliable than attempting intravenous administration. It’s always a good idea to have discussions with your veterinarian ahead of time about what you expect and what they prefer and are comfortable with so you are both on the same page.
Plan Ahead
Because it can be challenging to find a veterinarian who is willing and able to euthanize pigs in a way that feels consistent with sanctuary care, it’s important to start having euthanasia discussions with local veterinarians long before you actually need euthanasia performed. It may take time to find the right person, and it may require building a relationship with a particular veterinarian or practice before they are comfortable agreeing to euthanize pigs in this way. Having these conversations ahead of time also gives you time to ask questions, contemplate your options, and connect with other compassionate pig caregivers.
If your veterinarian is not experienced with non-physical methods of euthanasia for pigs, broaching this conversation ahead of time also gives them time to gather more information or connect with other experienced veterinarians if they’re generally open to performing euthanasia in this way but want to learn more about how to do it. If you are in contact with a sanctuary or caregiverSomeone who provides daily care, specifically for animal residents at an animal sanctuary, shelter, or rescue. whose veterinarian performs euthanasia in the way you want for your residents, seeing if you can arrange for your veterinarian to consult with their veterinarian can be a great way for them to get the information they need. Just make sure both parties are comfortable with this before you give out anyone’s contact information. As a side note, while some sanctuary caregivers may have a good deal of experience in this realm from assisting their veterinarian(s) in the euthanasia process, in most cases, veterinarians are going to be more receptive to speaking to other licensed veterinarians and referencing veterinary literature rather than speaking with a non-veterinarian sanctuary caregiver or reading information put out by non-veterinarians.
Even under the best of circumstances, making euthanasia decisions and saying goodbye to our residents can be difficult. By planning ahead and understanding some of the obstacles that may arise, you can avoid making it any harder than it needs to be and can help ensure the end of your pig resident’s life is as loving and compassionate as the rest of the care you’ve provided them.
SOURCES:
When It’s Time To Say Goodbye | California Potbellied Pig Association, Inc
A Practical Approach To Simple Procedures In Pet Pigs | Veterinary Ireland Journal
AVMA Guidelines For The Euthanasia Of Animals, 2020 Edition | American Veterinary Medicine Association (Non-Compassionate Source)
