DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / YDDF7627

Kay Eminson, RVN, Cert VNES

ENVELOPE kayeminson. rvn @ gmail. com

Kay qualified as an RVN in 2009 and has since worked in a variety of settings, including mixed practice, in a practice director role and more recently as a member of the senior nursing team at Debenham Veterinary Practice in Suffolk. Her interests include training and development, quality improvement and sustainability.

ABSTRACT This article addresses the particular challenges and recommended practices for performing euthanasia of exotic or non-traditional companion animals( NTCAs) such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and invertebrates in the UK.

With the growing ownership of NTCAs, veterinary professionals must ensure that euthanasia procedures are both humane and effective for these varied species. The article highlights the importance of detailed planning and thorough training for veterinary teams to ensure that the process minimises stress for both the animal and the owner.

Evidence-based recommendations include prioritising patient welfare through adequate sedation, such as with alfaxalone, adapting protocols to the individual species, maintaining animals within their preferred thermal range, and sustaining open and empathic communication with owners.

Step-by-step protocols for different NTCA groups are included, detailing sedation, euthanasia techniques, confirmation of death and necessary follow-up steps such as pithing. The author also stresses the integral role of owner involvement to preserve the human – animal bond.

In summary, the article advocates a fear-free, speciesadapted approach to euthanasia, facilitated by effective teamwork and compassionate dialogue, to provide the best possible end-of-life experience for exotic companion animals and their owners.

Keywords euthanasia, human – animal bond, fear free, exotic species

28 Veterinary Nursing Journal