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. 2009 Jan;48(1):28-32.

Use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS222) for euthanasia of reptiles

C J Conroy  1 , T Papenfuss, J Parker, N E Hahn
Affiliations

Use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS222) for euthanasia of reptiles

C J Conroy et al. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS222) injected into the intracoelomic cavity of reptiles was evaluated as a chemical euthanasia method. Three western fence lizards, 2 desert iguanas, 4 garter snakes, and 6 geckos were euthanized by intracoelomic injection of 250 to 500 mg/kg of 0.7% to 1% sodium-bicarbonate-buffered MS222 solution followed by intracoelomic injection of 0.1 to 1.0 ml unbuffered 50% (v/v) MS222 solution. A simple 2-stage protocol for euthanasia of reptiles by using MS222 is outlined. In addition, the conditions for safe use of MS222 are discussed. MS222 offers an alternative to sodium pentobarbital for euthanasia of reptiles.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Stepwise procedure for 2-Stage reptile euthanasia by using MS222, including preparation of buffered 1% and unbuffered 50% (v/v) solutions.
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References

    1. American Veterinary Medical Association 2007. AVMA guidelines on euthanasia (formerly Report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia): Jun 2007 update. Available from http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf.
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