Equine Gunshot Euthanasia: Creation of a 3D-Printed Model with Integrated Sensors for Training.
Abstract: Challenges and issues related to the use of pentobarbital euthanasia and disposal of animal remains within the US have recently been reviewed. Environmental and public health challenges increasingly necessitate consideration of alternative methods such as gunshots, an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) "acceptable with conditions" method, for the humane euthanasia of horses. A recent study reported a correctly aimed gunshot provides a humane option for euthanizing horses. However, although aiming guidelines exist, studies examining bullet trajectories in animals euthanized by gunshot have reported that inadequate disruption of the brain is a serious welfare issue. Here, we report the development and production of a portable, reusable, equine gunshot euthanasia training model. Using 3D printing, an anatomically accurate model of an equine head has been developed, with external aiming landmarks and equipped with integrated laser sensors and LED eyes. The laser sensors are embedded in two specific anatomical tracts (pons and medulla) with aiming paths associated with the aiming landmarks to train correct aiming angle. The LED eyes are linked to the laser sensors to provide instant feedback on aiming accuracy. When a beam from a commercially available blue training gun laser travels along the correct aiming path and strikes the sensor inside the head, the lights in the model's eyes go out and there is an audible signal, providing immediate feedback on the accuracy of the shot. The model facilitates the training of veterinary personnel and first responders in successful gunshot euthanasia, providing instantaneous feedback on the likelihood of a shot causing immediate, humane death in a live animal.
Publication Date: 2023-08-09 PubMed ID: 37627357PubMed Central: PMC10452018DOI: 10.3390/ani13162566Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article presents the development of a 3D-printed model for training purposes, aimed at aiding veterinary personnel in the proper execution of gunshot euthanasia in horses.
Introduction and Background
- The researchers present a discussion on issues and challenges with pentobarbital euthanasia and animal carcass disposal in the U.S. They also highlight environmental and public health implications which make it important to consider alternative euthanasia methods.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) acknowledges gunshot euthanasia as an “acceptable with conditions” method for terminating a horse’s life humanely. The researchers refer to another study that declares gunshot euthanasia can be humane if aimed correctly.
- Despite the existence of guidelines on correct aiming, the researchers mention studies that reveal bullet trajectories in gunshot euthanized animals often result in insufficient disruption of the brain, posing a significant animal welfare concern.
3D-Printed Model for Training
- Given the concerns outlined, the researchers propose the creation of a portable, reusable training model for equine gunshot euthanasia.
- The training model utilises 3D printing technology to create an anatomically accurate equine head.
- The model includes exterior aiming landmarks and is embedded with laser sensors and LED eyes – important for guiding and evaluating correct aiming.
Training and Immediate Feedback
- The laser sensors are strategically placed in specific anatomical tracts (pons and medulla) associated with aiming paths in accordance with the aiming landmarks. This feature is designed to teach the correct aiming angle for a humane shot.
- The LED eyes in the model link to the laser sensors and provide real-time feedback on aiming accuracy. When the light from a standard blue training gun laser travels along the correct aiming path and hits the sensor within the model head, the eyes of the model go off, and an audible signal is produced, indicating that the shot was correctly aimed.
- This instant feedback provides a powerful learning tool and can increase the trainee’s confidence in performing the procedure humanely and efficiently on a live horse when necessary.
- The model’s strength lies in its ability to simulate real-life conditions closely and provide instant feedback, which can cultivate proficiency among veterinary personnel and first responders in performing gunshot euthanasia.
- With this training, it is possible to increase the likelihood of a shot causing swift, humane death in a live animal, thus reducing the risk of animal suffering.
Benefits of the Model
Cite This Article
APA
Dybdal N, Horgan M, Costa L, Davis E, Lucero S, Nieves S, Quiroz V, Weberg K, Madigan JE.
(2023).
Equine Gunshot Euthanasia: Creation of a 3D-Printed Model with Integrated Sensors for Training.
Animals (Basel), 13(16), 2566.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162566 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- International Animal Welfare Training Initiative, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- International Animal Welfare Training Initiative, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- International Animal Welfare Training Initiative, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Translating Engineering Advances to Medicine (TEAM) Lab, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Translating Engineering Advances to Medicine (TEAM) Lab, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors have read the journal’s guideline and do not have any competing interest.
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