Euthanasia Education in Veterinary Schools in the United States.

This research article investigates how U.S. veterinary medicine schools prepare students to perform euthanasia, a critical aspect of veterinary practice. The study reveals potential inconsistencies in the teaching and application of euthanasia techniques, suggesting a need for enhanced euthanasia training programs.

Research Aim

• The primary objective of this study was to examine how US veterinary schools are educating their students on euthanasia. The researchers wanted to establish the extent and content of this instruction, considering how important the euthanasia process is to veterinary practices and animal welfare.

Research Approach

• The research team conducted a survey among the 30 veterinary schools in the U.S. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) assisted by distributing the survey digitally in the fall of 2019.
• The response rate was relatively low, with only 10 schools participating. However, the responses provided significant insights into the current state of euthanasia education.

Main Findings

• The study reveals that the average time dedicated to teaching euthanasia methods and techniques in the participating schools was 2.8 hours.
• Despite the limited instructional time, all participating schools considered competent facilitation of euthanasia a core part of their veterinary training.
• Interestingly, not all veterinary students engaged in or observed euthanasia during their training.
• The most common methods of euthanasia taught were intracardiac and intravenous techniques. The training predominantly used dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and exotic animals as the subjects.

Research Implications

• The research highlighted some inconsistencies and possible gaps in euthanasia education withing participating veterinary schools.
• The researchers emphasize that effectively performing euthanasia requires the individual to be trained, knowledgeable, and proficient in the chosen techniques.
• They suggest that veterinary schools should contemplate introducing more comprehensive and advanced euthanasia training programs into their curriculum to ensure foremost animal welfare and proper handling of euthanasia by future veterinarians.