The Science of Transitional States of Consciousness and Euthanasia.
R. Meyer
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice February 13, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that animal subjective experience during transitional states of consciousness cannot yet be directly determined, so behavior-based signs such as loss of righting reflex or posture remain among the most useful indicators of unconsciousness. Contends that general anesthesia with GABA-A agonists or NMDA antagonists should remain a necessary part of companion animal euthanasia to minimize suffering and ensure unconsciousness. |
Abstract
The science of transitional states of consciousness is reviewed. Despite intensive study, determining the subjective experience of animals during transitional states of consciousness remains inherently limited. Until better assessment tools become available, behavior-based observations, such as loss of righting reflex/loss of posture, remain among our most useful guides to the onset of unconsciousness in animals. To minimize potential animal suffering and to ensure a truly unconscious state is unambiguously achieved, a state of general anesthesia relying on gamma amino butyric acid type A agonists or N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist agents continues to be a necessary component of the companion animal euthanasia process.
Citations in the library
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