Texas Animal Control Officer Practice Test

What drug is commonly used for euthanasia in animals?

1. Sodium Pentobarbital

2. Euthasol

3. Phenobarbital

4. Barbiturates

The correct answer is: Sodium Pentobarbital

Sodium Pentobarbital is commonly used for euthanasia in animals due to its rapid action and ability to induce anesthesia quickly, leading to a humane death. It is a barbiturate that, when administered at a specific dosage, effectively depresses the central nervous system, resulting in unconsciousness followed by respiratory and cardiac failure. While Euthasol is a specific formulation that contains Sodium Pentobarbital, it is not the only drug used for euthanasia; therefore, mentioning the broader category of Sodium Pentobarbital provides a more generalized understanding of the practices involved in animal euthanasia. Phenobarbital, although it is also a barbiturate, is typically used for long-term seizure management in animals and is not traditionally used for euthanasia. The term barbiturates encompasses a class of drugs, of which Sodium Pentobarbital is a specific member, hence its inclusion as the most correct and relevant answer in the context of animal euthanasia practices.