Euthatal for rescues?

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Dippy — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:23:42 GMT

When I used to work for the RSPCA, only a couple of designated members of staff at the shelter could inject pento but irrespective of RVN qualification or not, we had to do a short training course and then a set number of euthanasias under the supervision of the shelter vet (who wasn't on-site and therefore couldn't do all of them routinely for us). I have no idea whether that still stands as it was 10yrs ago but at the time, it applied to shelter managers and deputy managers plus inspectors (and I can't remember whether it applied to the Animal Collection Officers as well or whether only inspectors could use it).

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Sal the 1st — Sun, 27 May 2012 16:13:54 GMT

as its a POM V sched 3 then it would have to be supplied to a vet.

I havnt worked for a vet yet that charges for euthanasing wildlife, but if that animal requires a visit when it could have been brought in or the animal is in the care of a charity who are receiving funding as a result of their charitable status and it is an out of hours call then yes I have known a charge to be made. That charge isnt for the euthanasia it is either for the visit or a for a vet to turn out to the surgery. Most places I have worked have arrangements in place with the charities that use them and that has been mutually beneficial to both parties in that the practice has somewhere it can send injured wildlife and the rescue centre has somebody who will provide treatment either free or at very little cost.

I am sure there is something in the code of conduct/guidance on this as I am equally sure I have read relatively recently that RSPCA are now able to carry pentaject or equivalent - but its a nice day outside and I really cant be bothered to look for any links , the sun is shining and as I see so little of it I am going outside to enjoy

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Jacquelyn Smith — Sun, 27 May 2012 16:08:04 GMT

I couldn't pull up a copy of the actual legislation (the wildlife and countryside act) as I am working from a 10year old black berry with 6 of the buttons missing... But I found this briefing... http://www.vet-wildlifemanagement.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=66

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Fuzzyduck — Sun, 27 May 2012 15:44:35 GMT

I think you need to find another vet, i have never worked for a vet who charged for euthanaising wildlife, and charging a rescue charity is a joke! The cost of a bottle of pentoject is minimal and you only need a couple of mls for a hog, they can be cremated in clinical waste so that doesnt cost the practice any more than they already pay.

I cant believe there is a vet out there who charges for wildlife! Like someone said before, i thought that was illegal!

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Julie-Anne Wilson — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:10:51 GMT

I thought it you only had to be a Vet to buy it?

Watching a recent episode of Animal 999 and an SSPCA officer put a deer to sleep at the side of the road so it's not only Vets that are allowed to use it. And I know I've PTSed wildlife before. Obviously I've asked a Vet beforehand if they mind me doing it but if it's a bird with it's chest ripped open, I don't see why it would have to suffer until a Vet can give the actual injection.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Dippy — Sun, 27 May 2012 09:48:22 GMT

I thought that from a discussion on here a while ago about euthansia etc, anyone can put an animal out of its misery if suffering (humanely) but ONLY a vet can use euthatal, due to the drug's restrictions, in which case, a rescue place wouldn't be legally allowed to administer it anyway?

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Selena Carnell — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:21:38 GMT

I have never seen a vet charge for euthanising a wildlife case, unless RSPCA were linked to it as they had an account, this was more in the case of deer/foxes etc. the only thing I would think is if you are registered with the vet and have an account as a rescue centre, then in that case you probably would get charged. Most vets wouldn't commie out for that but would get the on call nurse to do it.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

denise laughlin — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:53:46 GMT

'but surely it is acceptable for me to ask veterinary professionals for advice re euthatal' of course it is and that's what you are receiving.

I am very aware of the high numbers that come in and appreciate the work of rehabilitators. Unfortunately due to lack of data hedgehogs are not yet classified as Endangered however they do enjoy some degree of protection, hopefully more will come soon..

Good Luck and hope you find a more amenable vet to help with your project.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Jacquelyn Smith — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:19:56 GMT

Correct me if I am wrong as it has been some time since I studied for my ND plus the law may have changed, but isn't it within the wildlife rehabilitation act that vets cannot charge for treatment of wildlife?

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Katy — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:17:21 GMT

[quote user="denise laughlin"]

I find this post concerning..surely there are protocols in place for this kind of case to be seen and euthanased on welfare grounds? Owners aren't allowed to let their animals die in pain at home due to lack of funds and wildlife rescue centers certainly aren't.

I would be cautious about posting on a public forum about an animal being allowed to die, screaming in pain due to lack of funds (I'm sure there is more to the story, as there always is but the downside of this site being open to lay staff is that clinical situations can often be misinterpreted)..any vet would legally have to treat (ie euthanse) this animal on welfare grounds. I'm sure the Hedgehog Rescue Centre are doing a fantastic job on limited funds but 'having no vet available' should be differentiated from being unable to justify the cost of OOH treatment (which, as someone who works only in wildlife rescue can completely understand). I have done plenty of OOH work and never seen a vet charge for euthanizing a wild animal..

Good luck with the next case, keep up the good work for those awesome spiky dudes.

[/quote]

I have edited the story, but surely it is acceptable for me to ask veterinary professionals for advice re euthatal?

And the vets do charge for wildlife. Maybe at a slightly reduced cost, but they still charge. And they charge for euthanising them too.

If you knew the number of hogs that turned up breathing their last breaths due to the ignorance of the general public, I think you would be very shocked. Hedgehogs are an endangered species and more needs to be done to educate the general public (and some vets and vet practices) about their plight.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

denise laughlin — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:39:07 GMT

Good luck with the next case, keep up the good work for those awesome spiky dudes.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:47:30 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Galdas"]

I do know (we do alot of work for the RSPCA) and they are not allowed to carry euthatal anymor to PTS wildlife if needed to I would imagine the same would apply.

Although I didn't think a vet would charge for wildlife! We never do for the RSPCA if it needs PTS

[/quote]

hasnt this recently changed?

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Caroline Galdas — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:48:08 GMT

I do know (we do alot of work for the RSPCA) and they are not allowed to carry euthatal anymor to PTS wildlife if needed to I would imagine the same would apply.

Although I didn't think a vet would charge for wildlife! We never do for the RSPCA if it needs PTS

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Katy — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:07:55 GMT

Thanks Sal. I wonder if there are ways around it then?

She does have a local vet that she uses for ops, xrays, and normal PTSs (e.g. an old hog was pts yesterday as she had been losing weight and was off her food for a few days)

But as a charity, they cannot afford to pay through the nose for an out of hours vet if a hog needs to be pts if it is injured or beyond saving as this one was the other day. She does the best she can, makes it comfortable and sees the vet the next working day.

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

BengalcatRVN — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:48:21 GMT

could she not ask for help from a local vet?

Re: Euthatal for rescues?

Sal the 1st — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:28:52 GMT

there must be a way around it because mink farmers keep it on site