Enhancing euthanasia protocols: a compassionate approach in equine and large animal practice

Euthanasia revolves around essential principles of compassion towards owners and gentleness towards patients which apply to all species, regardless of circumstances. That we can ensure a ‘good’ death (in sometimes trying circumstances) is something that we, as a profession, excel at; however, farm and equine work, because of the size of animals involved and the relatively remote conditions of work, do bring additional challenges. This article is based on a presentation given for many years at the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons final-year seminar and is aimed especially at new or recent graduates. It is more an approach than an absolute instruction manual.