[Euthanasia of pregnant animals].

For euthanasia of pregnant animals, a rapid and painless death is essential. The technique of euthanasia should minimize stress and anxiety experienced by the animal so far as possible. The death is induced by an anoxia in the central nervous system or by a pharmacologic inhibition of essential neuronal functions. Pentobarbital is the best suited drug for euthanasia of animals and especially of pregnant animals. Combinations with muscle relaxing agents should not be used because of possible apnoe without unconsciousness.