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Effect of Rapid Decompression an d Associated Hypoxic Phenomena in Euthanasia of an imals : A ReviewNicholas H . Boot h. DVM . PhDThis material has been provided by the publisher for your convenience. It may not be further reproduced in any manner, including (but not limited to) reprinting, photocopying, electronic storage or transmission, or uploading onto the Inte rnet. It ma y not be re distributed by a ny me ans, in print or e lectronically. Re production of this ma terial without pe rmission of the publishe r violâ tes fe deral la w a nd is punisha ble unde r Title 17 of the Unite d S tates Code (Copyright Ac t).SUMMARYDocumentation in the literature indicates that death is as painless following the induction of hypoxia by rapid decompression as by other methods that lead to hypoxia, such as exposure to high altitude, carbon monoxide, and inert gases (ni trogen, xenon, and krypton). M any of the signs and symptoms of hypoxia are the same as those for alcoholic intoxication and inert gas narcosis. M oreover, there is good evidence that analogous relationships or me­chanisms may exist for hypoxia, inert gas narcosis, and anesthesia._________________________________1,2IN 1972 and 1978, reports of the A VM A Panel on Euthanasia included the utilization of hypoxic procedures in euthanasia of animals. The reports covered the effects of carbon monoxide, nitrogen gas, rapid decompression, and respiratory paralyzing concentrations of anesthetics, all of ...