IACUC Guideline:

Use of Ether for Anesthesia or Euthanasia in Animal Research

Concerns and Background

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia recommendations on agents, methods and species does not recommend the use of ether on laboratory animals. Specifically, the AVMA concluded, “Ether should only be used in carefully controlled situations in compliance with state and federal occupational health and safety regulations. It is conditionally acceptable.” (JVAMA, vol. 218, No. 5, 2001). In addition, the Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) perspective on use of ether does not support the use of ether for anesthesia or euthanasia in animals. Primary concerns are:

• Ether has explosion potential and represents a personal safety issue.
• Ether has high solubility in blood and induces anesthesia slowly.
• Ether is irritating in laboratory animals, especially to eyes and nose, and has been used to create a model for stress.

Together, ether represents an animal welfare and personnel concern. Generally, alternative inhalation anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane, etc.) are available.

OSU guidelines

• Ether is no longer recommended for anesthesia or euthanasia in animals.

• Strong scientific justification, provided by the investigator, is required for the continued use of ether.

• The user must provide scientific justification as to why alternative anesthetics are not acceptable.

• Justifications based on cost, ease of use, or past history are not adequate.

• Use of ether, especially when considering an ongoing line of research where data will be compromised with a change, will be considered by the IACUC only if the above guidelines have been addressed.

 

Accepted by the IACUC: 8-4-05