Euthanasia in small animals in Teresina - PI

Abstract

Euthanasia is a procedure frequently utilized in small animals with the objective to minimize suffering. In this way, it was realized the survey about reasons that leave the practitioner to realize the procedure and who are these animals. It was analyzed 17406 medical records. It was observed 166 euthanasia corresponding to 0.95%. The percentage of the euthanazied dogs were 97.59% and 2.41% felines. In relation to breed 26.10% were mongrel dogs, 20.48% German sheepherd, 9.04% Brazilian fila, 7.23% Pekinese and 36.75% other breeds. In relation to age, it was observed that 60.84% have 0 - 3 year, 15.06% 3 - 6 year, 4.82% 6 - 9 year, 4.22% 9 - 12 year, 1.2% above 12 year and 13.86% unknown age. About the reason of the euthanasia, 64.60% was sacrificed due to visceral leishmaniosis (calazar), 12.65% due to distemper and 22.89% due to other diseases. It was concluded that the most animals submitted to euthanasia were young, differently of the other countries. Among principal death reasons, it was included also infectious diseases that can be prevented by adequate vaccination.