This article is from the WSSF 2014 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

By Carmen Jane Booth, D.V.M., Ph.D.

DaNita Crowl Brewer Delgado, Facebook
QWhat is the most humane way to put down a loved mouse mommy? She has been with us almost 2.5 years. She is not in pain but she is not eating as well as she should and I don’t want her to suffer.

Answer from Karen Robbins
AA vet is the recommended option or carbon dioxide. You can read more on euthanasia in these two articles: Regarding Euthanasia that talks about the method your vet would use, and the section Chloroform that talks about using CO₂. Having her 2.5 years is a good long time for a mouse—you’ve done a great job caring for her!

Answer by Carmen Jane Booth, D.V.M., Ph.D.
AChloroform is not approved anymore. The American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia published guidelines for humane euthanasia of animals AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. CO₂ alone does not guarantee death and there are risks to your own safety. You have to know what you are doing and your veterinarian is the best person trained to help ensure a humane transition from life to death for your pet.

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