Succinylcholine chloride as a euthanatizing agent in dogs.

In order to determine the efficacy of succinylcholine chloride as a euthanatizing agent, the possible situation encountered in mass euthanasia was recreated. While anesthetized or awake, sixteen 2-year-old Beagles of both sexes were subcutaneously injected with either 1.1 g or 11 mg of succinylcholine chloride/kg of body weight. Positive pressure respiration was given to 2 dogs, otherwise the treatment was allowed to run its course. Electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, and impedance pneumogram recordings were obtained for time comparisons and for determination of the ultimate cause of death.