Has anyone used MS-222 for euthanasia?

[scm133]

This is a sensitive subject, I know.
My Leos are no different than my family dog. Each has their own personalities, and I do get attached.
I have a female that was egg bound in December. She finally passed the second egg, but she is deteriorating rapidly. It is close to time to end her suffering. I have done my research, and it seems the most humane way is with an injection of MS-222 ( Tricaine Methanesulfonate) according to AVMA. So my question...has anyone used this?
I already have it, along with the saline solution, and the very tiny needles.

 

[Samantha12]

I've never had a gecko put down, but I did lose my diablo blanco over the summer right after her surgery to extract egg bound eggs and it was rough on me. I'm sure it's a crazy difficult decision to make, but it's important to do what's best for the gecko. I wish you the best.

 

[sausage]

as far as im aware that is mainly used in fish, will it work as well on reptiles? I am sure however if you have done the research and find the correct lethal dose and administer it correctly so no suffering occurs there shouldn't be a problem. have you spoken to a vet about it?

 

[scm133]

as far as im aware that is mainly used in fish, will it work as well on reptiles? I am sure however if you have done the research and find the correct lethal dose and administer it correctly so no suffering occurs there shouldn't be a problem. have you spoken to a vet about it?

Yes, she (my vet) is actually the one that recommend this. She only deals with dogs and cats, but gave me the research details. And of course, my little Leo gave me some hope today by eating one cricket. I am holding off, until I deem there is no longer any hope.

 

[favrielle]

I hadn't heard of that, but reading this suggests that it is a valid and more humane option than others people have used and talked about here. I think it's important to note they used a 2-stage process in that study... the first (buffered) injection was to induce unconsciousness so that the second, unbuffered and thus acidic, dose would not cause pain.

I'm sorry to hear you are in this position, but it's good that you're considering what's best and most humane for your poor gecko girl. Some might have just put her in the freezer and called it good.

 

[favrielle]

Are you willing/able to share any of the research you've seen on this topic? It's a subject I've had to think on quite a bit the last couple months, esp. since my vet is not always available.

 

[scm133]

Are you willing/able to share any of the research you've seen on this topic? It's a subject I've had to think on quite a bit the last couple months, esp. since my vet is not always available.

I was also able to pull up the research done by the JAALAS like you. The vet said she would compound the solutions for me to use. From what she told me, the MS-222 is combined with sodium bicarbonate to reduce the acidity, and then added to a normal saline solution for administration. Sodium pentobarbital can also be used, but it is not as humane.
I read up on the CO2 chambers, but I think it takes a while for them to die, like the freezer method. An injection that ends their life quickly is personally what I am looking for at the moment.