Target species
Dogs, cats, horses and cattle.
Indications for use
For euthanasia in dogs, cats, horses and cattle only.
Contraindications
The combination product must not be used for anaesthesia, it is non-sterile.
Do not use the carcass for animal consumption due to the risk of secondary intoxication.
Special warnings for each target species
Non-vascular administration may delay onset of effect, cause pain and result in excitement.
Rarely, horses may show resistance to euthanasia and prior use of sedation should be considered in each case (see also Amounts to be administered and administration route). It is always advisiable to have an alternative method of euthanasia available.
Special precautions for use in animals
Care should be taken not to excite the animal. The dose is to be administered intravenously only (see also Amounts to be administered and administration route).
It is strongly recommended that carcasses of animals euthanased with Somulose are incinerated.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals.
Somulose is a potent drug which is highly toxic to man. Extreme care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection. Use an intravenous catheter instead of needle whenever possible.
Wear suitable protective gloves when handling the product. Wash off splashes from skin and eyes immediately. Wash hands after use.
Due to the rapid onset of action of secobarbitone if accidentally self-administered, this product should only be administered in the presence of an assistant/other individual.
Once the required dose has been withdrawn from the vial, the mini-spike, or needle, should be removed from the syringe and discarded into a closed container. A sterile catheter should be inserted into the vein and the syringe connected to it. Particular care should be taken in large and/or fractious animals. Do not approach any animal with an unguarded needle on a full syringe.
In the event of accidental self-administration, by injection or skin absorption, seek urgent medical assistance advising medical service of barbiturate and local anaesthetic poisoning and show the label.
ADVICE TO DOCTOR: Do not leave patient unattended. Maintain airways and give symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Cinchocaine can cause hypersensitivity following skin contact. Hypersensitivity to cinchocaine may lead to contact dermatitis, which can become severe.
Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised, or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.
Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions.
If you develop symptoms following exposure, such as skin rash, you should seek medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes, or difficulty breathing may occur although these have not been reported, and are more serious symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
Adverse reactions
The recommended dose may be insufficient to achieve rapid euthanasia in some horses and this has been rarely reported. Excitation, muscle tremor and convulsion after injection has been very rarely observed in horses. Sedation prior to euthanasia is recommended in horses (See also Amounts to be administered and administration route).
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Can be used in pregnancy or lactation for euthanasia.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
The product is for intravenous injection only. Recommended dose:
Dogs and cats: Intravenously: 0.25 ml/kg body weight
Horses and cattle: Intravenously: 1.0 ml/10 kg body weight
Administration: As with other methods of euthanasia, care should be taken not to excite the animal during preparation. Many authorities recommend that the procedure should be carried out in familiar surroundings avoiding harsh lights and sudden noises where possible. During the preparation and administration, it is often helpful to handle the animal carefully, but firmly, comforting it with gentle talk and coaxing as one would for the quiet induction of anaesthesia. This can also serve to calm apprehensive animals.
Perivascular administration of secobarbitone may delay the onset of effect and cause pain and result in excitement. Placement of a venous catheter is therefore recommended and care should be taken to ensure (by aspiration) that the injection is correctly placed in the vein. In horses and cattle the use of a pre-placed 14 gauge jugular catheter is strongly recommended. In horses, the administration of detomidine, or suitable alternative, by slow IV injection is recommended to produce profound sedation prior to euthanasia. However, this may produce a slower onset of euthanasia.
N.B. The speed of injection is very important. Administer the full dose over 10-15 seconds in order to minimise premature cardiac arrest. Additionally, an injection rate that is too slow may induce normal collapse, but prolong the period until death.
Do not use if solution is not clear or if any sediment is observed.
Withdrawal periods
Not to be used in animals intended for human or animal consumption due to the risk of secondary intoxication.
Treated animals may never be slaughtered for human or animal consumption.
Horses must have been declared as not intended for human consumption under national horse passport legislation.