COS - 251 - A Pentobarbital Problem: Post-Euthanasia Risks are Real

In this episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, host Dr. Andy Roark discusses the post-euthanasia risks associated with pentobarbital injection. Dr. Warren Hess, the first author on a notable paper in JAVMA on the subject offers valuable insight as their conversation dives into the environmental and legal implications veterinarians may face after performing euthanasia using pentobarbital. Dr. Hess emphasizes the importance of understanding the drug’s impact beyond the act of euthanasia, addressing issues such as liability, rendering, and potential impacts on food and feed. The conversation explores the need for better education among veterinarians and clients, and the importance of documentation to protect practitioners. Dr. Hess also mentions ongoing efforts by the AVMA to provide resources and education on this critical topic for veterinary professionals. LINKS Article Referenced: AVMA Axon: 2024 Uncharted Veterinary Conference: Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: Dr. Andy Roark Swag: ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Hess is an associate director in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Division of Animal and Public Health and as AVMA’s Disaster Coordinator. He provides technical and scientific expertise to the Committee on Environmental Issues (CEI) , the Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee (AqVMC), the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS), and the Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues (CDEI). Dr. Hess graduated from Colorado State University in 1989. He worked in small animal practice with an emphasis on birds and other exotic animals until 2004 when he began working for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) where he served as a field veterinarian, assistant state veterinarian and 18 months as acting state veterinarian. He began working at the AVMA in 2016. Dr. Hess became involved early in his career with organized veterinary medicine and was elected president of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association (UVMA) in 2000. Dr. Hess has led several state and national organizations including serving as president of the National Alliance of Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP). Dr. Hess was voted Veterinarian of the Year in 2014 by the UVMA. He was the recipient of the NASAAEP Service Award in 2017 and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Paws Up Award in 2018. He is married to his high school sweetheart (Lori), and together they have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Dr. Hess has enjoyed the companionship of horses, dogs, various birds, and marine fish. He enjoys fishing, rowing/kayaking, and motorcycles and has completed a motorcycle trip from his home state of Utah to Alaska and back with his 87-year-old father in tow.