T-61 MSD Animal Health

T-61 MSD Animal Health is a euthanasia solution to be used only on unconscious animals. This is a specialized veterinary pharmaceutical product manufactured by MSD Animal Health specifically designed for humane euthanasia of animals in veterinary practice.

Important Note: This product is strictly for professional veterinary use only and must be used under appropriate veterinary supervision and protocols.

Active Ingredients and Composition

Each mL of T-61 contains 200 mg Embutramide (which produces a strong narcotic action and concurrently paralyses the respiratory centre), 50 mg Mebezonium Iodide (which produces a curariform paralytic action on striated skeletal and respiratory muscles and rapidly induces circulatory collapse) and 5 mg Tetracaine Hydrochloride, in aqueous solution.

Each 1 ml contains: embutramide 200 mg, mebezoniumiodide 50 mg, tetracaine hydrochloride 5 mg T-61 MSD Animal Health

Three-Component Mechanism:

Embutramide (200 mg/mL):

Primary Action: Strong narcotic effect

Function: Paralyzes the respiratory center

Effect: Provides rapid unconsciousness and respiratory depression

Mebezonium Iodide (50 mg/mL):

Primary Action: Curariform paralytic action

Function: Paralyzes striated skeletal and respiratory muscles

Effect: Rapidly induces circulatory collapse

Tetracaine Hydrochloride (5 mg/mL):

Primary Action: Local anesthetic

Function: Provides additional anesthetic effect

Effect: Enhances overall anesthetic action T-61 MSD Animal Health

Physical Properties

PHARMACEUTICAL FORM Injectable solution. Colorless to yellowish transparent liquid

Target Species

SPECIES Dogs, cats, ruminants, horses, animals for fur production, laboratory animals and ornamental birds

Approved Species Include:

Companion Animals: Dogs and cats

Large Animals: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats

Laboratory Animals: Various research species

Ornamental Birds: Avian species

Fur-bearing Animals: Specialized production animals

T-61 MSD Animal Health Critical Usage Requirement

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: T-61 is a euthanasia solution to be used only on unconscious animals

This is a fundamental safety and welfare requirement that must be strictly adhered to:

Animals must be rendered unconscious BEFORE T-61 administration

Never use as a sole agent on conscious animals

Requires pre-anesthesia or stunning protocols

Administration Requirements

Route of Administration:

it can only be injected intravenously into the animals

Critical Administration Points:

Intravenous injection only

Must be administered by trained veterinary personnel

Requires proper intravenous access

Administered only to unconscious animals

Mechanism of Action and Sequence

The three-component formula works synergistically:

Immediate Phase: Embutramide provides rapid narcotic effect and respiratory depression

Paralytic Phase: Mebezonium iodide causes muscle paralysis and circulatory collapse

Supporting Phase: Tetracaine hydrochloride enhances anesthetic effects

A number of experiments was carried out to determine the sequence of events leading to death following administration of the euthanizing agent T61. Simultaneous recordings of the EMG, EEG, ECG and end-tidal CO2 (dogs only) were obtained in acutely instrumented rabbits and dogs

Clinical Benefits

Advantages:

Despite several merits including fast onset of action and absence of terminal gasps before demise

Key Benefits:

Rapid onset of action

Absence of terminal gasps

Reliable and consistent results

Suitable for multiple species

Minimal post-mortem movements

Geographic Availability

While the commercial production of T-61 has been ceased in the United Kingdom and the United States, T-61 is still often used in most European countries T-61 MSD Animal Health .

Current Status:

Not available: United Kingdom and United States

Still available: Most European countries

Regional variations: Check local availability and regulations

Alternative Euthanasia Methods

The most common drug combination used by veterinarians for euthanasia is phenytoin/pentobarbital. The commercial product Euthasol includes rhodamine B dye, a fluorescent dye added to clearly distinguish the solution

In regions where T-61 is not available, alternative methods include:

Pentobarbital-based solutions

Phenytoin/pentobarbital combinations

Other approved euthanasia agents

Professional and Ethical Considerations

Veterinary Professional Use:

Licensed veterinarians only

Proper training required

Adherence to professional guidelines

Compliance with local regulations

Ethical Requirements:

Animal welfare paramount

Proper pre-unconsciousness protocols

Respectful handling procedures

Client communication and consent

Safety and Handling

Storage Requirements:

Store according to manufacturer’s instructions

Controlled temperature storage

Secure storage away from unauthorized access

Proper labeling and identification

Handling Precautions:

Professional use only

Proper protective equipment

Controlled access and distribution

Safe disposal protocols

Emergency procedures in case of accidental exposure

Regulatory Status

Controlled substance in most jurisdictions

Prescription-only medication

Veterinary supervision required

Subject to strict distribution controls

Professional licensing requirements T-61 MSD Animal Health

Package Information

T-61 50ml Available in 50 mL vials for veterinary use

Important Legal and Safety Warnings

Critical Safety Points:

Never use on conscious animals

Intravenous administration only

Veterinary professionals only

Proper pre-anesthesia required

Controlled substance handling protocols

Legal Considerations:

Subject to controlled substance regulations

Requires proper veterinary licensing

Must comply with local euthanasia guidelines

Professional liability considerations

Training and Competency Requirements

Veterinary Training:

Proper euthanasia technique training

Understanding of animal welfare principles

Knowledge of emergency procedures

Competency in intravenous injection techniques T-61 MSD Animal Health

Continuing Education:

Updates on best practices

Animal welfare considerations

Legal and ethical requirements

Alternative method familiarity

T-61 MSD Animal Health represents a specialized veterinary euthanasia solution that requires the highest level of professional competency, strict adherence to safety protocols, and unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Its use is restricted to trained veterinary professionals who understand its proper application, safety requirements, and the critical importance of ensuring animals are unconscious before administration.