intravenous administration is the most reliable and rapid way to accomplish euthanasia. a coma is first induced by intravenous administration of 20 mg/kg sodium thiopental (nesdonal) in a small volume (10 ml physiological saline). then a triple intravenous dose of a non-depolarizing neuromuscular muscle relaxant is given, such as 20 mg pancuronium bromide (pavulon) or 20 mg vecuronium bromide (norcuron). the muscle relaxant should preferably be given intravenously, in order to ensure optimal availability. only for pancuronium bromide (pavulon) are there substantial indications that the agent may also be given intramuscularly in a dosage of 40 mg.