Effect of rapid decompression and associated hypoxic phenomena in euthanasia of animals: a review.

Documentation in the literature indicates that death is as painless following the induction of hypoxia by rapid decompression as by other methods that lead to hypoxia, such as exposure to high altitude, carbon monoxide, and inert gases (nitrogen, xenon, and krypton). Many of the signs and symptoms of hypoxia are the same as those for alcoholic intoxication and inert gas narcosis. Moreover, there is good evidence that analogous relationships or mechanisms may exist for hypoxia, inert gas narcosis, and anesthesia.