If a procedure on an animal will be terminal, may expired drugs be used?

In laboratory animal care, the use of expired drugs, regardless of the procedural context, is generally not acceptable practice. Using expired medications poses significant risks, including the potential for diminished efficacy and unknown safety profiles. Expired drugs may no longer provide the intended therapeutic effects or could potentially lead to adverse outcomes for the animal.

Even in terminal procedures, the welfare of the animal must be a priority, and adhering to safety and efficacy standards is integral to ethical practices within laboratory settings. Therefore, regardless of whether the procedure will be terminal, it is crucial to use medications that are within their expiration date to ensure proper care and compliance with regulations governing animal research.