animal euthanization asphyxiation OBI branch Philippe Rocca-Serra asphyxiation PMID: 18246869. Loss of cortical function in mice after decapitation, cervical dislocation, potassium chloride injection, and CO2 inhalation. Comp Med. 2007 Dec;57(6):570- asphyxiation is a process by which oxygen supplies are restricted (by mechanical, e.g obstructing airways or chemical means, e.g. increasing CO2 partial pressure) resulting in termination of life in oxygen reliant organisms. metadata complete