Small Animal Restraints Agriculture Science Veterinary Technician 2A

Small Animal Restraints Agriculture Science - Veterinary Technician

� 2(A): explain the importance of safe practice when working with small animals 4(F): describe and practice common methods of handling each species studied � 5(D): demonstrate appropriate methods of handling a variety of animal behavioral situations Small Animal Management & Veterinary Medical Applications

� 9 (D) place and restrain small animals on table; (E) apply safety muzzles and Elizabethan collars; (F) demonstrate proper use of restraint poles � 10 (A) discuss safety purposes of proper restraint to prevent harm to the patient and handler; (B) discuss the importance of proper restraint during veterinary treatments; (C) demonstrate proper restraint methods for a variety of different animals species Intro to Veterinarian Assistant Technology

�Prevents people from getting hurt �Minimizes animal’s chances of injury �Reduces stress for the animal �Sets an example to others of how to properly handle animals Benefits of Proper Animal Handling

�A protective medical device worn by an animal to allow its wounds and injuries to heal �E-collars for Cats �E-collars for Dogs Elizabethan Collars (E-collars)

�Verbal ◦ Commands such as “Sit”, “Stay”, “Down” �Physical ◦ Restraint Pole ◦ Leash ◦ Your hand ◦ Muzzle ◦ Towel Types of Restraint

�A fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting � Apply a muzzle if animal has had a history of biting � Using a muzzle could reduce the possibility of using additional restraint later � Gauze can be fashioned into a muzzle Muzzles

Basket Style Muzzle Fabric Muzzle � Best � Often type to use for long periods of time � Allows the animal to open its mouth slightly to pant, drink, or vomit used at vet’s � Restricts the animal’s ability to pant � Easy to put on and take off � Comfortable and secure Types of Muzzles

Making a Gauze Muzzle

�Also known as control poles �Used as a last resort at vet clinics �Helps with an aggressive animal �Has a rigid pole to give the user distance from the animal �Animal may flail violently after capture �How to use a Control Pole Restraint Poles

�Used as makeshift restraining devices �Can also help capture animals �If thrown over the animal’s head, the towel can prevent it from seeing and anticipating movements �Helps protect handler’s hands from sharp claws or teeth Towel

�A line for leading or restraining an animal �Placed around the animal’s neck �Do not drag an animal with a leash �However sometimes a quick tug will get an animal to walk �If animal refuses to wear a leash, carry it �Removing a dog from its cage with a leash Leash

�Place one arm in front of the animal’s chest and the other behind its back legs �Animals heavier than 50 pounds should be carried by two people ◦ One person positions arms behind the front legs, under the animal’s chest ◦ The other holds the animal under its abdomen, in front of its hind legs Carrying an Animal

�Carry the animal in a manner that will allow you to increase the amount of restraint quickly �Animal is supported by handler’s arm while its front leg is loosely grasped �Hold the animal’s head to detract its ability to escape Carrying Smaller Animals

� Crouch down to their level but maintain the ability to move away if necessary � Do not approach from behind � Avoid direct eye contact � Get the pet’s attention and encourage it to come forward by calling its name � Talk in soothing tones � Pat your leg to motion the animal towards you � Extend hand, palm down, for the animal to sniff Approaching an Animal

�Often needed to safely examine animals �Restraint Bag �Positional Restraint ◦ Lateral Recumbency (Recumbency means to be lying down) ◦ Sternal Recumbency (Sternal concerns the sternum) Restraining an Animal

�Used to restrain small animals �Has zippers that can be used to expose one body part at a time �Can be replaced by a towel if necessary Restraint Bag

�Place animal on its side �Put elbow over neck and hold the leg closest to the table �Try to keep limbs close to the body �If animal struggles, apply more pressure to stay in control �Lessen the pressure when the animal stops struggling �Watch a video of the process Lateral Recumbency

� Place animal on the examination table in a standing position � Force patient to sit down by applying pressure to hips � Apply pressure to the shoulder with one hand the back with the forearm so that the animal is lying down � Hold the animal’s leg at the elbow to prevent its front leg from pulling back Sternal Recumbency

�Drugs may be necessary so that the vet can safely examine the patient if it is: ◦ Aggressive ◦ Stressed/Worked up ◦ Extremely uncooperative �Sedation or general anesthesia may be used �Ask a staff member to determine if sedation is needed Drugs

�Use as little restraint as possible without giving up your control �Excessive restraint may cause animal to become stubborn �Talk to the animal in a quiet, soothing tone throughout examination �Do not make any sudden movements Things to Remember

�Safe Restraint Methods – lateral incumbency, muzzles �Creating a Muzzle from Gauze �Using a Control Pole (Skip to 2: 45) More Links