CW Chapter 1: General Restraint Course Work 107

I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals A. Objective of restraint: Patient comfort and individual safety during a visit to the veterinarian’s office should be of primary concern to the personnel restraining a client’s pet. 1. Minimal and safe restraint will produce a less traumatic experience for an animal. 2. Exams and procedures can be very stressful to some patients, and it is up to the veterinary personnel to make this procedure as painless and comfortable for everyone involved. Course Work 107

3. There is rarely a need to take drastic restraining on any patient, because proper technique is geared to minimize this stress. 4. When the pet comes to the clinic, the physical exam can sometimes set the tone for how the patient will react when treatments are performed. Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

5. Common restraint tools and techniques: a. Handler’s hands and legs b.Leash (some are noose-type) c. E-collars (electronic collars) d. Towels (to cover eyes) e. Feliway spray (felines/cat) f. DAP (canines/dogs) g. Food Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

h. Pet Carrier (smaller animals) i. It is highly recommended that cats be transported in a pet carrier. ii. The carrier should have the capability to come apart in two pieces, by unfastening the fasteners holding the top and bottom half. Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

iii. This will make physical exam, venipuncture, vaccination, and other non-invasive procedures easier on both the patient and handler. iv. The bottom half of the carrier can act as a safe haven for the pet; the pet is more likely to cooperate during a procedure. Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

6. A patient’s visit to the veterinarian’s office should not be traumatic for the pet, owner, or veterinary staff. Proper handling can achieve this goal in most cases. B. Some distressing restraint techniques that are still in use: 1. Distressing restraint techniques and tools: a. stretching b. choking c. scruffing-without providing body support d. pulling limbs e. crowding Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

2. These tools and techniques will potentially put the life of a patient at risk during its visit to the clinic. 3. NOTE: As the “handler” of the patient, it is your duty to keep an eye on the patient you are restraining, NOT on the procedure at hand. Course Work 107 I. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Small Animals

II. Restraint Tools and Techniques for Livestock A. Larger livestock (cattle, horses) may require more restraint to ensure the safety of the personnel and the animal. B. Common restraint tools and techniques: 1. Halters 2. Hobbles 3. Twitch 4. Squeeze chute 5. Stocks C.As with the small animals, the patients visit should not be traumatic for the animal, owner, or veterinary staff. Course Work 107