Proper Animal Restraint

Restraint Techniques for Animals Proper restraint and handling techniques are essential for reducing stress to laboratory animals and the handler More is NOT better. Work with the animal in the position that the animal finds most comfortable yet provides you adequate exposure to do what you need to do. The LEAST amount of restraint that is needed should be applied

Often the only restraint needed is to have some one stand behind the animal to make sure they do not back up off the exam table. Excessive restraint becomes a test of wills and you will find animals to be stubborn and not give up. The more you attempt to restrain them, the harder they resist and the less pleasant and more dangerous the experience becomes for all. It can also be very upsetting to the client.

The client should not be the one to restrain their animal. A large number of lawsuits filed against veterinarians are by the owners who have been injured by their own animals. A technician will likely do a better job. The owner can talk to and comfort the animal and can be within sight of the pet although occasionally it is better to examine the animal away from the owner

Handling Before handling the animal get his/her attention. Call the pet by name and encourage him/her to come to you. If the pet doesn't come, slowly approach from the front. Never surprise the animal by approaching from behind. Extend your hand, palm down. You may want to curl your fingers into a fist to prevent nipping or biting of your digits. Let the animal sniff your hand, then slowly move your hand to touch the side of the face then stroke the top of the head.

If the owner is holding the pet, don’t take the pet from their arms If the owner is holding the pet, don’t take the pet from their arms. Instead have the owner place the animal on the exam table. Animals may be protective of their owners and may bite if they feel you are threatening their owner. To pick up a dog to place it on the table, put one arm in front of the of the animals chest and the other either behind the rear legs, at the level of the stifles or under the abdomen and lift in a "scooping" motion.

A large dog may require 2 people to lift A large dog may require 2 people to lift. One person lifts behind the front legs and the other under the abdomen.

Decide BEFORE picking up the animal if it will be placed in sternal or or lateral recumbancy and if lateral, if the legs will be directed toward or away from the holders.

Feline in a bag

Small dogs can be restrained with a towel

Physical Restraint Physical restraint involves physically holding an animal in place. Squeeze chutes, nose snares, ropes, halters, or other instruments may be used to physically restrain an animal in order to safely treat the animal.

Dog restrained with a leash

Muzzels The need to apply muzzle should be explained to the owner in advance. Several types of muzzles can be used. All the muzzles have a strap that buckles behind the ears, on the top of the head.

basket style closed end, plastic

Open ended cloth Open ended leather

Chemical Restraint Chemical restraint is the use of tranquilizers, sedatives, or other anesthetics to sedate or immobilize an animal. Use of chemical restraint should be monitored closely. An overdose or adverse reaction may occur.

Container for proper disposal of needles

Diversionary Diversionary restraint is often times used with large animals to divert their attention away from the procedure. For example, with horses you may hold an ear tightly to draw attention away from the insertion of a needle in some other part of the body.

Learning Check Name three instruments that may be used to physically restrain an animal. Why is proper restraint important? Who should restrain the animal?