Chapter 2 - Handling & Restraint

Improvised Muzzles

- (Leash) Wrap a portion of a nylon or leather leash around the animals mouth - (Gauze) Step 1 : Take a long piece of bandage and tie a large loop at its midsection Step 2 : Approach dog from side or back and slip loop over end of dogs nose Step 3 : Quickly tighten loop and bring ends of gauze under dogs neck Step 4 : Cross ends over, then pull ends behind dogs neck Step 5 : Tie ends of gauze in a half bow or slip knot so it can be removed quickly

2 Mechanical Devices to Restrain Rodents

- Acrylic rodent restrainer - Forceps

Chinchillas

- Active and curious rodents - Also nocturnal - Fairly easy to handle and rarely bite (avoid fur slip) - Fur Slip : expression describes a chinchillas tendency to shed patched of its fur if grasped too roughly

How to Approach a Dog

- Allow a dog to approach you first; a fearful dog simply needs reassurance that you aren't a threat - Crouch or kneel down and coax the dog slowly - Use a calm and cheerful tone of voice - If you must approach a dog, do so carefully and slowly - Make sure dog can hear and see you coming - Observe dog closely for signs of fear or aggression - Slowly hold out hand, making sure that its not higher than dogs nose; gestures above the nose could be considered threatening - Never pet the head of a dog who's unsure of you - Once dog approached you and accepted your handling without fear, you map slip leash over its neck or lift dog onto examination table

Catching a Cat

- An escaped cat can be a formidable opponent - Cats can squeeze into small spaces and may attack when approached - You'll usually need a net or head snare to retrieve a cat from its hiding place

How to Approach a Cat

- Approach cat slowly without sudden movements, speaking softly and reassuringly - Be careful, motionless cats can still attack when you approach - Cats are territorial and may vigorously defend their area

Cat Restraint Techniques

- Basic restraint - Restraint for physical examination - Restraint for intramuscular injection - Restraint for venipuncture

Removing Small Dogs From Cages

- Before removing a dog from cage, find out if dog can stand or walk - If so and has no neck, throat or aggressiveness problems, partially open cage door and put slip leash around dogs neck - If dog is small and docile, grasp it by placing one arm under body and other arm under neck - Place slip leash while holding dog in position - If dog is small but aggressive, place blanket or towel around it before lifting

Muzzles (Cats)

- Cat muzzles minimize a cats ability to bite but don't eliminate the need to restrain its head - Muzzles often calms a cat, distracting it from the veterinary procedure and covering its eyes

Taking Cats from Owner

- Cat owners should bring their cats to the vet clinic in a carrier or cat box - If not, ask owner to place slip leash over cats neck before you approach - Approach slowly and stretch out your hand for cat to sniff - If cat shows no aggression, gently pick it up and move it to examination area

Picking up & Carrying Cats

- Cats react best when handled with the least possible restraint - You can pick up most cats by grasping their scruff, loose skin on the back of their neck; place your other hand under cats abdomen, with your fingers between the cats front legs - Cats that struggle or become aggressive may require chemical restraint

2 Most Common Venipuncture Sites for Cats

- Cephalic Vein; along front of cats foreleg - Jugular Vein; on front of cats neck

3 Most Common Venipuncture Sites (Dogs)

- Cephalic vein - Saphenous vein - Jugular vein

Occluding a vein for venipuncture ... A) allows sufficient blood to pool in the venipuncture site B) allows the blood to flow freely through the vein C) calms the animal so it doesn't struggle and damage the vein D) all of the above

A) allows sufficient blood to pool in the venipuncture site

Which of the following is the minimum weight of a dog, in pounds, requiring two people to lift it? A) 25 B) 50 C) 75 D) 100

B) 50

A dog shouldn't wear a muzzle if it ... A) could become aggressive during examination or treatment B) shows signs of breathing problems or chest injuries C) has a long nose D) struggles during a procedure

B) Shows signs of breathing problems or chest injury

Birds

Birds present the biggest challenge when handling and restraining - Birds can become stressed at the vet; even healthy birds can sicken or die from the stress of handling

Trained Birds

Birds that been trained to hop on a finger, follow these steps... Step 1 : Reach into cage and allow bird to hop onto your finger Step 2 : Once you have bird out of its cage, gently drape towel around its back Step 3 : Place other hand on birds feet and hold firmly

Occlude

Blocking the veins circulation by pressing on it with your finger - Occluding or "holding off" the vein pools blood in the vein, allowing it to be easily seen and felt - It provides enough blood for proper venipuncture

Which of the following is the best distracting technique for a cat undergoing jugular venipuncture? A) shaking its scruff B) stroking its coat C) tapping its nose D) scratching behind its ears

C) Tapping its nose

Cat Bites

Cat bites transmit diseases and infections much more readily than dog bites and can make you seriously ill

(T/F) A cats major defense against pain is scratching

False

(T/F) A somewhat enclosed environment tends to make cats agitated and eager for escape

False

(T/F) A training collar is most appropriate for everyday home use

False

(T/F) The best way to accustom a puppy to wearing a collar is to put a training collar on the puppy and leave it there

False

(T/F) Whenever possible, always be sure to approach a dog first before it has a chance to approach you

False

(T/F) Animals undergoing examination should be restrained with maximum force to make sure that they don't get away

False - NEVER use too much force on an animal

Slip Leash

Flat or braided nylon with metal ring at one end - If applied prior to examination, may help control dogs that resists handling or escapes from handler - Dogs wearing a slip leash are easier to remove from cages

Distraction Technique (Cats)

- Distracting a cat can help you achieve the desired minimal restraint during minor technical procedures - Divert cats attention during physical examination by gently stroking the cat or scratching behind the ears - Tap the cat on the nose to distract it during jugular venipuncture - Gently shake its scruff to distract a cat restrained on its side for intramuscular injection

Other Cat Restraint Methods

- Distraction Techniques - Fetal Hold

Restraining Dogs for Jugular Venipuncture

- Dog is position on its sternum at the tables edge with its forelegs extending off table Step 1 : Stand alongside dog and place right hand under its muzzle Step 2 : Point dogs head toward ceiling. You may have to hold dogs mouth closed with your hand Step 3 : With your left hand, grasp dogs front legs just above feet and hold them together. Secure grip by placing finger between them Step 4 : Pull feet slightly to align them with dogs nose. The venipuncturist will normally occlude vein without further assistance Step 5 : Once procedure is done, apply pressure to injection site

Removing Cats from Cage

- Follow same procedure you would use for a dog - Remember to let cat come to front of cage before you apply slip leash

Hamsters

- Generally the most aggressive small rodents - Proper hamster restraint reduces the chance of a bite by using the loose skin around its jaws and neck to your advantage - Hamsters tend to sleep during the day and may hibernate for short periods of time - Never pick up a sleeping or hibernating hamster, they will bite if awakened

Restraining Ill or Injured Dogs

- Handle a severely ill or injured dog as if its likely to bite - Many times they can respond out of extreme pain, and biting is a dogs major defense against pain - To prevent human injury, place a muzzle on an injured animal; if necessary place a towel or blanket over a violent animal to calm it down

Before Handling Birds

- Make sure you have a net or large towel handy to recapture the bird should it escape its cage - A bird on the cage bottom may be extremely stressed - Ask owner if the bird is trained to hop on a finger or arm - Such birds may be unnecessarily stressed by a capture attempt - Whether the bird you're handling is large or small, aggressive or gentle, trained or untrained, your goal is always to hold the bird so that it can't fly, bite, scratch or become injured - A mishandled bird may suffer broken wings and even death

3 Restraining Techniques

- Manual - Mechanical - Chemical

Medial Femoral Vein (Cats)

- May be the vein of choice when dealing with a fractious cat - Restraint methods require cat to be on its side Step 1 : Grasp cat by scruff with one hand Step 2 : Grasp its back feet with your other hand. Place one or two fingers between the feet Step 3 : Lay cat on its side with its back resting against your forearm Step 4 : Gently extend cats body by stretching its legs back and its head forward, to help reduce the chance that the cat will be able to bite or scratch Step 5 : The upper hind leg is gently extended back to expose the medial femoral vein of the leg lying on the table. The vet or vet tech will hold and extend this leg while venipuncture is preformed Step 6 : An additional person may be required to occlude the vein. Direct pressure can be applied at the proximal end of the end by pressing the vein against the femur. This person can also gently tap on the cats nose to distract it while veinpuncture is being preformed Step 7 : This vein must be held off once venipuncture has been completed to prevent a hermatoma or excessive bleeding from occuring

Types of Collars & Leashes for Cats

- Muzzles - Head snares - Restraint gloves - Cat bags

Flat Collars

- Nylon or leather are most appropriate for daily home use - Not reliable for restraint; dogs can easily slip out of them or some are designed to release to stop a dog from choking

Dog Restraint for Venipuncture

- Venipuncture requires careful and firm restraint - Dogs that struggle during this could damage a vein - It requires careful positioning so that the vein is easily accessible and the dog can't move

Restraining Dogs for Saphenic Venipuncture

- Often requires dogs to be restrained in the lateral recumbent position (reclined) Step 1 : Position dog in lateral recumbency Step 2 : Grasp upper rear leg just below knee so that skin over the vein is pulled tight to occlude the vein and prevent it from "rolling" while venipuncture is being made Step 3 : Release vein when directed to. By using this procedure, medication can be administered or a catheter can be passed into the vein Step 4 : Apply pressure to the site to allow a clot to form and bleeding to completely stop Step 5 : Once procedure is complete, maintain moderate restraint to keep dog from jumping off table

Guinea Pigs

- Quiet temperaments and almost never bite or scratch - Reaching into the guinea pigs cage may cause the animals to run quickly around the cage, making it difficult to catch

Basic Restraint (Cats)

- Remember to use the least restraint possible and minimize the time you restraint a cat because prolonged restraint may cause a normally docile cat to become aggressive

Restraining Puppies

- Restraining puppies can be done the same as adult dogs would but with a gentler touch - Whenever possible, remove the mother dog from the room before any examination or treatment of the puppies - If for some reason you can't remove the mother dog, keep her puppies as calm as possible - Puppies that make vocal signs of pain or distress may cause the mother dog to attack

Taking Dog From Owner

- Some dogs are very protective of their owners and may respond more aggressively then they would in the owners absence - Follow same approaching guidelines when approaching a dog with its owner - Be careful not to make sudden movements - Look at the dog but never stare, some dogs interpret staring as threats or a challenge - Take dogs leash from owner and ask owner to walk away from dog - If you must lead dog away from owner, coax dog with a calm and cheerful tone

Gerbils

- Tend to be quite active - Good jumpers - May try to escape

#1 Cat Restraint for Intramuscular Injections

- The 1st most common restraint method require the cat to be on its side (lateral recumbency) Step 1 : Grasp cat by scruff with your right hand Step 2 : Grasp its back feet with left hand, place one or two fingers between the feet Step 3 : Lay cat on its side with its back resting against your right forearm Step 4 : Gently extend the cats body by stretching its legs back and its head forwards

Head Snares (Cats)

- The instrument of choice for recapturing an escaped cat - Slide loop of head snare over cats head and gently pull it from hiding - A particular violent cat may require one assistant to hold the ensnared cat while a second assistant sprays tranquilizer into the cats mouth

Types of Collars & Leashes for Dogs

- Training collars - Flat collars - Slip leash - Muzzles - Head snares (rabies/restraint pole)

Restraining Injured or Ill Cats

- Treat an injured or ill cat as if its likely to bite; biting is a cats major defense against pain - Place towel or blanket over a particularly violent cat to calm it momentarily

Removing Large Dogs From Cages

- Uncaging larger, more aggressive dogs require special handling - Many vet practices keep large dogs leashed, with leash slipped through bars of cage door. This allows handler to move dog towards door by gently pulling leash - That technique keeps door between handler and a dog that may try to bite - If dog can't walk or stand, a leash is unnecessary; gently lift dog from cage

Name 2 reasons for leading dogs on leashes in a veterinary office

1 - To aid in restraint 2 - To prevent animal to animal contact in the waiting room

Acrylic Rodent Restainer

A clear plastic type with access ports drilled into it - Allow rat or mouse to climb up into the device, then place a small plastic gate behind the animal to keep it from backing up - Typically used for rat and mouse venipuncture, the restrainer allows injection through the openings along its side and bottom

Head Snares (Dogs)

A long metal or heavy duty plastic tubular handle with a thick retractable wire inside it - Sometimes called "rabies pole" or "restraint pole" - The wire is long enough for a large loop to be pulled out, slipped over a dogs head and quickly tightened

Cat Restraint for Physical Examinations

Allow the cat to stand or sit on the table. Keep it there by placing one hand directly in front of it. Lightly stroke and pet the cat with your other hand. Most cats will stay in this position. If cat doesn't stay in position... Step 1 : Place one hand on cats shoulders Step 2 : Place other hand on its hips Step 3 : Gently press it down against the table - These work for examinations and minor technical procedures like nail trimming and subcutaneous injections

Muzzles (Dogs)

Any device applied around an animals nose and mouth to prevent the animal from biting - Types : plastic, leather, wire basketed, nylon - Muzzles should be applied to dogs that may become aggressive during examination or treatment - Muzzle applications can also temporarily distract dogs to complete a procedure - Never use a muzzle on dogs that have signs of breathing difficulties or chest injuries - Never leave a muzzle on too long; a dog needs to pant so it can avoid overheating - Left in place too long can cause injuries - Dogs that vomit while wearing the muzzle is likely to aspirate the vomit

Cat Bags

Cats tend to be calmed by a somewhat enclosed environment. The typical cat bag is made of nylon. It has a snap, zipper or velcro closure along the top with additional such closures for access along its length - Place cat on the open bag and pull the upper closure around its body, leaving its head exposed - Veterinarian or vet tech can preform injections or other minor procedures through the access areas - Most cat bags have access areas near the cats feet, allowing feet to be gently pulled outside the bag for ventipuncture - An except of cat bags are wrapping cat in a towel or thick blanket

Cats Responding to Fear Signs

Cats tend to respond to fear either by freezing, attempting to escape or attacking (if they can't escape).

One of the most common cat veinpuncture sites is the _________ vein, located along the front of the cats foreleg

Cephalic

Veterinary professionals regard ________ restraint as the least desirable method because it can mask symptoms and interfere with diagnostic testing

Chemical restraint

Training Collars

Consist of stainless steel links with a ring at each end - Incorrectly referred to as "choke collars" - Must choose correct sizing; approximately 2 inches longer than the circumference of the dogs neck

Which of the following types of dog restraint would be used to give a routine injection? A) Lateral Recumbency B) Standing Restraint C) Sternal Recumbency D) Sitting Restraint

D) Sitting Restraint

Which of the following can cause injury in a veterinary setting?

D. All of the above - Staff member fails to recognize animals signs of fear and aggression - Staff member lifts a 75lb animal without assistance - An animal responds to the pain or discomfort of treatment

Mechanical Restraint

Employs equipment such as leashes, collars, restraint bags and poles

Fetal Hold

Grasping a cat by the scruff of the neck - Fetal hold works well for some procedures and for carrying small or young cats short distances - When carrying a cat with the fetal hold, rest cats back along your forearm - Don't carry large or obese cats with the fetal hold because their weight can damage muscles and neck skin - Also avoid using fetal hold in front of cats owner. Most owners don't understand the reflex and may object

Restraint Gloves

Heavy gauntlet type gloves, typically made of leather too thick for cats to bite through - Because gloves reduce your sensitivity to the animal you're holding, take extra care not to injure the cat by holding it too tightly - In many cases you'll use the gloves to subdue the cat while preparing other restraint

Cephalic Vein

Located along the front of the dogs foreleg - Dogs undergoing cephalic venipuncture is usually placed on its sternum (breastbone) on the examination table, its forelegs extending slightly over the tables edge, called sternal recumbency

Jugular Vein

Located on the front of the dogs neck

Saphenous Vein

Located on the outer surface of the dogs hindleg

Capturing Large Birds in Cage

Many large birds can inflict serious bites with their powerful beaks Step 1 : Locate a large towel Step 2 : Open cage door, use towel to block opening Step 3 : Remove excess perches and toys from cage Step 4 : Place towel lengthwise across palm of your hand Step 5 : Reach into cage and grasp bird from behind by placing your hand behind birds head. Position birds lower jaw between your thumb and index finger Step 6 : Drape towel around bird as you lift it slightly toward the door of cage Step 7 : As you bring bird though cage door, place your other hand on birds feet and hold them firmly in place - Remember to avoid breastbone - You can use this towel restraint for examination and most technical procedures - When working with large, particularly aggresive birds, wear lightweight leather gloves to protect yourself from bites. - If too aggressive, tape its beak shut

Mice

Mice are rarely aggressive, biting only when frightened or in pain. Their small size and high activity level can make mouse handling and restraint difficult - Mice usually reside in small plastic shoebox cages with wire mesh lids

Rats

Most rats are docile animals that rarely bite unless frightened. Rats aren't overly active. - They aren't determined escape artists - Remove a rat from its cage as you would a mouse -

For a cat that won't stand or sit during a routine physical examination, what restraint method should be used instead?

Place one hand on its shoulders, the other hand on its hips and press the cat firmly but gently down against table

Venipuncture

Puncturing a vein to collect blood or administer medication

Rodents Handling & Restraints

Rodent handling and restraint varies by species. A small pet rodent whose owner has handled it regularly will rarely bite or scratch but some rodent species and breeds will vigorously attempt to escape. While restraining the pet securely in your hand will suffice for most treatments, stressful procedures like venipuncture may require mechanical or chemical restraint

The loose skin on the back of a cats neck is known as the ________ and can be grasped to pick up a cat

Scruff

Manual Restraint

Simply using your hands to hold an animal in the desired position; the least distressing type

Sitting Restraint

Some dogs require restraint firmer than you can obtain with the standing position. Step 1 : Place arm around dogs hindquarters Step 2 : Gently tuck dog into sitting position Step 3 : Place other arm around dogs neck so that dogs head rests in the crook of your elbow Step 4 : Pull dog snugly against your body - The sitting position is also appropriate for most routine injections and some minor technique procedures

Mice Restraint & Removing from Cage

Step 1 : Grasp base of mouses tail as close to the body as possible Step 2 : Lift mouse straight up and place it down on a wire mesh cage top or other grid type surface. Keep hold of tail. The mouse will grasp this surface with its feet Step 3 : Gently stretch mouses body by pulling back on its tail with one hand while you grasp the loose skin on the back of its neck with other Step 4 : Lift animal up and cup it in the palm of hand Step 5 : Loosely drape your other fingers around the animals body. Hold the feet and tail between your last two fingers. Don't hold the mouse tightly that you impede its breathing

Cat Restraint for Cephalic Venipuncture

Step 1 : Grasp cats head firmly under jaw with your right hand Step 2 : Extend left arm around cats body and grasp cats left leg around elbow Step 3 : Hold forelimb at elbow and use your thumb to occlude vein by pressing in and slightly to the side To restrain a struggling cat for cephalic venipuncture... Step 1 : Grasp cat by scruff with one hand, rather than under the jaw Step 2 : Pull cat tightly against your body with your free arm while pressing cat down firmly against table Step 3 : Grasp cats elbow and gently extend its leg Step 4 : Use thumb to occlude the vein

How to Pick Up & Restrain Hamsters

Step 1 : Make sure the hamster is awake. A knock on the side of its cage usually awakens the animal Step 2 : Reach into the cage and grasp the loose skin on the back of the hamsters neck. Grasp as much of the loose skin as possible or the hamster may still be able to turn and bite Step 3 : Lift the animal out of the cage and cup it in your palm as you would a mouse

Steps on Lifting Small, Injured Dogs

Step 1 : Place one arm under dogs head Step 2 : Place other arm around dogs hindquarters Step 3 : Lift dog straight up and place dog on examination table

How to Handle & Restrain Chinchillas

Step 1 : Reach into cage and grasp animal by the base of tail (close to the body) with one hand Step 2 : Pick up chinchilla by its tail Step 3 : Immediately support the animals body, either with your forearm or your other hand - You may also hold the chinchilla around the chest as you would a guinea pig

How to Pick Up & Restrain Guinea Pigs

Step 1 : Reach into the cage and place your hand in front of the animal to block it from running around Step 2 : Slide your other hand gently under the guinea pig chest Step 3 : Pick the animal straight up Step 4 : Immediately place your other hand under the animals hindquarters for support - Avoid placing your hand down on a guinea pigs back or shoulders too firmly; this may injure its lungs

Restraining Dogs for Cephalic Venipuncture

Step 1 : Stand at side of table, facing the same direction as dog Step 2 : Grasp dog under neck so that dogs head rest in crook of elbow Step 3 : Place other arm across dogs back and pull dog snugly against your body Step 4 : Extend the same arm to grasp dogs opposite forelimb at elbow level with your right hand Step 5 : Hold forelimb at elbow and use thumb to occlude vein by pressing in and slightly to the side Step 6 : Maintain grasp on leg and simply lift thumb straight off. Place thumb over injection site while applying pressure; continue to hold dog firmly Step 7 : Once procedure is complete, slowly loosen your grip. Maintain moderate restraint to keep dog from jumping off table

#2 Cat Restraint for Intramuscular Injection

The 2nd most common restraint Step 1 : Place your right forearm across the cats neck Step 2 : Gently press cat down against table. Grasp front paws between your fingers Step 3 : Grasp its back feet with left hand. Place one or two fingers between feet Step 4 : Gently extend cats body by stretching its legs back and its head forward

3 Restraint Positions

The appropriate restraint method for a dog depends upon what the veterinarian is doing and upon its overall temperament - Standing restraint - Sitting restraint - Reclining restraint

Info on Picking Up Dogs

The proper method of picking up and carrying a dog depends on the dogs size and health - 2 prerequisites before picking up a dog: apply leash and crouch beside animal - Leash prevents dogs from escaping; the crouch spares your back - Lifting even small dogs from a standing position can injure your back

Bird Restraint for Technical Procedures

The restraint techniques you learned are suitable for nearly all technical procedures preformed on birds. Some technical procedures may require you to stretch birds neck slightly or provide access to a wing for injection into the wing vein

Steps on Lifting Small, Uninjured Dogs

To lift a small, uninjured dog that weighs less than 50lbs... Step 1 : Place one arm under dogs head Step 2 : Place other arm under dogs abdomen with hand pointed forward and fingers between dogs front legs Step 3 : Lift dog straight up and place dog on examination table

Steps on Lifting Large, Uninjured Dogs

To lift large, uninjured dogs that weigh over 50lbs or is struggling... Step 1 : Two people should crouch down on the same side of the dog Step 2 : One person should restrain dogs head by placing one arm around dogs neck and other arm around dogs chest Step 3 : Second person should place one arm around dogs abdomen and other arm around dogs hindquarters Step 4 : Simultaneously, both people should lift dog using their legs, not backs

(T/F) You should remove the 'bitch' from the examination room before the treatment or examination of her puppies

True

Chest Harness

Used for animals with neck or throat problems; chest harnesses are also used for animals with a medical device like an intravenous catheter that is placed in a dogs jugular vein

Chemical Restraints

Uses of sedatives, tranquilizers or anesthetics; considered the least desirable method

Reclining Restraint

Veterinarians may frequently request that the dog be maintained using the reclining restraint (aka lateral recumbency) Step 1 : After lifting dog onto table, place dog on its side Step 2 : Stand behind dog so that dogs spine is against the front of your body Step 3 : Grasp dogs forelegs with one hand, securing grip by placing one finger between the legs Step 4 : Press down slightly with your forearm on base of dogs neck, use other hand to grasp dogs rear legs

Standing Restraint

Veterinarians often complete routine physical examinations with the dog standing Step 1 : Place one hand infront of dogs neck Step 2 : Place other hand under dogs abdomen just infront of rear legs Step 3 : Gently pull dog toward you until snug against your body - Although placing your second arm around the dogs hindquarters gives you more control, it may interfere with some procedures like rectal examination

How to Restraint Rats

You can hold the rat in your hand for technical procedures Step 1 : Grasp rat by placing your thumb and index finger around its lower jaw. The technique secures the head and keeps the rat from being able to turn and bite Step 2 : Pick the rat up Step 3 : With your other hand, support the rats hindquarters while holding its feet and tail still

Capturing Small Birds in Cage

You can safely handle and restrain small birds, such as parakeets and finches, without any special equipment Step 1 : Carefully open cage door. Block the open door as you reach into the cage. You can block the door with your hand and a towel, or have someone stand behind you and hold a towel over the door Step 2 : Remove most of the perches and toys from the cage, to keep the bird from injuring itself should it become frightened (small birds frighten easily) and fly around the cage Step 3 : Grasp bird in your hand by placing your palm against its wings and securing its head between your thumb and index finger. Cradle bird in your palm and place your last finger gently across the birds legs (Do NOT cover or press birds breastbone, it must move for the bird to breathe properly)

Foreceps

You can use rubber tipped forceps to transport small rodents from one cage to another - Grasp either the base of the animals tail near its body or the loose skin on the back of the neck - Don't dangle the animal for more than a few seconds lest you injure its its back

Cat Restraint for Jugular Venipuncture

You'll want to wrap a towel around the cats rear legs to prevent it from scratching you Step 1 : Place cat on sternum at edge of table, its forelegs extending off tables edge Step 2 : Stand alongside cat, place one hand under its nose and point its head toward the ceiling. If necessary, hold cats mouth firmly closed Step 3 : With your other hand, grasp cats legs just above feet. Secure your grip by placing finger between feet Step 4 : Pull feet slightly to align them with cats nose. The veterinarian or vet tech will normally occlude the vein without further assistance