VET102 Handling and Restraint

Restraint techniques can be divided into three major categories:

(1) manual, (2) mechanical, and (3) chemical.

Lifting a large dog:

- Always bend at the knees. Never lift with your back. - Lifting large-breed dogs requires two team members. - One person should place his or her arm around the dog's thorax and the other arm under the dog's neck. - The other person should place one arm under or around the dog's abdomen and the other arm around the hindquarters of the animal.

Lifting a medium dog:

- Always bend at the knees. Never lift with your back. - Medium-sized dogs should be held with one arm under its neck and the other arm under its abdomen or around the dog's hindquarters.

Lifting a small dog:

- Always bend at the knees. Never lift with your back. - you can lift a small-breed dog by placing one hand under its mandible and your forearm under the abdomen of the dog. - The dog should be carried close to your body for stability at all times.

Dorsal Recumbent Restraint of Dog:

- Calls for two team members. - The dog is placed in lateral recumbency and is carefully rolled onto its back. - The front paws are extended cranially with the back paws extended caudally. - A V-trough or foam wedges may be necessary to prevent the dog from rolling. - This technique is often used for radiographs or cystocentesis.

Approaching A Cat

- Close all doors, windows, and cabinets. - Approach the cat slowly, without sudden movements, speaking softly and reassuringly.

Meaning of urine for cats

Sprayed by male cats at the height of the cat's nose, to mark territory for the next cat coming to the area.

Carrying A Cat

You can pick up most cats by grasping the scruff, the loose skin on the back of a cat's neck. Place your other hand under the cat's abdomen, with your fingers between the cat's front legs.

When restraint of a cat is indicated, one of the best tools for the health-care team to have readily available is a ______ _______.

large towel

Restraint for saphenic venipuncture often requires that the dog be restrained in the________ recumbent position

lateral

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

chemical

Training Collars

consist of stainless-steel links with a ring at each end. The links can be a variety of thicknesses. In general, the thicker links are used for very large, muscular dogs, while thinner links are best for smaller breeds. Training collars are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "choke" collars. The loose end, which takes the leash, should come over the back of the dog at the top of, not underneath, its neck. Apply short, firm tugs that momentarily tighten the collar. Never leave a training collar on an unattended dog.

Feline muzzles typically cover the cat's _______, leaving a small opening for the cat to breathe through.

eyes

Jugular Vein

on the front of the dog's neck

Saphenous Vein

on the outer surface of the dog's hindleg

Always use the _______ _______ ______ to keep an animal in position.

proper animal restraint

Chemical Restraint

sedatives, tranquilizers, and anesthetics. Veterinary professionals consider this restraint the least desirable method. While extremely aggressive or frightened animals may require it, these agents can interfere with diagnostic testing, and can also complicate diagnosis by masking particular symptoms.

Veterinary practices often use a _________ leash, one made of flat or braided nylon with a metal ring at one end, on all patients.

slip

Tying a gauze muzzle for Brachycephalic dogs

slip the loop over the dog's nose with the tie under the jaw. Pull the ends of the gauze behind the ears, then tie them securely. One of the ends of the gauze should then be drawn down across the dog's forehead and slid under the loop at the top of the nose, to keep the loop from slipping off the end of the dog's nose.

A dog undergoing cephalic or jugular venipuncture is usually placed on its ____________.

sternum

For cats, scratching is a sign of __________ __________.

territory ownership

Meows (Cats)

Expression of needs to owners (often associated with feeding).

True or False? 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. It is dangerous to leave a training collar on any dog unattended.

True or False? Animals undergoing examination should be restrained with maximum force to make sure that they don't get away.

False. Minimal force should be used. If more force is necessary, mechanical, or chemical if absolutely necessary, should be used.

True or False? A leash is an example of manual restraint.

False. This is an example of *mechanical* restraint.

True or False? Whenever possible, always be sure to approach a dog first before it has a chance to approach you.

False. You should let a dog approach you first whenever possible.

The muzzles most often used are:

a wire/Baskerville muzzle (pictured), a nylon/Mikki muzzle, or a gauze muzzle.

Cephalic Vein

along the front of the dog's foreleg

Two people are needed to lift a dog over ____ pounds.

50

What type of muzzle allows a dog to pant?

Cup Muzzle

Conflicted Cat

- Ears will alternate between the flattened and turned- back position.

When you need to use a harness as opposed to a leash:

- For animals with neck or throat problems. - If the leash interferes with a medical device, like an intravenous catheter, to be placed in the dog's jugular vein.

Restraint of Ill or Injured Cats

- Handle as if likely to bite. - Placing a towel or blanket over a particularly violent cat may calm it momentarily. Because this calm doesn't last, move the covered cat quickly to a proper examination area.

Another method to use specifically with cats to help in their restraint is distraction. Name some of these methods.

- Heavy but gentle patting or rubbing of the cat's head (physical examination). - blowing air into the face of the cat. - Tapping a cat on the nose (jugular venipuncture). - Gently shaking the scruff (intramuscular injection).

Standing restraint of dog:

- Involves placing one arm around the front of the dog's neck or muzzle and the other arm around the dog's abdomen, just in front of its back legs. - The dog must be pulled in close to the team member's body. -Large and giant-breed dogs will require two team members to participate in the restraint. - physical examination, anal sac expression, having its temperature taken rectally, or if a vaginal or rectal smear must be obtained. - A variation of this standing-restraint technique is to place your second arm around the dog's hindquarters rather than under its abdomen. While this technique gives you more control over the dog, it may interfere with some procedures, like rectal examination.

How to tie a slip knot

- Make a loop by doubling line back onto itself. - Run tag end back towards loop and lay over the doubled lines. - Make one or two turns with the tag end around the doubled lines and through new loop created.

Dangers of Muzzles

- Never apply to a dog with breathing difficulties or a chest injury. - Some muzzles prevent a dog from panting, which it must do to avoid overheating. - A dog that vomits while wearing a muzzle is likely to aspirate the vomit.

. Which of the following is the minimum weight of a dog, in lbs, requiring two people to lift it? a. 25 b. 50 c. 75 d. 100

B

Sternal Recumbent Restraint of Dog:

- Place the far hand under the neck or muzzle region of the dog and the other around the hindquarters and pulls the dog in close to the body. For a jugular venipuncture the head should be tilted upward. - If the dog is trying to scratch with its front paws, can remove the arm from around the hindquarters and wrap it around the abdominal area with the hand coming from the underside of the dog to the front legs. - The front legs should be grasped slightly above the carpal area for a cephalic veniupuncture. - Procedures such as drawing blood from a cephalic or jugular vein, administering an IV injection, oral and ophthalmic examination, and administering medications.

Alert Cat

- Pupils are dilated - Whiskers are tensed.

Lateral Recumbent Restraint of Cats

- Scruff the cat behind the neck/dorsal area, grasping as much fur as possible with one hand, while grasping the back feet of the animal with the other hand. - The Cat is held slightly stretched at the same time. - For SQ or IM injections, temperature taking via the rectum, or for access to the saphenous vein.

Lateral Recumbent Restraint (AKA Reclining Restraint) of Dog

- Stand behind the dog so that the dog's spine is against the front of your body. - With the dog on its side, the front legs are held while the one places an arm across its neck. Grasp the dog's forelegs with one hand, securing your grip by placing one finger between the legs - The other hand is used to hold the back legs. - a useful restraint for urinary catheterization, radiographs, suture removal, and for access to the lateral saphenous vein.

Relaxed Cat

- The cat walks with its tail down, but its tail will raise when the cat greets other cats and humans it knows. - Ears are upright, whiskers are on the side of the face, pupils of eyes are moderately dilated.

Fearful Cat

- The dorsal area will be arched and the tail raised. - The fur along the back and covering the tail will be fluffed to give the appearance of being larger and more intimidating. - Ears are flat against the head, whiskers are held stiffly out to the side, and the pupils are dilated.

Aggressive Cat

- The ears are swiveled, displaying the inner pinnae sideways, and the pupils are oblong - Ears are erect and facing back; pupils are constricted.

Fear Agression in cats

- The tail will be held close to the body and often- times will be fluffed (to give appearance of being bigger). - The pupils are often dilated

It is important to abide by the following when approaching a dog in the hospital:

- Use the dog's name. - Approach the dog quietly but confidently. - Lower yourself to the dog's level but at a safe distance. - Slowly offer the back of your hand for the dog to smell. - Do not attempt to handle/restrain dogs in confined areas, as the dog may feel trapped.

Approaching A Dog:

- Whenever possible, allow a dog to approach you first. - Crouch or kneel down on the floor and coax the dog slowly. - Verbally reassure the dog with a calm, cheerful tone of voice. Allow the dog to approach voluntarily. - If you must approach a dog, always do so carefully and slowly. Make sure that the dog can both see and hear you coming. Observe the dog closely for any signs of fear or aggression. - Slowly hold out your hand, making sure that your hand is no higher than the dog's nose. - Once the dog has approached you and is accepting your handling without signs of fear, you may slip a leash over its neck or lift it onto the examination table.

The information on an animal's medical collar should be on the patient's cage or medical card, along with observations/notes on the following:

- food fed. - type of food. - amount of food eaten. - water given and amount. - amount of water patient drank. - urination. - defecation. - body temperature and time taken. - medications administered, time administered.

List common restraint devices for dogs:

- leash. - gauntlet. - muzzle. - catchpole (pictured). - voice.

Sternal Recumbent Restraint of Cats:

- one hand at the front of the cat's chest and the other hand steadying the hind end. - talk quietly to the cat and when possible gently pat the cat to try to ease its stress. - As the examination of the cat moves to the one hand of the restraint should encircle the neck with the hand holding the mandible. The other hand can then move over the back to hold the front feet of the cat. - This positioning allows the restrainer to hold the cat against his or her body. - The less restraint, the better.

The information on the hospitalization collar must include:

- patient's name. - owner's name. - hospital admission date. - attending veterinarian. - reason for admission. - allergies and/or warnings (large/bright for team to notice easily).

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

What tool should you use to capture an escaped cat?

A catchpole

What tool should you use to remove a cat from its cage?

A leash.

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 injury. c. has a long nose. d. struggles during a procedure.

B

Catchpole

AKA dog catcher, rabies pole, head snare, restraint pole. This is a rigid pole that allows the health-care team member to remain at a distance from the dog while restraining it. It has a quick release handle, which ensures that the dog does not become strangled. It has a loop at one end that is placed around the animal's neck and tightened. Using this type of restraint allows for another team member to approach the animal from behind to administer medication or examine the animal. Dogs that are especially strong may require two handlers, each with a head snare attached to the animal, to lead the dog.

Sitting Restraint of Cats

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 not: Step 1: Place one hand on the cat's shoulders . Step 2: Place the other hand on its hips. Step 3: Gently press it down against the table.

Muzzle

Any device applied around an animal's nose and mouth to prevent the animal from biting. Any dog that may become aggressive during examination or treatment should wear a one, applied before the animal shows signs of fear or aggression.

Cat bags

Comprised of a heavy canvas or nylon material and have a zipper or Velcro closure. The bag has openings for the cat's front and rear legs so one limb at a time can be removed for procedures.

. 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

Which of the following can cause injury in a veterinary setting? a. A staff member fails to recognize an animal's signs of fear and aggression. b. A staff member lifts a 75-pound animal without assistance. c. An animal responds to the pain or discomfort of treatment. d. All of the above

D

Dominance aggression

Defined as aggression toward other members of the animal's social group. This behavior is exhibited to prevent lower-ranking members of the social group from performing actions or engaging in activities for which the higher-ranking individual claims priority.

Aggressive Dog

Lowering its head to the level of the shoulders. Giving a level and intense stare. Positioning its tail out straight (sometimes with a slight wag). Growling or baring the teeth. Raising its hackles.

How to handle a *small, non-agressive/fearful dog: (*less than 50 lbs)

Grasp the animal's scruff or by place a hand under the dog's chin and place the other hand under the thorax region. The dog's body should be kept close to the team member's, and a leash should be available to place around the dog's neck. At this point the dog is secure and can be placed on the floor.

The Fetal Hold

Grasping a cat by the scruff of the neck. When carrying a cat with the fetal hold, rest the cat's back along your forearm. Don't carry large or obese cats with the fetal hold, because their weight can damage muscles and neck skin.

Restraint of injured or ill dogs

Handle a severely ill or injured dog as if it's likely to bite. To prevent a human injury, place a muzzle on an injured animal. You may, if necessary, place a towel or blanket over a particularly violent animal to calm it. Just make sure you move the dog to a proper examination area promptly—this draping technique often produces only a brief period of calm.

Gauntlets

Heavy leather gloves. AKA Restraint gloves. These are used to protect the hands and forearms when dealing with aggressive or fearful animals.

Purring (Cats)

Humans generally believe this is a sign of contentment, but it can also be a sign of low-grade pain.

How to place a slip loop leash on a dog:

It should be held open above the dog's head and readily available to place around the head or body when restraint is indicated. The slip loop allows for easy tightening or loosening when restraining or releasing the patient.

Occlusion

Lock the vein's circulation by pressing on it with your finger. "Holding off" the vein pools blood in the vein, allowing it to be easily seen and felt. It also provides enough blood for proper venipuncture.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Means "shortened head" and refers to the short nose and flat face of dogs like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas. Other brachycephalic breeds include Chow Chows, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Bull Mastiffs, and English Toy Spaniels

Mechanical Restraint

Mechanical devices used to restrain an animal. Employs such equipment as leashes, collars, restraint bags, and poles. These devices tend to upset animals, so use them only when absolutely necessary. Most mechanical-restraint aids are designed for one species only.

Cat restraint for intramuscular injection (2 methods).

Place cat in lateral recumbency. Step 1: Grasp the cat by the scruff with your right hand. Step 2: Grasp its back feet with your left hand. Place one or two fingers between the feet. Step 3: Lay the cat on its side with its back resting against your right forearm. Step 4: Gently extend the cat's body by stretching its legs back and its head forward. Here's the second intramuscular injection restraint method: Step 1: Place your right forearm across the cat's neck. Step 2: Gently press the cat down against the table. Grasp the front paws between your fingers. Step 3: Grasp its back feet with your left hand. Place one or two fingers between the feet. Step 4: Gently extend the cat's body by stretching its legs back and its head forward.

Venipuncture

Puncturing a vein to collect blood or administer medication.

Growling (Cats)

Range in volume; often in conjunction with aggression or fright.

Shorter leashes vs Longer leashes

Shorter leashes are appropriate for moving animals from place to place in the veterinary practice; longer leashes allow the animal to exercise.

Manual Restraint

Simply using your hands to hold an animal in the desired position. Because this method distresses animals the least, you'll want to use it whenever possible. Works well for most species during physical examination or minor technical procedures.

Cat Restraint for Medial Femoral Venipuncture

Step 1: Grasp the cat by the 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 the cat on its side with its back resting against your forearm. Step 4: Gently extend the cat's 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 veterinarian or veterinary technician will hold and extend this leg while venipuncture is performed. Step 6: An additional person may be required to occlude the vein. Direct pressure can be applied at the proximal end of the leg by pressing the vein against the femur. This person can also gently tap on the cat's nose to distract it while venipuncture is being performed. Step 7: This vein must be held off once venipuncture has been completed to prevent a hematoma or excessive bleeding from occurring.

To restrain a struggling cat for cephalic venipuncture

Step 1: Grasp the cat by the scruff, rather than under the jaw, with one hand. Step 2: Pull the cat tightly against your body with your free arm while pressing the cat down firmly against the table. Step 3: Grasp the cat's elbow and gently extend its leg. Step 4: Use your thumb to occlude the vein.

Cat Restraint for cephalic venipuncture

Step 1: Grasp the cat's head firmly under the jaw with your right hand. Step 2: Extend your left arm around the cat's body and grasp the cat's left leg around the elbow. Step 3: Hold the forelimb at the elbow and use your thumb to occlude the vein by pressing in and slightly to the side.

Muzzle use on brachycephalic breeds:

The health- care team should be especially prudent when using muzzles on brachycephalic breeds. Typically, a gauze muzzle is to be used for brachycephalic breeds. Scissors should be close at all times in the event a muzzle needs to be cut off and quickly removed.

To lift a small dog that's injured or may be injured:

Step 1: Place one arm under the dog's head. Step 2: Place your other arm around the dog's hindquarters. Step 3: Lift the dog straight up and place it on the examining table.

Sitting Restraint of Dog

Step 1: Place your arm around the dog's hindquarters. Step 2: Gently tuck the dog into a sitting position. Step 3: Place your other arm around the dog's neck so that its head rests in the crook of your elbow. Step 4: Pull the dog snugly against your body. - Take care not to place your head close to the dog's mouth; the animal might start snapping during the procedure.

Restraint for saphenic venipuncture

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

Restraint for jugular venipuncture

Step 1: Stand alongside the dog and place your right hand under its muzzle. Step 2: Point the dog's head toward the ceiling. You may have to hold the dog's mouth closed with your hand. Step 3: With your left hand, grasp the dog's front legs just above the feet and hold them together. Secure your grip by placing a finger between them. Step 4: Pull the feet slightly to align them with the dog's nose. The venipuncturist will normally occlude the vein without further assistance. Step 5: Once the procedure is finished, apply pressure to the venipuncture site.

Restraint for a cephalic venipuncture

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

How to tie a gauze muzzle

Step 1: Take a long piece of bandage and tie a large loop at its midsection. Step 2: Approach the dog from the side or back and slip the loop over the end of the dog's nose. Step 3: Quickly tighten the loop and bring the ends of the gauze under the dog's neck. Step 4: Cross the ends over, then pull the ends behind the dog's neck. Step 5: Tie the ends of the gauze in a half bow or slip knot so that it can be removed quickly. *An adjusted method must be used for Brachycephalic dogs*

Meaning of cat rubbing.

The cat deposits secretions when it rubs itself on an object to be marked.

Meaning of feces for cats

The cat may bury or leave feces to alert other cats to its territory.

Fearful Dog Body Language

The ears in of a fearful dog are drawn down and back. These dogs make little to no eye contact and are typically cowering. There is a very high probability that they will bite if cornered or feeling threatened. Tail between legs.

How to handle a large, non-agressive/fearful dog:

These dogs can be led out after the cage is opened, the escape route blocked, and a leash slipped around the dog's neck.

True or False? Cat muzzles minimize a cat's ability to bite, but don't eliminate the need to restrain its head

True.

True or False? You should remove the bitch from the examination room before the treatment or examination of her puppies.

True.

True or False? The veterinary health-care team should always record the behavior of a patient in the medical record.

True. This will help insure the safety of both the health-care team and the patient.

Name two reasons for leading dogs on leashes in a veterinary office.

Two reasons for leading dogs on leashes are to aid in restraint and to prevent animal-to-animal contact in the waiting room.

Loud Yowls (Cats)

Typically heard from queen in heat.

Calm Dog Body Language

Typically these dogs wag their tail and approach people in a straightforward manner with a slightly lowered and/or cocked head.

Restraint of Puppies

You can restrain puppies much as you would adult dogs, but with a much gentler touch.Whenever possible, remove the bitch from the room before any examination or treatment of her puppies. If for some reason you can't remove the bitch, keep her puppies as calm as possible. A puppy that makes vocal signs of pain or distress may cause the bitch to attack.

Cat Restraint for jugular venipuncture

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