Restraint and Handling of Animals

Restraint and Handling of Animals

By: JONALYN M. SHENTON

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Animals can inflict serious injuries to humans and to themselves as a result of improper handling.

The use of proper restraint and handling techniques reduces stress to animals and also to the researcher.

Handling stress represents an experimental variable and should be minimized whenever possible. General Principles

Four Types of Restraint

Non-contact: Voice, eye contact, gesture.

Manual or physical: Using body or devices.

Chemical: Using tranquilizers or anesthetics.

Combination methods: Using two or more of the previous methods.

Approaching an Unknown AnimalSafety first Watch animals body language-Cues to demeanor of animalsApproach from the sideAvoid cornering the animalAvoid direct eye contactExpect the unexpected

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Dog Body Language:Playful and Attentive Just In Time Training 2013Animal Behavior and Restraint: Companion Animals

PlayfulAlert and AttentiveGraphic illustrations from FEMA CERT Animal Response Module I and II

While many dogs will be approachable, others may be frightened or aggressive. Understanding a dogs body language will help to determine the best way to approach the animal. Behavioral cues are reflected in the animals facial expressions (such as the barring of teeth), head and body position, as well as ear and tail position, and possibly vocalizations or sounds.

A playful dog will have his ears up, pupils dilated, mouth open and tongue may be exposed. The front end will be lowered by bent forearms. Tail will be up and may broadly wave. The dog will usually hold this position for only a moment before breaking into a run in some random direction.

An alert and attentive dog will have ears forward which may twitch as if trying to catch a sound, eyes are wide open, the skin of the nose and forehead is smooth, and the mouth is closed. The dog may be leaning slightly forward standing tall. Its tail is horizontal, not stiff or bristled and may move slightly from side to side.

Dogs displaying playful or attentive mannerisms should generally be approachable. [These graphics show the body language postures for playful and alert and attentive dogs. Photo source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Animal Response Module II]

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Dog Body Language: Fearful or AggressiveJust In Time Training 2013Graphic illustrations from FEMA CERT Animal Response Module I and IIAnimal Behavior and Restraint: Companion AnimalsFearful Defensive ThreatAggressive - Offensive Threat

In contrast, a dog that is fearful or aggressive, will display much different body language. Many animals in disaster situations will be frightened or aggressive, especially if the dog is protecting its home or property. Dogs showing either of these behaviors should be approached with caution. A dog in either situation may act aggressively towards responders in emergency situations.

A dog that is fearful (shown in the left illustration) will have its ears laid back against its head, the pupils will be dilated, and nose wrinkled. The corners of the mouth will be pulled back with lips slightly curled and teeth may be somewhat visible. The dogs body will be lowered and the tail is tucked between the hind legs with little or no movement. Hackles or fur on the dogs back - are raised.

A dog exhibiting an aggressive posture (shown in the right illustration) will have its ears turned forward to form a wide V shape. The dogs forehead and nose will be wrinkled up. The dogs mouth will be open, lips curled and the corners of the mouth will form a C-shape. The teeth and often the gums are visible. The dog will have a stiff-legged stance, with its body leaning slightly forward. The tail is stiff, raised and bristled and may be seen to quiver or vibrate from side to side. The dogs hackles (or fur on its back) will be raised.

[These graphics show the body language postures for fearful (defensive threat) and aggressive (offensive threat) dogs. Photo source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Animal Response Module II]MSP, CFSPH - 20107

Cat Body LanguageAggressiveRear elevatedEars out to sideDirect eye contactHair raised on backRelaxedCalm posture, relaxed tailEars pointing up and out

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Safe Animal Handling:Be aware of the special stressors for animals in the clinic setting.

Never put your face directly into the face of a dog or cat.

Concentrate on the animal you are handling without being distracted by other activities. NEVER sit on the floor while handling/examining a dog. If the animal becomes aggressive or aroused you will be unable to move away or protect yourself and risk serious facial bites. Always be prepared to protect yourself or move away quickly in the event an animal becomes aggressive unexpectedly.

Safe and effective animal handling requires a thorough understanding of the normal behavior and responses of each species.CommunicationAny animal exhibiting potentially aggressive behavior should have a kennel sign (CAUTION) posted to alert others who may be handling the animal. Specific alerts or recommendations should be written on the sign and in the medical record to provide staff and other volunteers with as much information aspossible when handling the animal.

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, dont take the pet from their arms. Instead have the owner place the animal on the exam table. Animals may be protective to their owners and may bite if they feel you are threatening their owner.

Before attempting to restrain an animal you should take a moment to allow the animal to become comfortable with you: Crouch down so that you are on their level. Do not sit on the ground as you will be unable to move away or protect yourself if necessary.

Avoid direct eye contact but maintain safe visual contact with the animal

Talk in soothing tones. Avoid high-pitched, excited talk.

MICETail restraint, as described below is adequate transferring them to cage to cage.

Tail Restraint

Mice may be picked up by grasping the base of the tail.

Do not grasp the tip of the tail, as this may cause the skin to be stripped off.

This method is only used for brief restraint; for example transferring animals from cage to cage.

Never suspend the mouse for prolonged periods of time by its tail.

Forceps Restraint

Mice may also be picked up with rubber-tipped forceps by gently grasping the animal by the scruff of the neck or the base of the tail.

The forceps should be dipped in disinfectant between cages.

This method of restraint should only be used for short-term procedures such as transferring animals to a new cage.

Never suspend the animal for a prolonged period of time with the forceps.

Two-Handed MethodPlace the mouse on a rough surface while holding the tail firmly

Note:Smooth surface will frighten the mouse because it cannot get a foothold. This may cause it to turn around and bite in its attempt to escape.Grasp the nape gently and firmly with your free hand and lift the mouseMICEThis restraint is adequate for examining mice.

One Handed MethodPlace the mouses tail between the last two fingers of the hand that is holding the nape

These methods may be used to perform minor, non-painful procedures such as injections or ear tagging.

This method should be used to restrain a rat for injections and other minor procedures.RATSmay be handled by the tail, with precautions similar to those used formice, with emphasis on only grasping the tail base.

Holding the tail distal to the base can result in a de-gloving injury to the tail that will require surgical repair or euthanasia.

HAMSTERSBecause hamsters do not have tails, they must be grasped firmly by the loose skin of its back, or handled in a manner similar to therat.

RABBITSare very susceptible to lumbar spinal luxation, resulting in paralysis. It is necessary to support the animal's hindquarter at all times. Although rabbits seldom bite, they can inflict painful scratches with their hind legs. One way of lifting a rabbit is by grasping the skin over the shoulder with one hand and gently lifting it with the other arm cradling the body, the head nestled in the crook of your arm. Rabbits must never by lifted by the ears.

RabbitsGrasp the scruff of the neckLift quicklyAlways support the hindquartersNever grab by ear or tailCarry a rabbit with feetpointing awayfrom your bodyA light towel or blanket

covering the rabbit with a towel or blanket can help to calm the animal

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CATSare often cooperative enough to be restrained on a table by the loose skin at the back of the neck and hips, or with one hand restraining the body and the other restraining the head. A fractious cat may have to be wrapped in a heavy towel for restraint with any needed limbs carefully withdrawn for treatment.

Throw a towel over the head of cats and small dogs, then grasp the scruff of the neck through the towel, lifting the rear end with a hand or arm behind the rear legs to "scoop" them out of the cage.Turn the blanket to uncover the cat. Then pick up the animal in the usual manner.

HOW TO REMOVE A CAT FROM A CAGEWhen you approach cats cage, all movements should slow and deliberate. Cats are high- strung animals, and sudden movements might frighten them.Caution: Look for warning signs that indicate a cat is on the defensive. They might include hissing or growling, flattering the ears against the head and arching the back

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This method in which the animal's rear quarters are cradled in the handler's arm and the front legs are loosely griped with the same hand. The other hand is free to pet and stroke the cat's head but can also quickly grab the zygomatic arches to control the head if the animal attempts to escape.

Cat's will try to hide when frightened. You can carry a cat with one hand under the hind quarters and the other holding the scruff of the neck, letting the cat hide it's head.

Use of a cat restraint bag

Restraint bags can be used to restrain cats and small dogs. The bags are made of canvas or nylon, with a hook or other type of fastener at the neck opening and one or more zippers (or strips of Velcro) to allow selective exposure of a body part. Instead of a restraint bag, a heavy towel can be used to wrap the cats body, leaving the head exposed but use of a towel is not nearly as effective as a bag.The open bag is draped over the cats back and the neck closure is fastened. The neck fastener should be tight enough that the cat cannot insert a front foot through the neck opening.The cat is either flipped into dorsal decumbency or held off the table so the longest zipper can be zipped. As you close the zipper, take care not to catch the cat's fur in the zipper.

Zippers are strategically placed around the bag to allow selective exposure of a body part. The image on the right shows exposure of the medial aspect of the hind limb for venipuncture or catheter placement in the medial saphenous vein.

Zippers are strategically placed around the bag to allow selective exposure of a body part.

Dog Restraint Devices Slip leashesOnly if non-aggressiveLoop around neck, slip to tightenDo not attach leashto the collarDo not drag dog on leashDo not leave dog in slip leash unattended or tied to any object

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Dog Restraint DevicesMuzzlesCloth, leatherGauze, rope, twineTo prevent bitesDo not restrict open-mouth breathingEspecially in hot weatherDo not leave muzzled dog unattendedShould not be on for long periods of time

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Lifting and Carrying DogsSupport chest and hindquartersIf bite potential, muzzle prior to liftingSmall dogsLift under abdomenHand between front legsMedium dogs-Cradle arms aroundchest and haunchesLarge dogs-Two people

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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.

Lateral Restraint for DogsGently lay dog on its sideStand against dogs backPlace arms across the dogs neckand hindquarterGrasp bottomlegs

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Standing Restraint for DogsPlace one arm under the dogs neckOther arm behind the rear legs or under dogs abdomenPull dogs head snug against shoulder

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Different Methods in giving pill:FoodPill, CrushPill ,PushDrop on the FloorP,ill Hidden in a Hot Dog/Wiener1Hide the pill in a meatball.Hide it in the dog food.2Roll the pill into a thin strip of sliced lunch meat.3Sometimes simply rubbing the pill with butter will work.

1Crush the pill.The easiest way to do this is with a mortar and pestle.

2Thoroughly mix the pill powder that you created with a teaspoon of a soft, creamy treat your dog loves:a spoon-full of canned dog food, peanut butter, or yogurt.

3Let your dog lick the spoon-full of food/pill mixture.Pill Crush Method

Pills are given for several reasons, for instance, to rid them of worms or to experiment with new drugsStep 1Have some one restrain the dog in sitting position. Face the dog. Place one hand over the upper jaw, with thumb and fingers applying pressure to fold the lips inside the mouth. This will force the dogs mouth open part away.Step 2Pick up the pill between your index finger and thumb. Place the middle finger of free hand on the lower incisors. These are short teeth in the front end of the lower jaw. Press down, forcing the dog to open its mouth wider.

How to Get Your Dog to Swallow a Pill

Step 3Push the head back, so that its muzzle points up. This will give you a clear view down its throat. Drop the pill on the back of the toungeStep 4Close the dogs mouth and hold it shut. Stoke the throat until the dog swallow the pill. You will be able to feel the throat move in swallowing

Remember

You have an ethical and legal responsibility to treat all animals in a humane manner.All personnel must be appropriately trained.Always consult your veterinarian if you need assistance.

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