Equine Restraint Equine Restraint

Chapter #2Chapter #2

Pages 29-46 Pages 29-46

Large Animal Clinical Large Animal Clinical ProceduresProcedures

Physical Restraint of Physical Restraint of Horses Horses

Restraint Restraint is the term used to imply is the term used to imply control of an animal and may be control of an animal and may be necessary for medical reasons and necessary for medical reasons and nonmedical proceduresnonmedical procedures

The two types of animal restraint are The two types of animal restraint are physical restraintphysical restraint and and chemical chemical restraintrestraint

Some times both must be used to Some times both must be used to accomplish a procedure accomplish a procedure

Type of restraint Type of restraint

Physical restraintPhysical restraint refers to refers to methods that are applied to the methods that are applied to the animal with or without use of special animal with or without use of special equipment equipment

Chemical restraintChemical restraint refers to the refers to the use of pharmaceuticals to alter the use of pharmaceuticals to alter the animal’s mental or physical abilities animal’s mental or physical abilities

Know your horseKnow your horse

Good restraint involves understanding Good restraint involves understanding the natural instinct of the horse, being the natural instinct of the horse, being able to read an individual’s able to read an individual’s temperament , and recognize the temperament , and recognize the extent of handling and training that an extent of handling and training that an individual has (or has not) had. individual has (or has not) had.

Each animal is an individual and each Each animal is an individual and each has different background has different background

Make a plan Make a plan

Horses are natural Horses are natural suspicious and suspicious and respond best to a respond best to a calm, deliberated calm, deliberated approach (slow but approach (slow but confident)confident)

Good horsemen Good horsemen typically maintain typically maintain vocal and physical vocal and physical contact with the contact with the animal they are animal they are handling handling

Horses are traditionally Horses are traditionally handled primarily from handled primarily from their left side (also their left side (also called the called the near sidenear side.) .)

If the horse starts to If the horse starts to move away from you at move away from you at this point, attempt to this point, attempt to stay with the horse by stay with the horse by moving along side and moving along side and hold on to it’s mane. hold on to it’s mane. See where his hand is?See where his hand is?

NeverNever stand directly in front or directly stand directly in front or directly behind the horse during a procedure, unless behind the horse during a procedure, unless protected by a barrier or mechanical device.protected by a barrier or mechanical device.

Horses may also throw their heads Horses may also throw their heads violently , causing injuryviolently , causing injury

Even a normally “good horse” may display Even a normally “good horse” may display these responses when in pain or fear these responses when in pain or fear

Watch eyes, ears, nostril, tail, and body Watch eyes, ears, nostril, tail, and body movement of horse movement of horse

Fear/fearfullness- “flighty”Fear/fearfullness- “flighty”

Aggressive- ears back flat, nostrils Aggressive- ears back flat, nostrils largelarge

Reactive to sudden noveltyReactive to sudden novelty

Approachable Flighty/Fearful Approachable Flighty/Fearful listening listening

angry!angry!

Halter and Lead Rope Halter and Lead Rope Basic act of Basic act of

horsemanship is horsemanship is placing a halter placing a halter and lead rope- and lead rope- BE PREPARED! BE PREPARED!

The horse should The horse should be approached be approached from from the left side the left side

For initial For initial control control place the place the lead rope around lead rope around the neck the neck

Placing the halter Placing the halter

Once the halter is Once the halter is positioned and the positioned and the buckles/snaps buckles/snaps secured, the lead secured, the lead rope is attached rope is attached

Alternate Alternate attachment of lead attachment of lead rope to halter rope to halter

Leading the horse using the Leading the horse using the halter and lead rope. halter and lead rope.

Your elbow..Your elbow..

Fingers should not be placed Fingers should not be placed through the buckles or snaps of through the buckles or snaps of

the halterthe halter

Don’t….Don’t…. Improper coiling of Improper coiling of

lead rope around the lead rope around the arm. arm.

Improper coiling of Improper coiling of lead rope around lead rope around the hand.the hand.

Chain shankChain shank

When a simple lead When a simple lead rope does not provide rope does not provide enough control, the enough control, the chain portion or a chain portion or a chain shank can be chain shank can be placed over the nose placed over the nose or in the mouth for or in the mouth for increasing restraint increasing restraint

Placing the chain Placing the chain over the nose is a over the nose is a mild restraint mild restraint

Chain shankChain shank

Chain shank Chain shank attached to right attached to right upper ring upper ring

Chain shank Chain shank attached between attached between the mandibles the mandibles

Chain shanksChain shanks The chain should cross the The chain should cross the

nosepiece to provide some nosepiece to provide some protection for the horse. protection for the horse.

Placement of chain shank Placement of chain shank

under the chin.under the chin.

Placement of the chain shank Placement of the chain shank through the mouththrough the mouth

Placing the lip shank.Placing the lip shank. A,A, Holding the chain for placement of the lip Holding the chain for placement of the lip

shank.shank. B, B, Slack is given to the chain. Slack is given to the chain. C, C, Elevating Elevating the upper lip to position the chain.the upper lip to position the chain. D, D, Elevating the Elevating the

upper lip to position the chainupper lip to position the chain

Proper position of the chain Proper position of the chain against the upper gum. Note that against the upper gum. Note that

the chain lays flat against the the chain lays flat against the

gums.gums.

Never place your hand on Never place your hand on the chain shank for the chain shank for

restraining restraining

What Not to DoWhat Not to Do

Normal restraining

Always tie the horse to an Always tie the horse to an object at its shoulder level or object at its shoulder level or

higher!higher! Always tie to Always tie to

something grounded, something grounded, tree, post, etc.tree, post, etc.

Never to a fence or Never to a fence or anything the horse anything the horse can pull down – if so can pull down – if so you now have you now have something chasing something chasing your horse!your horse!

Never tie up with a Never tie up with a reins on a bridle or reins on a bridle or with a chain shankwith a chain shank

Practice Practice

Cross ties Cross ties

Blocking vision Blocking vision

A,A, Improper method for blocking vision. Improper method for blocking vision. B, B, Proper method Proper method

for blocking visionfor blocking vision

Lifting the limbs Lifting the limbs Before elevating any leg of the horse, one Before elevating any leg of the horse, one

should position the horse in a square stanceshould position the horse in a square stance To lift a forelimb, the hand is run down the To lift a forelimb, the hand is run down the

back of the leg and the tendons or back of the leg and the tendons or suspensory ligament gently squeezed suspensory ligament gently squeezed

Lifting the limbs Lifting the limbs

Alternative method is Alternative method is squeezing the chestnut squeezing the chestnut

To elevate a hind limb, face the rear of the To elevate a hind limb, face the rear of the horse and maintain contact with one hand on horse and maintain contact with one hand on the horse’s hindquartersthe horse’s hindquarters

As with the forelimb shoulder pressure into As with the forelimb shoulder pressure into the horse’s hindquarters can help shift its the horse’s hindquarters can help shift its weight to the opposite limb and encourage weight to the opposite limb and encourage lifting the leglifting the leg

Once the leg has been lifted, it can be Once the leg has been lifted, it can be held with the hands or cradled in the held with the hands or cradled in the lap/thigh area, depending on the lap/thigh area, depending on the procedure to be performed.procedure to be performed.

My techniqueMy technique

Cleaning the sole Cleaning the sole

HindlimbHindlimb

A,A, The hindlimb can be supported with one hand.The hindlimb can be supported with one hand.

B,B, The hindlimb can be supported on the thighs to The hindlimb can be supported on the thighs to free up the hands.free up the hands.

Tail Restraint Tail Restraint

Twitches Twitches

Twitches are among the oldest and most Twitches are among the oldest and most commonly used methods of restraint commonly used methods of restraint

There are two methods of twitches: There are two methods of twitches:

NaturalNatural and and Mechanical Mechanical Natural Natural twitches are applied with the hand twitches are applied with the hand

directly on the horse: no especial equipment directly on the horse: no especial equipment is requiredis required

Mechanical Mechanical twitches are manmade devices twitches are manmade devices that are applied directly on the horse that are applied directly on the horse

*Twitches of any type are NOT for foals*Twitches of any type are NOT for foals

Natural Twitch Natural Twitch The shoulder twitch (“shoulder roll” or The shoulder twitch (“shoulder roll” or

“skin twitch”)“skin twitch”)

Ear twitch Ear twitch

Improper grasping of the Improper grasping of the ear tip for an ear twitch ear tip for an ear twitch

Mechanical twitches.Mechanical twitches. Mechanical twitches are designed to “pinch” the Mechanical twitches are designed to “pinch” the

upper lipupper lip Long wooden handle with rope loop Long wooden handle with rope loop (top)(top). Short . Short

wooden handle with chain loop wooden handle with chain loop (middle)(middle). . Aluminum humane twitch Aluminum humane twitch (bottom)(bottom). .

Placing a mechanical Placing a mechanical twitch.twitch.

Proper positioning of the loop of the Proper positioning of the loop of the twitch twitch

B, Place the hand on the nose and slide it toward B, Place the hand on the nose and slide it toward the upper lip. the upper lip. C, Grasp the upper lip and elevate it slightly. C, Grasp the upper lip and elevate it slightly. D, Elevate the hand and wrist to help transfer the D, Elevate the hand and wrist to help transfer the loop from the hand over the lip. E, Transfer the loop loop from the hand over the lip. E, Transfer the loop

onto the upper lip.onto the upper lip.

Avoid blocking the nostrils Avoid blocking the nostrils while placing the twitch. while placing the twitch.

To place the twitch first control the twitch To place the twitch first control the twitch handle with a hand under an armpit while handle with a hand under an armpit while

placing the twitch loopplacing the twitch loop

Otherwise, the handle is free to swing and hit Otherwise, the handle is free to swing and hit the handler and/or the horse and cause an the handler and/or the horse and cause an

injuryinjury

Video - Restraining

Humane twitch Humane twitch It consist of two arms that function as a scissor type It consist of two arms that function as a scissor type

“clamp” on the nose.“clamp” on the nose. Pressure is controlled by opening or closing the arms of Pressure is controlled by opening or closing the arms of

the clamthe clam Apply only enough pressure with the twitch to Apply only enough pressure with the twitch to

accomplish the procedure and only as long necessary accomplish the procedure and only as long necessary

A, Approach to place the humane twitch. B, Grasp A, Approach to place the humane twitch. B, Grasp the upper lip. C, Proper placement of the humane the upper lip. C, Proper placement of the humane twitch, with the lip between the straight portion of twitch, with the lip between the straight portion of the twitch arms. D, Improper placement of the the twitch arms. D, Improper placement of the humane twitch, with the lip between the rounded humane twitch, with the lip between the rounded portion of the twitch arms.portion of the twitch arms.

Notice how these people are utilizing the Humane twitch.

Humane twitch Humane twitch

Proper way to hold the twitch. Proper way to hold the twitch. The lead rope is not wrapped The lead rope is not wrapped around the twitch handle.around the twitch handle.

The Stableizer The Stableizer

Video

Tail tie Tail tie

Tail is strong Tail is strong enough to be use enough to be use to move , lift or to move , lift or support the support the hindquarters hindquarters

The tail tie is The tail tie is performed just performed just beyond the end of beyond the end of the last coccygeal the last coccygeal vertebrae vertebrae

Tail Tie Restraint Method: good for Tail Tie Restraint Method: good for rectal palpations and vaginal rectal palpations and vaginal

examinationsexaminations

The finished product!The finished product!

Bandage on the tail Bandage on the tail

For transportation or For transportation or reproductive procedures reproductive procedures

Loading to the trailer Loading to the trailer

video

Horse stock Horse stock

They are designed They are designed to confine the to confine the horse to small area horse to small area with restricted with restricted movement, usually movement, usually only 1 to 2 feet only 1 to 2 feet lateral movement lateral movement and 1 to 2 feet of and 1 to 2 feet of front to back front to back movement movement

Horse stock Horse stock SPECIFICATIONS:SPECIFICATIONS: Sides measure 80" Sides measure 80"

long long Front measures 38" Front measures 38"

long with 32" open at long with 32" open at the top and 40" of the top and 40" of wood at the bottom wood at the bottom

12" from mounting 12" from mounting plate to steel bar plate to steel bar

Stocks may be Stocks may be adaptable adaptable

The first thing that should be done after leading a horse into the stock is to close and latch the rear gate. Notice how the guy to the left is getting ready to nudge the horse into the

stock.

Stocks are the safest way to Stocks are the safest way to manage horses.manage horses.

Cleaning the sheath Cleaning the sheath

The beans The beans

External reproductive External reproductive organs examination organs examination

Scotch HobbleScotch HobbleDenies use of hind legDenies use of hind leg

Neck CradleNeck Cradle

This muzzle is to prevent the horse from This muzzle is to prevent the horse from eating prior to sx. It does however have eating prior to sx. It does however have

small holes to allow for water consumption.small holes to allow for water consumption.

Restraint of Foals Restraint of Foals Always begins with Always begins with

catching and catching and controlling the controlling the mare mare

Touching the foal Touching the foal neck or withers neck or withers simulates the simulates the natural approach of natural approach of the mare, but the mare, but human touch is human touch is seldom appreciated seldom appreciated at this age at this age

Restraint of FoalsRestraint of Foals Foals are properly restrained with Foals are properly restrained with

one arm around the shoulder or one arm around the shoulder or base of the neck, the hind end is base of the neck, the hind end is controlled by placing the arm controlled by placing the arm around the hind quarter or by around the hind quarter or by using a tail hold with the hand using a tail hold with the hand

Chemical Restraint Chemical Restraint

Many surgical and Many surgical and medical medical procedures can be procedures can be accomplished in accomplished in the standing horse the standing horse if appropriate if appropriate combinations of combinations of physical and physical and chemical restraint chemical restraint are employedare employed

Chemical Restraint Chemical Restraint

It's preferable to It's preferable to perform procedures perform procedures with the horse with the horse standing rather than standing rather than under general under general anesthesia where anesthesia where possible because possible because horses have a greater horses have a greater risk of complications risk of complications from general from general anesthesia than other anesthesia than other speciesspecies

"No single drug produces 'ideal' "No single drug produces 'ideal' standing chemical restraint in standing chemical restraint in

every horse," every horse," There are nine medications There are nine medications

approved in the United approved in the United States for restraining States for restraining horses, only five are horses, only five are currently on the market: currently on the market:

Acepromazine, Acepromazine, butorphanol, butorphanol, detomidine, detomidine, romifidine, and romifidine, and xylazine.xylazine.

Phenothiazines (such as Phenothiazines (such as acepromazine)acepromazine) “ace” “ace”

Calm horses Calm horses (sedative), but do not (sedative), but do not provide analgesia provide analgesia (pain relief). However, (pain relief). However, they can enhance the they can enhance the analgesic effects of analgesic effects of some other some other medications. They can medications. They can be given orally, be given orally, intramuscularly, or intramuscularly, or intravenouslyintravenously

AcepromazineAcepromazine

In particular yields In particular yields sedation without sedation without significant ataxia significant ataxia (incoordination), but a (incoordination), but a known issue is rare known issue is rare persistent penile persistent penile prolapse/paralysis prolapse/paralysis

DOSAGE DOSAGE 0.044-0.088mg/kg (2-0.044-0.088mg/kg (2-4mg/100lbs) IV, IM, SQ4mg/100lbs) IV, IM, SQ

Good for 20 minutes Good for 20 minutes

Alpha-2 agonists (including Alpha-2 agonists (including xylazine, detomidine, and xylazine, detomidine, and

romifidine)romifidine) Provide sedation, muscle Provide sedation, muscle

relaxation, ataxia, and relaxation, ataxia, and analgesia when given analgesia when given sublingually (under the sublingually (under the tongue), intravenously, or tongue), intravenously, or intramuscularly. Sedation intramuscularly. Sedation is more powerful than is more powerful than that provided by that provided by phenothiazines.phenothiazines.

Xylazine is one of the Xylazine is one of the cheapest and most cheapest and most commonly used drugs in commonly used drugs in this classthis class Dosage XYLAZINE

1.1mg/kg IV2.2 mg/kg IM

DetomidineDetomidine It is 100 times more It is 100 times more

powerful than xylazine and powerful than xylazine and lasts at least twice as long, lasts at least twice as long, but it is more expensive. but it is more expensive.

Detomidine placed under Detomidine placed under the tongue can give you the tongue can give you good sedation after 30-45 good sedation after 30-45 minutes.minutes.

Simple dosing: 1 or 2 mL Simple dosing: 1 or 2 mL per 1,100 lbs horse IM or per 1,100 lbs horse IM or IV IV

DORMOSEDAN GELDORMOSEDAN GEL Produces sedation when Produces sedation when

administered sublingually administered sublingually at 0.018 mg/lb (0.040 at 0.018 mg/lb (0.040 mg/kg).mg/kg).

Dormosedan Gel must be Dormosedan Gel must be placed beneath the tongue placed beneath the tongue of the horse, and is not of the horse, and is not meant to be swallowed. meant to be swallowed. One 3 ml oral syringe One 3 ml oral syringe provides dosage for up to provides dosage for up to 1210-1320 lbs. body 1210-1320 lbs. body weight..weight..

alpha-2 agonistsalpha-2 agonists

Side effects of alpha-2 agonists can Side effects of alpha-2 agonists can include decreased heart rate and include decreased heart rate and cardiac output, heartbeat cardiac output, heartbeat irregularities, hypertension irregularities, hypertension (increased blood pressure), (increased blood pressure), decreased respiratory rate, and decreased respiratory rate, and reduced reduced salivation/swallowing/gastrointestinasalivation/swallowing/gastrointestinal motilityl motility

Cocktails Cocktails

Acepromazine Acepromazine 0.02mg/kg with 0.02mg/kg with Xylazine 0.6 Xylazine 0.6 mg/kg IVmg/kg IV

Xylazine 0.55 Xylazine 0.55 mg/kg with mg/kg with Ketamine 1.1 Ketamine 1.1 mg/kg IVmg/kg IV

Questions? Questions? Ask the Old RoyalsAsk the Old Royals