Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant. Lori Renda-Francis

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Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant - Lori Renda-Francis


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on top of the dog’s muzzle (Figure 4.2). Keep your hands at a safe distance at all times, pulling the tie ends of the gauze down and around underneath the dog’s muzzle and crossing them underneath the chin. Tighten the gauze again, and then bring the ends of the gauze back behind the dog’s head, cross the ends behind the dog’s ears, and tie in a bow (Figure 4.3).

      Application of a leather, nylon or basket muzzle

Photo depicts application of gauze muzzle (1).

      Source: Courtesy of Dr Lori Renda‐Francis, LVT.

Photo depicts application of gauze muzzle (2).

      Source: Courtesy of Dr Lori Renda‐Francis, LVT.

      Using a catchpole

      A catchpole is another commercially available device that may be used to restrain and move an aggressive or fearful dog. There are many names for this device – catchpole, dog catcher, rabies pole. This is a rigid pole that allows the health‐care team member to remain at a distance from the dog while restraining it. The catchpole has a quick‐release handle, which ensures that the dog does not become strangled. Care must be taken at all times to ensure that the dog is not choking but that the loop is tight enough around the dog’s head to prevent it from slipping out. The catchpole 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.

      Light restraint

      Kenneling

      All health‐care team members should be aware of the fight or flight principle when kenneling and restraining animals. If there is an opening to get out of the cage or out of a restraint hold, the animal will take it. Health‐care team members must be aware of their surroundings at all times, insuring that no route is accessible for escape by an animal prior to opening a door to remove a pet and before releasing the restraint of a pet. When taking a pet from a cage or a kennel, the health‐care team member must block the door opening with a knee or forearm to obstruct an obvious escape route.

Photo depicts light restraint.

      Source: Courtesy of Kara M. Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition).

      Fearful or aggressive dogs must be removed with caution from a cage or kennel. Common sense plays a huge role in the removal and restraint of aggressive dogs. The health‐care team should muzzle or sedate an aggressive dog prior to placing it in the cage. The dog is protecting its territory, so cornering it will make it feel threatened. This is the perfect time to use voice as a restraint aid and offer approval and comfort. The use of a capture pole may be warranted, especially in instances where the dog is attacking the leash or the area of the kennel in which the team member is standing.

      Lifting and positioning a dog

      Always bend at the knees to pick up an animal. Do not bend over at the waist, as you put yourself at increased risk for back injury. Working with animals requires strength and proper posture. All health‐care team members must adhere to proper lifting techniques for the good of the individual, team members, and patient. After bending at the knees and keeping your back straight, you can lift a small‐breed dog by placing one hand under its mandible and your forearm under its abdomen. The dog should be carried close to your body for stability at all times. Medium‐sized dogs should be held with one arm under the neck and the other arm under the abdomen or around the dog’s hindquarters. For the safety of the pet and the safety and health and longevity of the team members, lifting large‐breed dogs requires two team members who must communicate and work together to insure safety. 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.

      Placing a large dog on an exam table may produce anxiety for the animal, so the health‐care team should attempt to examine the dog on the floor. Alternatively, hydraulic lift tables are becoming more popular. The dog may be placed on the table at ground level and secured, with health‐care team members readily on hand. The table can then be raised to a level that allows the team to examine the dog.


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