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
It is important to select a muzzle that is the correct size. You will want to make sure that the dog is able to pant but not bite. You will also want to make sure it does not bunch the skin under the eyes and is not longer than the dog’s nose length. The muzzle should end no closer than ½ inch from the eyes. Before trying to apply the muzzle, ensure that the fastener on the muzzle is adjusted to the approximate size of the dog’s head. Approach the dog from the back or side. If the animal is being restrained, you may be able to approach him from the front. Hold the side straps out while slipping the material over the dog’s nose. The longer part of the material should be under the jaw, so the straps fasten under the ears. The shorter part of the material should be on the top of the dog’s nose. Clip the ends of the fastener together behind the dog’s head and pull the straps tight against the head.
Figure 4.2 Application of gauze muzzle (1).
Source: Courtesy of Dr Lori Renda‐Francis, LVT.
Figure 4.3 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
Finally, the health‐care team member can use his or her voice to help comfort and soothe a frightened or nervous animal. It is advised to use a soft tone. For some dogs, a higher pitched voice will be soothing, and for others, a voice tone that is deep and authoritative in nature should be used. The health‐care team member should use the voice tone that makes the most sense with each dog. The use of a soft voice, regardless of the pitch, is calming to dogs. Many animals respond to a gentle serenade or shushing sound. Oftentimes, light restraint with a gentle voice is all that is needed to reassure a dog (Figure 4.4).
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.
Figure 4.4 Light restraint.
Source: Courtesy of Kara M. Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition).
A health‐care team member can pick up a small‐breed dog that is not fearful or aggressive by grasping the animal’s scruff or by placing a hand under the dog’s chin and placing 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. Large‐breed dogs typically will be placed in a kennel or a larger cage closer to the ground. These dogs can be led out after the cage is opened, the escape route blocked, and a leash slipped around the dog’s neck.
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.
Restraint while standing is necessary when the dog is undergoing a physical examination, anal sac expression, having its temperature taken rectally, or if a vaginal or rectal smear must be obtained. Restraint for these procedures involves placing one arm around the dog’s neck or muzzle and the other arm around the dog’s body. 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. The restraint should not be a tight stranglehold on the dog but rather a tender hold with some softly spoken words. A tender hold with a well‐behaved patient was all that was needed during the physical examination in Figure 4.5. The health‐care team members must be ready at all times to tighten the grip if the patient starts to struggle or become aggressive.