ANIMAL Ang, Mikhaela Lynn

Cardines, Kent
Rillo, Moira Ysabel

RESTRAINT
Sagun, Rose Ann
Villanueva, Nicka

S
VSURG 185 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY AND
ANESTHESIA
PROPER
RESTRAINT preserve the
health and well-
conduct being of
therapeutic animals
procedures
diagnose
 defined as a means
of holding back,

RESTRAINT in checking, or
suppressing action
VETERINARY keeping under
MEDICINE control; or depriving
of physical freedom
 MODERATE FORM
restraint tools
• corral, box stall, or cages
1 • in order to limit the animal’s movement
• temporarily immobilize the animal body’s
TWO portion

FORMS OF
RESTRICTIVE FORM
RESTRAIN chemicals

T 2
• tranquilizers, sedatives, and general
anesthetics
• in order to reduce or to cause a complete loss
of muscular control
 Three Categories of Restraint
• requires familiarity with animals and understanding the way their minds work
1 • simple clear command to an animal, given by one who understands its nature
• art of restraint can only be attained by intelligent observation of animals and
MORAL
experience in handling them

• Involves manual handling of the animal or the use of restraint devices

2 • Improper application of physical restraint can turn gentle animals into excited and
PHYSICAL rebellious patients

• Involves the use of drugs to alter the physiological state of an animal, its threshold for
3 pain, or both
• it is important that the practitioner have a sound knowledge of the drug to be used and
CHEMICAL
be familiar with its expected action
CIRCUMSTANCES
FOR RESTRAINT
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
1 TIME

• usually depends on the

⚬ species of the animal
⚬ the type of restraint used
• sometimes chemical restraints are involved in this circumstance
⚬ animal should be sedated early in the day so that it can recover for the rest of
the day
• When physically restraining
⚬ the time of day is also a consideration because some animals are easily
handled during their resting periods
• nocturnal animals are easily handled in bright light
• diurnal animals are easily handled in subdued lighting.
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
2 TEMPERATURE

• Weather conditions might pose issues with restraint

• Plan procedures that need physical restriction during cooler times of the day, if
possible
• Early morning is frequently the best time because it is usually cool, and the
animals may be monitored for problems throughout the day
⚬ varies on the geographical location of the veterinary clinic
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
3 SETTING

• physical environment wherein it should be considered if the animal will still be

contained if ever it gets away from the restraint
• Small animals are usually restrained in an examination room or hospital treatment
area
⚬ doors and windows are securely latched to prevent escape
⚬ countertops should be cleared of excess equipment to prevent injury.
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
4 PHEROMONES

• chemicals that are excreted outside an animal’s body that results in signaling
other animals
• used to help alleviate stress in dogs and cats
• used in a clinical setting as aerosols or applied directly to restraint devices
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
5 PERSONNEL

• team
⚬ veterinarians
⚬ veterinary technicians
⚬ veterinary assistants that are capable of restraining animals
• person chosen to apply the constraint is determined by
⚬ technique to be performed
⚬ assistance available
⚬ circumstances involved
• Owners should never be required to restrain their pets during a procedure
⚬ unaware of the complexities of restraint or what it will take to keep an animal under control
throughout the procedure
• lawsuits may be filed by the owners who have been hurt while restraining their animals
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
6 PLANNING

• ensures the safety of everyone involved by thoroughly planning on which

restraint technique would be most applicable on the various types of animals.
• using a combination of procedures
⚬ you must organize the sequence of restraint techniques so that you can
transfer from one to the next without stopping and deciding on the next step.
 CIRCUMSTANCES FOR RESTRAINT
7 DURATION

• restraint technique should not be used until everyone is ready to do their part of
the procedure
• even if an animal is held in an unnatural position for a short period of time, it
may begin to struggle
⚬ making the procedure stressful for both you and the animal.
• technique of constraint should be used promptly and confidently
• if used inappropriately, it might cause serious harm
• should not be attempted if you are unaware how to apply a specific sort of
constraint.
TEMPERAMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL AGE

• method of restraint that works well on one

animal may be contraindicated in another
• The restraint methods used on young
animal based onAdditsa temperament
main point animals will vary from those used on
• one should have a working knowledge of
mature animals.
a variety of restraint techniques

SIZE AND PHYSICAL CONDITION ANATOMIC LOCATION INVOLVED

• These factors are extremely important, • The area of the body as well as the extent
particularly when dealing with horses and of the involvement must be taken into
the exotic breeds of cattle consideration whenAdd deciding
a main point on a method

of restraint. Briefly elaborate on what

you want to discuss.
SENSITIVITY OF THE PART SELF LIMITATIONS

• expected excitement on the part of the patient and

possible risk to the operator
• required to choose between tranquilizers, local • Personal limitations, as well as those of
anesthetic agents, general anesthetics,
Add a main point or a equipment, and facilities should be taken
combination of several methods into consideration when selecting a
• In all cases, humane techniques should be given
method of restraint.
first priority.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TRAINED ASSISTANTS

LIABILITIES
• The successful implementation of many procedures,
• Upon accepting a case for diagnosis,
whether basic or advanced, often requires specially
treatment, etc. one also assumes a certain trained or experienced personnel. The undertaking of such
degree of responsibility for the animal's procedures without this Add
helpaismain point and may
a handicap
jeopardize the outcome of the restraint method or even the
well being. As such, one should avoid the Briefly elaborate on what
life of the patient. you want to discuss.
use of restraint methods which may result
in injury, etc
DRUG ADMINISTRATION

• administer a drug is to make the drug accessible to the patient’s body

where the effect is desired
• drug therefore, is desired by the therapist to elicit or manifest effect
where it is desired
• this to occur, the drug must come in contact with the tissues of organs
and cells of tissues by one way or the other, the way the drug comes in
contact or is made accessible to the tissue fluids tissues, cells,
extracellular and intracellular fluids is the route of administration of
drug
DRUG ADMINISTRATION

ORAL PARENTERAL
THE CHOICE OF THE ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION
CAN BE INFLUENCED BY SEVERAL FACTORS SUCH AS:

1 drug dosage forms

2 nature of the drug

3 desired bioavailability of the therapist

4 desired onset of action

5 duration of action
COMPLICATIONS
OF ANIMAL
RESTRAINT
 COMPLICATIONS OF
ANIMAL RESTRAINT

Unexpected circumstances may cause problems regardless of how carefully a restraint strategy is
planned

• You can cope with challenges more effectively if you anticipate the
• animals do not respond to gentle words and caresses, drastic measures (involvement of chemical
restraint) must be taken to control
• most important thing to remember in these instances is not to lose your temper
⚬ when you grow angry, the likelihood of the animal cooperating decreases
⚬ animals may easily detect your rage and dissatisfaction and will likely grow more agitated as
a result
• Keep in mind to always use the minimum amount of restraint necessary to complete a procedure.
• should begin with a gentle hand and comforting voice, gradually increasing restriction as needed
 GENERAL
PRINCIPLE OF
ANIMAL
RESTRAINT
1 CONSIDERATION

• it is important to be cautious, since all animals are capable of becoming startled or anxious in a
medical facility
• approaching an unknown or unfamiliar animal, extend your hand palm down, fingers slightly
bent toward your palm, allowing the dog to sniff the back of your hand
• keep an eye on the animal's reaction and avoid direct eye contact
• body of a friendly dog is relaxed, and the animal eagerly sniffs your hand, wags its tail, and
gradually loses interest in the given hand
2 SPECIAL HANDLING

• Considering the size, shape, condition and personality of animals

• nervous, aggressive, and injured animals requires special handling
• special handling is important in order to prioritize the safety of the animal and
the handler
2 SPECIAL HANDLING YOUNG ANIMALS
• characteristically full of energy, hence, must be watched constantly.
• animal on examination tables or countertops, keep your hand in constant
contact with them, as they are prone to falling and injuring themselves
• use a soft voice when they're misbehaving and your calm and friendly voice
when they're good

PREGNANT
• always be conscious of where your hands are when detaining ANIMALS
a pregnant
animal, as well as how much pressure you put to the animal’s abdomen
• applying excessive pressure on their abdominal organs during restraint can
have severe repercussions.
2 SPECIAL HANDLING OLD GERIATRIC ANIMALS

• old animals are frequently pampered pets who are accustomed to or are
treated with loving handling
• joints may be arthritic and should not be forced into unnatural positions.

NERVOUS ANIMALS
• must be handled with great caution, as they can be easily provoked to bite
• recognizing nervous animal include symptoms of shivering, anxious
expression, cowering, rapid head and ear movements, and ducking of its head.
2 SPECIAL HANDLING AGGRESSIVE ANIMALS
• When handling aggressive animals, two or more people should be involved
• If one person falls into danger, the other can assist or bring assistance
• Some handlers do not look directly at a violent animal and instead stand
sideways rather than face the animal directly on
• If you are attacked by an animal
⚬ attempt to flee into another room
⚬ if that is not possible, remain still
⚬ curl into a fetal position if pulled down
⚬ clutch firmly to a solid object if standing
⚬ protect your face and throat
⚬ scream for help.
2 SPECIAL HANDLING INJURED ANIMALS

• Like geriatric animals, injured animals must be treated with extreme caution and
care
• stretcher or flat board is the best way to transport an injured animal. If neither of
these are available, a towel or blanket can suffice, depending on the size of the
animal
• to carry an animal using a blanket or towel, move the animal onto the blanket
while supporting all parts of its body
• Lifting and shifting the body may take two or more individuals. When the animal
is on the blanket, you can move it by lifting up on the blanket's corner
 3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL

Handling Caged Animals

Most animals are excited to be able to leave their cage and greet its owner. Your main
concern is keeping them from falling to the ground and potentially injuring themselves
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Handling Caged Animals
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Handling Caged Animals
 3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL

Large Friendly or Calm Animal

Large animals (those weighing more than 35 pounds) are typically housed in large
cages at floor level or in runs. A friendly animal is relatively simple to remove.
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Large Friendly or Calm Animal
 3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL

Nervous or Aggressive Animal

Occasionally, these types of animals will not allow strangers to touch them, not the
cage. In these cases, it is recommended to try to entice the animal out of the cage
with gentle urgings while standing clear of the door and letting it stroll out on its
own. Of course, only do this if the dog is in a ground-level cage. Allowing the
animal to leave its domain and into unfamiliar surroundings generally calms it
down. Approach the animal slowly and wrap the leash around its head. Before you
let the animal out of the cage, make sure all possible escape routes have been
closed off. The animal may attempt to leave once it is free of the cage. Keep in
mind that grabbing the animal with your bare hands will force it to turn and bite.
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Nervous or Aggressive Animal
Use a capture pole if the animal is aggressive and you need it out of the cage
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Nervous or Aggressive Animal
Use a capture pole if the animal is aggressive and you need it out of the cage
3 RESTRAINING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL
Nervous or Aggressive Animal
For smaller animal that will not leave the back of the cage
GENERAL RESTRAINT
PROCEDURES

• Most animals can be lifted onto an examination table so that the veterinarian can
perform any necessary procedures. Most dogs feel more at ease on the table if they
are allowed to sit
• Some animals become very unsteady when forced to stand on a slick examination
tabletop
• The procedure being performed will determine whether you allow the dog to stand or
rest in sternal recumbency
1 STANDING RESTRAINT

• For extra-large animals, this hold can be performed on an examination table

or on the floor
• This hold is used for physical examinations such as temperature, pulse, and
breathing testing
• This hold can also be used to give subcutaneous and intramuscular
injections, express anal glands, deliver enemas, and check the animal's
limbs.
 1 STANDING RESTRAINT
1. Wrap one arm around the animal’s neck and squeeze it against your
shoulder to control its head.

2. Place the other arm beneath its abdomen to keep the dog standing close
to your body. Keeping the animal close to your body and on the table's
edge closest to you provides you the most control over the animal.

3. If you have a small animal, take it into your arms and hold it tight.

4. Hold the tail around its base and raise it out of the way for rectal
examinations. With a normal-weight animal, you can support some of their
weight with the tail as long as you do not entirely lift the dog's back end.
2 STERNAL RESTRAINT

• To keep large animals on the table, two people may be required. One person
wraps one arm around the animal’s neck, while the other drapes over the
animal’s shoulders and grasps the animal's front leg.
• The other person wraps each arm over the animal’s back end to maintain it
in the sternal position and from leaning over.
2 STERNAL RESTRAINT
• Begin by establishing proper standing restraint. Keep your arm over the animal’s neck, then take it out
from under the abdomen and place it behind the stifles.
• Push forward gently on the stifles while tilting the animal's neck back. This causes the animal’s hind legs
to buckle and then sit.
• To keep control of the animal, place it against your shoulder and body. Control the animal’s head with one
arm while bringing your other arm over its body and grasping its front limbs with that hand.
2 STERNAL RESTRAINT
4. Put your finger between the animal’s legs to get more control. To guide the animal into the sternal
position, use your arm and body to gently push on the animal’s back while slowly pulling its front legs
forward.
5. Maintain a sternal position for the animal by wrapping one arm around its neck and the other over its
back or over its side. Maintain control by pressing the animal’s body against yours.
3 LATERAL RESTRAINT
• This procedure is also used for a variety of procedures such as: urine catheterization, nail trims,
injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intracardiac), and allows access to the lateral saphenous
vein for venipuncture or catheterization.

• Begin with the animal in standing restraint with the head by your left hand so the animal will end up
in lateral recumbency.
• Move your left hand over the animal’s neck, to reach between its front legs, and grasp its front left
leg.
• Move your right arm over the back, reaching for the animal’s left hind leg
• Lift the legs, moving them away from you as you slide the animal’s body against your torso, allowing
the dog to reston its side.
• Hold the animal down using your left forearm to press on its neck, and that hand holds the animal’s
front legs.
• Place your right arm behind the animal’s rear end and hold onto its rear legs.
3 LATERAL RESTRAINT

• This can also be used on large breeds but two

people are often necessary; one handles the
forelimbs while the other handles the rear. Once
in lateral recumbency, one handler can hold
down the legs touching the table and apply
pressure on the neck and hind quarters with the
forearms.

• Be careful not to exert too much pressure on the

neck. This can obstruct the airway and cause
the animal to panic and struggle.
4 LATERAL RESTRAINT TO STANDING RESTRAIN
• After the surgical procedure, and if the dog is calm & not
struggling, the dog can be let up by releasing its rear legs, then
letting go of its front legs. If the animal is upset, more caution
should be applied by controlling the dog’s head before allowing
it to gain its feet.

• Release the back legs and place your right hand over the dog’s
neck, while continuously pinning the dog’s head to the table by
reaching under the left elbow.
• Release the animal’s front legs and quickly move your left hand
under the animal’s head and assist the right hand while holding
the head as the animal regains its footing.
• Allow the animal to move into a sternal or standing restraint
position.
5 STERNAL TO LATERAL RESTRAINT
• Place the dog in sternal recumbency, with its left side against your
torso.
• Quickly move your left arm over the animal’s neck to grasp its front
legs and hold its head to your body with your left forearm.
• Move the right arm to the animal’s hind leg and grasp the inside of its
left hind leg.
• The legs are pulled away from you as its back slides towards your
body. Snug the animal’s body close to yours and elevate the front legs
slightly, rolling the animal’s weight onto its shoulders.
• Hold the animal in place with your left arm on its neck and your left
hand holding its front legs while your right hand holds its back legs.
• Alternatively, for a calm animal, restrain it in lateral recumbency
while the restrainer occludes the vessel.
 Restraint of the head is important for medicating and examining the ears
6 HEAD RESTRAINT and eyes, administering oral medication, and preparation for muzzle
placement.

First Technique
• Starting in a standing restraint position, slide the hand that is around the animal’s
neck forward, quickly grasping the muzzle by wrapping your fingers around both
jaws.
• Push the animal’s head into your shoulder for more stability; placing your head
behind its head using your chin as a block to help stabilize the animal’s head from
moving back away from examination.
• If the animal is big or hard to handle, you may need to place your arm from under
the abdomen to help pin the animal’s head to your shoulder while entrapping the
muzzle, then return your arm to under the abdomen or there may be a need for use
of a commercial muzzle.
 Restraint of the head is important for medicating and examining the ears
6 HEAD RESTRAINT and eyes, administering oral medication, and preparation for muzzle
placement.

Second Technique
• Starting in sternal restraint, move one hand up to encircle
the muzzle and bring your other hand over the back,
resting your forearm against the animal’s shoulder.
• Plant your thumb just behind the ear and on the base of the
mandible, wrapping the rest of your fingers under its
mandible; making sure not to place pressure on the
animal’s trachea.
Domestic Animal
Restraints
 HORSE

• startled by quick movements and loud noises but usually respond to voice
commands
• speak firmly, but do not shout
• voice and other mannerisms betray fear, quickly detected by a horse
• if one lack confidence, remain silent
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
HORSE
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
HORSE
CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
HORSE
 CATTLE

• temperament of each cow must be considered before approaching her for

examination or to apply severely restrictive restraint devices
• beef cattle; it is likely that the animal must be roped or put into a chute or
stock to halter it or approach closely enough to conduct an examination
• dairy animals; usually may be readily approached if confined in a stanchion or
tied to a fence.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
CATTLE
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
CATTLE
CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
CATTLE
 SWINE

• virtually impossible to capture or handle an adult pig in a large enclosure

• move the pig into a small pen by driving, or entice it into the small enclosure
with feed.
• can be driven into a smaller pen either individually or as a group
• if a group of swine of mixed sizes must be handled, sort them out by size first to
prevent large animals from trampling smaller individuals
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
SWINE
CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
SWINE
 DOG

• leash is an important device

• leather and chain leashes used by owners when they walk their dogs are rarely
suitable for restraint
• light leather strap can be bitten through by a frightened or angry dog, and the
swivel attachments are usually flimsy
• collars vary greatly in design
• Always talk to a dog as you approach it to pick it up
• Approach from the side rather than directly from the front
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
DOG
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
DOG
CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
DOG
 CAT

• Neophyte cat handlers often apply more force than is necessary, causing the cat to resist
• If a cat struggles, relaxing the grip may end resistance
• When a cat in a cage is approached, it quickly gives evidence as to whether or not it is friendly
• An unfriendly cat hisses and spits at the person nearing the cage.
• closer contact is attempted, the cat will strike out with a paw or attempt to bite an encroaching hand
• person must then either assume the cat is bluffing and risk picking it up or, preferably, take steps to
divert the cat’s attention while capturing it.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
CAT
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
CAT
CHEMICAL RESTRAINT
CAT
Proper animal restraint is essential not only to be able to conduct routine
examination or administer treatment

• but is integral in reducing stress and maximizing safety for both the
animal, the handlers and the examiners
• Good restraint is mainly centered around empathy, fitness and
technique, and has little to do with strength
• Safety and success is more likely when personnel strive to reduce
actions that trigger aggression and/or escape responses in animals.
 ANIMAL Ang, Mikhaela
Cardines, Kent
Rillo, Moira Ysabel

RESTRAINT
Sagun, Rose Ann
Villanueva, Nicka

S
VSURG 185 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY AND
ANESTHESIA
 REFERENCES

• Ballard B. M. & Rockett J. (2009). Restraint and handling for veterinary technicians and
assistants. Delmar Cengage Learning.
• Chastain C. B. (2018). Animal handling and physical restraint. CRC Press is an imprint of
Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business. Retrieved from
http://www.crcnetbase.com/isbn/9781315153315.
• Chapman S. J. (2018). Safe handling and restraint of animals : a comprehensive guide. John
Wiley & Sons
• Fowler, M. E. (2008). Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals. Blackwell
Publishing
• Sheldon, C. C., Sonsthagen T. F., and Topel, J. A. (2017). Animal Restraint for Veterinary
Professionals, 2nd ed. Elsevier