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This skill will require you to restrain large and small dogs using the techniques outlined on the skill sheet. You will need to demonstrate methods of handling of aggressive or frightened patients, remove small to medium sized patients from cages, placing an Elizabethan collar on patient, place and restrain dogs on exam tables using proper technique. Upon completion of this skill, you will be able to apply handling and restraint techniques to canine patients while avoiding harm to yourself and the dog.
Tips for materials required for submission
You will need to submit digital videos of you performing each of the following restraint procedures/ techniques:
Lateral recumbency restraint:
When placing the dog into lateral position from standing position reach over the dog and grab the legs closest to you out from under the dog. Pull the legs in the direction opposite from your body so that the dorsal side of the dog falls toward your body, allowing you to control the fall. This will help reduce the impact of the dog hitting the table.
Once in the lateral position make sure to control the head using the same arm you are using to hold the front legs. Make sure to apply adequate pressure to keep the head restrained but not so much you restrict breathing.
You should be holding and slightly lifting the bottom leg ( the one closest to the table) up.
Sternal recumbency restraint:
This is different than sitting restraint. The dogs sternum should be touching the table or floor. It is fine to start in the sitting position but the end result needs to be sternal.
Make sure you are showing that you have control of the head.
Lifting a large dog onto an exam table:
Lift without assistance.
Lift with your knees and make sure your back is straight.
You should show that you have control of the dogs head.
Support and control the hindquarters as you are lifting.
Removing a small to medium dog from a middle or upper cage:
Do not be afraid to greet the dog and see if you can call it toward you at the front of the cage.
Be sure not to startle the dog if it is sleeping. This can lead to you being bitten.
Once the dog is within your reach first secure the head. This is very important!
The hindquarters should be supported and held close to your body. This will help you control the dog and lessen the chance of it wiggling out of your arms or being dropped.
Make sure you control the head at all times.
Applying a nylon or leather muzzle
Make sure the muzzle is the appropriate size.
If it is too large there can be enough room for he dog or open its mouth and still bite.
If it is too small it can restrict breathing or injure the dog. You should be able to see the nares through the hole in the front of the muzzle.
The strap should be tight enough around the head to keep it in place but not so tight that it causes discomfort or injury.
The dog's ears should be over the straps.
Control the dog's head.
Control the front legs if the dog tries to paw off the muzzle.
Applying a gauze muzzle:
Make sure to include each step of the process in your video.
Get an appropriate length of gauze.
The amount needed for a small to medium dog is usually the length of your arms extended at your sides (one wingspan). The amount for a large dog is twice that of it needed for a small to medium dog.
Tie the gauze so it is looped.
Hold the ends and keeping your hands away from the muzzle slide the loop over the muzzle.
If you wrap the gauze one more time so that the ends crosses at the mandible and then tie it; it will prevent the gauze from being close to the dog's eyes when you tie the gauze at the back of the head.
The gauze should be tight enough that that dog should not be able to open its mouth.
The gauze should be tied around the back of the head, under the ears.
Demonstrating the use of a restraint pole:
Hold the dog away from your body and the loop tight.
Placing an Elizabethan collar:
Make sure the Elizabethan collar is the appropriate size for the dog.
Make sure the collar is properly secured around the neck. It shouldn't be so tight it chokes the dog but not so loose that the dog can scratch it off.
All animals must be fully awake/not sedated
Helpful resources in addition to your textbooks and study guides:
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