1st Edition
Concise Textbook of Small Animal Handling A Practical Handbook
This instructional pocket reference condenses the most important aspects of small animal handling. It provides a portable, durable means of learning 'on the ground', as well as a convenient way to refresh on how to strive for safety and efficacy in animal handling techniques. Spiralbound for practical use at the animal’s side during veterinary placements in a clinic or laboratory, the text covers:
- Handler safety
- Animal safety
- Sanitation
- Approach and capture
- Routine handling and release procedures
- Handling for medical procedures
- Use and supply sources of restraint equipment
A Companion Website provides additional self-assessment questions and answers to aid learning. Important reading for undergraduate veterinary students as well as practicing technicians, nurses and assistants, the book instructs on safe and humane handling of species encountered in both small animal practice and laboratory settings.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Caution
Author Biography
1. SAFER ANIMAL HANDLING AND PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
Handling and Animal Welfare
The More Effective Handler: The Art of Firm Kindness
Conditions for Handling and Restraint
Risks of Injury
Risks of Disease to Handlers and Other Animals
Ethical Concerns
Legal Considerations
Roles of Chemical and Physical Restraint
Keys to Good Handling of All Animals
2. SMALL ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Behavior and Handling
Predator or Prey Behavior
Animal Hierarchy: Social Dominance
Socialization with Humans
Flight Zone
Senses and Behavior
Resistance Behaviors
Species Differences in Aggression and Avoidance
Training Methods for Handling Animals
Health and Behavior
Stereotypic Behavior and Environmental Enrichment
Nutraceuticals for Control of Anxiety
Animal Behavior Specialists
3. DOGS
Natural Behavior of Dogs
Safety First
Approaching and Catching
Handling for Routine Care and Management
Walking Dogs
Lifting and Carrying Dogs
Handling for Common Medical Procedures
Special Equipment
Transporting Dogs by Automobile or Truck
4. CATS
Natural Behavior of Cats
Safety First
Approaching and Catching
Handling for Routine Care and Management
Handling for Common Medical Procedures
Special Equipment
5. OTHER SMALL MAMMALS
Natural Behavior of Small Mammals
Safety First
Mice
Rats
Hamsters
Gerbils
Guinea Pigs
Chinchillas
Degus
Sugar Gliders
African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Rabbits
Ferrets
Handling Small Mammals for Common Medical Procedures
6. COMPANION BIRDS
Types of Caged Companion Birds and Birds of Prey
Natural Behavior of Companion Birds
Safety First
Approaching and Catching
Handling for Routine Care and Management
Handling for Common Medical Procedures
Special Equipment and Procedures
7. REPTILES
Types of Pet Reptiles
Natural Behavior of Reptiles
Safety First
Turtles and Tortoises (Chelonians)
Snakes
Lizards
Handling of Reptiles for Common Medical Procedures
Transporting Reptiles
Appendix
Index
Biography
C.B. Chastain is a professor emeritus and adjunct professor of veterinary medicine and former Section Head of Small Animal Medicine and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Missouri. He also has been on faculty at Iowa State University and Louisiana State University. In addition to being a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, he has authored journal articles, book chapters in veterinary medical and allied publications, and textbooks on clinical endocrinology and animal handling and physical restraint. He was also chief editor of the monthly journal, Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery for 20 years. Prior to entering academic veterinary medicine, he was a horse wrangler for a horseback riding stable and a licensed guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; worked in mixed animal veterinary medical practices in Missouri, Illinois, and New Mexico; and a captain in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. He has handled, restrained, and trained a variety of animals in differing environments and taught aspects of animal handling for more than 40 years at the undergraduate and professional school levels. Currently, he is a professor and consultant for Veterinary Online Programs at the University of Missouri.
Safe animal handling is a foundation of training for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. With the popularity of various low stress training and certifications for veterinary staff it is always important to stay abreast of the latest in animal restraint. This handbook is an easy to use and practical guide for various species. I particularly found the exotic companion mammal, bird, and reptile sections of great interest. The artwork in the handbook adds to the text's descriptions so readers are not left self-interpreting how the technique should be performed. I appreciate the author's attention to not only human safety but also the welfare of the animals undergoing restraint.
I think this handbook would serve any veterinary professional or clinic well. I also think it is a great substitute for the larger animal restraint texts available as the conciseness highlights the material readers are often looking for.
Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM, Stanford University, USA
This is an excellent textbook - I would even go to say an essential textbook for anyone interested or going into the animal care industry or interested in studying any animal management/welfare course. I have recommended this text to our librarian and undergraduates on the BSc degree course. The book is suitably designed outlining the handling and restraint methods that can be used along with suitable illustrations / photographs of the techniques. Pros and cons as well as considerations for animal and human welfare / safety are nicely described.
Catheryn Hancock BVetMed MSc DWEL certAVP PGcertEd PGcertVA MRCVS
