Veterinary Assisting
Training Manual
Arendell Animal
Hospital
213 Commerce Ave
Morehead City, NC 28557-3289
252-726-4998
Fax: 252-726-6038
Introduction
The structure of the Veterinary Health Care Team starts with
the licensed veterinarian. The staff that works under him/her
may include:
1. The Veterinary Technician
An individual who has graduated from a 2 or 3 year
AVMA accredited program in veterinary
technology. Her/his role is that of providing
professional assistance to veterinarians, biological
research workers, and animal control and humane
organizations. Her/his duties shall be performed
under the responsible or immediate supervision of a
licensed veterinarian. Their knowledge base must
include normal and abnormal life processes of
animals, medical, surgical and critical care nursing,
anesthesiology, radiology and clinical laboratory
procedures.
2. The Veterinary Assistant
An individual in whom training, knowledge, and
skills are less than those required for identification
as a veterinary technician or veterinary
technologist. Performs variety of animal health
care duties to assist Veterinarian and/or veterinary
technician in settings such as veterinarians' clinics,
zoos, research laboratories, kennels, and
commercial facilities. Their job duties include some
of the following: feed, water, and examine pets and
other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease,
or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and
clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas,
and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment.
May provide routine postoperative care, administer
medication orally or topically, or prepare samples
for laboratory examination under the supervision of
veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or
technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
3. The Receptionist
These individuals are in charge of the clerical and
office procedures that are routinely performed in
the daily operations.
4. The Kennel Attendant
These individuals are vital in basic animal husbandry.
Their job duties include proper cleaning of kennel
areas as well as observation of patients.
5. The Practice Manager
In charge of the complete functioning of the practice, they
analyze finances, employee assignments and job duties,
education and development of protocols with the purpose
of providing the highest quality of animal care, best
utilization of personnel and highest profitability for the
practice.
This is a manual for the Veterinary Assistant here at
Arendell Animal Hospital. This is your training manual.
Tasks Appropriate to Delegate to the Assistant
When identifying those tasks which are appropriate for an assistant to
complete, the
determining factor in assigning tasks to the assistant is the impact of the task
on a positive
patient outcome. In developing the following list of tasks which the assistant
may be
trained to perform, each task was evaluated for appropriateness based on, but
not limited
to, the following criteria:
1. What is the impact of the task on a positive patient outcome?
2. Could/would the average client perform the task?
3. Does it change the physiologic state of the patient?
4. Does the information obtained, impact the veterinarian’s diagnosis?
It is essential to remember that the completion of all assistant tasks requires
some degree
of supervision either by the veterinarian or the credentialed veterinary
technician.
The following delineation of tasks, appropriate for delegation to the assistant
on the
veterinary health care team, was developed through a cooperative effort
between
NAVTA, the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), and
the AVMA’s
Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Educating
assistants on
tasks beyond the scope of this list is discouraged.
Essential Skills for Assistant Training
I. Office and Hospital Procedures
A. Front Desk
1) Greet Clients
2) Demonstrate proper Appointment Scheduling and make appointments
3) Prepare appropriate certificates for signature
4) Admit patients
5) Perform basic filing and retrieving of medical records
6) Perform basic veterinary medical record keeping procedures
7) Demonstrate elementary computer skills
8) Utilize basic medical terminology
9) Perform basic invoicing, billing, and payment on account procedures
B. Telephone
1) Answer and direct phone calls
2) Recognize and respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies,
by
notifying the appropriate hospital personnel
3) Request records and information from other veterinary facilities
C. Maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of a veterinary facility
1) Inventory supplies
2) Restock Shelves
3) Maintain x-ray, surgery, and laboratory logs
4) Perform basic filing and retrieving of medical records, radiographs, lab
reports,
etc.
5) Demonstrate knowledge of basic cleaning techniques of animal kennels
and
bedding, examination rooms, hospital facilities, and surgical suites.
II. Communication and Client Relations
A. Develop effective client communication skills.
B. Write business letters.
C. Understand ethical conduct in relationship to the day to day operations of
a
veterinary hospital.
D. Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the veterinary
health
team and the important part that each plays in the delivery of excellent care.
III. Pharmacy and Pharmacology
A. Legal Issues
1) Recognize legal issues involving drugs in the workplace
2) Recognize general types and groups of drugs and demonstrate proper
terminology
3) Differentiate prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs and describe
proper
prescription label requirements
B. Filling medications and inventory control
1) Label and package dispensed drugs correctly.
2) Store, safely handle and dispose of biological and therapeutic agents,
pesticides,
and hazardous waste.
3) Perform inventory control procedures including restocking supplies and
checking
expiration dates.
C. Vaccinations
1) Reconstitute vaccines and be familiar with proper protocols.
2) DESCRIBE possible routes and methods of drug and vaccine
administration that
the veterinarian or veterinary technician may choose.
IV. Examination Room Procedures
A. Restrain Patients
1) Small Animals
b. Place and remove small animals from cages
c. Place and restrain small animals on tables
d. Apply dog and cat safety muzzle
e. Apply Elizabethan collar
f. Apply restraint pole
2) Restrain Birds and Exotics - optional
3) Large Animals - optional
a. Halter, tie, and lead horses and cattle
b. Restrain cattle & horses
c. Apply twitch
d. Apply nose tongs/leads
e. Restraint sheep & swine
f. Load large animals.
B. Basic Procedures
1) Determine and record Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, and Weight of
pets
2) Trim nails (dogs, cats, and birds)
3) Express anal sacs using the external method
4) Identify external parasites: mites, lice, fleas, ticks
5) Recognize common dog and cat breeds
6) Bathe and groom animals
7) Be familiar with small animal nutritional requirements
V. Surgical Preparation and Assisting
A. Assist in Performing surgical preparations
1) Prepare surgical equipment/supplies
2) Sterilize instruments & supplies using appropriate methods
3) Identify common instruments
4) Identify common suture materials, types, and sizes
5) Assist the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician with preparation of
patients
using aseptic technique
6) Operate and maintain autoclaves
7) Describe operating room sanitation & care
8) Assist with positioning of surgical patients
9) Aid the veterinarian/and or veterinary technician with physical monitoring
of
recovering surgical patients
B. Facility and Equipment Cleanliness
1) Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis
2) Perform post-surgical clean up
3) Fold surgical gowns and drapes
C. Have knowledge of:
1) Surgical equipment
2) Surgical room and prep area
3) Instruments
4) Proper disposal of hazardous medical wastes
VI. Small Animal Nursing (Large Animal Nursing - optional)
A. Safety Concerns
1) Demonstrate knowledge of basic normal and abnormal animal behavior
2) Utilize patient & personnel safety measures
3) Identify potential Zoonotic diseases
4) Describe Isolation procedures
5) Describe hazardous waste disposal
6) Describe basic sanitation
B. Animal Care
1) Provide routine record-keeping, and observation of hospitalized patients,
I.E.
stress importance of notations made when cleaning and feeding
2) Demonstrate a basic understanding of common diseases and medical
conditions
3) Monitor/restrain patients for fluid therapy and record observations
4) Hand pilling (dog, cat)
5) Apply and remove bandages to healthy animals - (equine leg and tail
wraps optional)
6) Perform therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping of small
animals
7) Clean external ear canals
8) Prepare food & prescription diets - be aware of any special dietary needs
9) Clean & disinfect cages, kennels, & (stalls - optional)
10) Provide care & maintenance of nursing equipment
VII. Laboratory Procedures
A. Technical Assistance in the laboratory
1) Collect voided urine samples
2) Determine physical properties of urine including color and clarity
3) Assist in the collection of blood samples for procedures
4) Collect voided fecal samples for parasitologic exam
5) Prepare fecal flotation solutions and set up fecal flotations
6) Assist in necropsy procedures
7) Explain how to handle rabies suspects & samples safely
8) Handle disposal of dead animals
B. Laboratory Record Keeping
1) Ensure all lab results are accurately recorded
2) Stock lab supplies
3) File lab reports
VIII. Radiology & Ultrasound Imaging
A. Follow recommended safety measures
B. Assist the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician in the completion
of
diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound including the restraint and positioning
of
patients
C. Process diagnostic radiographs
D. Use hand and automatic processing in darkroom
E. Maintain quality control
F. Label, file, and store film and radiographs
G. Properly care for equipment
H. Clean screens
I. Know safety techniques for handling chemicals
Insert Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
Training Check Off Sheet Here
Office Procedures and Paperwork
Remember you are often the first representative of our
practice the client encounters and therefore their first opinion
of our hospital will be based on your behavior. At all times we
want to act in a very professional manner. Always greeting the
client with respect. When asking them to fill out paperwork be
sure to explain carefully and offer assistance and be patient.
1) Phone Duties
At all times answer the phone clearly and calmly identifying
the name of the clinic as well as your first name. Ask how
you may help them. If you have someone on another line ask
“Is this an emergency or can I place you on hold?”
For example:
“Arendell Animal Hospital this is DeAnne, how may I help
you?”
or
“Arendell Animal Hospital this is DeAnne, is this an
emergency or May I put you on hold?”
Again we are always to act in a professional manner.
2) Setting appointments
If in doubt put client on hold and ask!
a) Boarding Appointments:
Be sure to remind the client of the vaccination requirements for all
boarders including the time frame for example for Bordetellaanimal should have been vaccinated preferably 3-5 days before
boarding. Obviously rabies and other vaccinations need to be
current.
b) Patient Appointments
Be sure to double check so you don’t overlap appointments or
schedule when doctor or tech is unavailable.
Check to see if client/patient has a scheduled appointment.
We will always try to work patients in but we need to be sure
to let them know if there is going to be a wait- offering to
schedule a convenient time for them to return. Obviously
emergencies are seen ASAP. * Important: If we can see them at
this time, be sure to place their names and the patient name in
the appointment book for the time slot they will be seen.
Intake Forms
1) Client Financial Information
The client information sheet is essential so we must make
sure it is completely filled out. We cannot begin to work on
an animal until we have owner information as well as
financial responsibility information. * This includes consent
form signatures. Be sure there is contact information
preferably two phone numbers.
*Obviously if an animal is brought in by a Good Samaritan,
police or rescue officer and needs immediate emergency
care we will provide that service but still make sure whoever
brings the animal in fills out their information- stating they
are not the owner therefore not assuming financial
responsibility. In every instance the practice manager,
DeAnne or Dr. Hawkes is to be notified before the person
leaves in case there are any questions they may have.
2) Patient Information
It is essential we get complete information identifying the
patient. This is especially important if the client has more
than one animal.
Breed, age and color are the minimum essentials as well as
sex* and whether neutered or in tact. * Note: the first time
an animal is brought in to the hospital verification of sex
should be made by the assistant, tech or veterinarian as
clients have been known to mis-identify the sex of their
animals. This is especially true with kittens and cats.
Medical Terminology
TPR: Temperature, Pulse Respiration
Strabissmus: lateral movement of eyeball, uncontrolled
TPR: Temperature, pulse and respiratory rate
BAR: Bright, alert and responsive (happy animal who is aware of its
surroundings – this is an animal who is not acting very sick)
QAR: Quiet, alert and responsive (still aware, but not as happy, maybe
feeling a little
under the weather or stressed)
OS: Left eye
OD: Right eye
OU: Both eyes
AS: Left ear
AD: Right ear
AU: Both ears
d/c: discharge
v/d: vomiting/diarrhea
c/s: coughing/sneezing
Note: The abbreviations “S” for left and “D” for right date back to
the days when left handed people were considered Sinister while
right handed people were admired for their Dexterity. The “U” can
be thought of as standing for Universal.
Physical Exam
The first part of the physical exam consists of questions, basically a
questionnaire to determine the reason for the visit. The second part is
the actual preliminary physical exam.
Patient Intake Questionnaire = History (Hx) - (see Patient
History Form)
Includes geographic origin and prior ownership, current environment, diet,
past medical history, breeding history, vaccination status and current
medications.
Description and history of chief/presenting complaint
Reported concerns should be followed up with additional questions to clarify
nature of the complaint
Ask client the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
What brings them here today (This is the Presenting Complaint)
Symptoms: stools, urination, eating, vomiting, pain, depression
Duration of symptoms
Onset
Ask if the brought stool specimen (we always would like to ck for
parasites)
6) Vaccination history
7) Dental history
a) TPR (temperature, pulse, respiration), weight*
*Weight is often taken before patient is brought in to the exam
room. This will depend upon which scale you need to use.
Take temperature- record
Take pulse- record
Take respirations- record
Be sure to note if animal is uncomfortable being handled and
never hesitate to ask for assistance. If the animal is very excited
and has been ill it is often best to not excite it further before the
veterinarian can exam it. This is especially important in animals
that have fevers and are I pain. In this case note on patient sheet
status- too excited- uncomfortable, no temp taken, for exampleRemember at all times your safety and the animal’s safety are
paramount. Do not try to handle an animal you are
uncomfortable with. Always ask for help.
TPR- Temperature, Pulse and Respiration
Temperature
A temperature can be taken by ear (aural), underarm (axillary), toe web or rectal
which is the most common approach. An animal's body temperature can tell
us several things. Pyrexia, or hyperthermia, is when the temperature is above
the normal range. Stress can cause a slightly elevated temperature, but other
conditions such as infection, heat exhaustion, seizures and certain toxicities
can also cause an elevation. Hypothermia, low body temperature, can be
caused by conditions such as shock, metabolic crisis, environmental
conditions, and anesthesia.
If a body temperature is out of the normal range, notify the
veterinarian. It is important that the animal's temperature is not adjusted in a
quick manner. If there is a rapid change in temperature, it could cause serious
problems for the patient. For instance, rapid cooling down can lead to a severe
coagulopathy, which is a defect in clotting mechanisms. Rapid heating can cause
vasodilatation, an increase in the diameter of the blood vessels, which results in
lowering the blood pressure of the animal. Both of these conditions can be fatal
to the animal. In some cases it is not important to correct the body temperature,
but if external heating or cooling sources are necessary, the temperature
should be adjusted slowly and ceased once the animal is within two
degrees of normalcy.
Pulse
The heart beating and moving blood throughout the arteries and vessels causes
the pulse. For each heart beat there should be a pulse that follows. The most
common areas to palpate pulses are the femoral artery, the axillary artery, and
the dorsal metatarsal artery.
The strength or amount of force (quality) of the pulse should be observed. If the
pulse is very strong or bounding, it can be indicative of hypertension (high blood
pressure). Toxicity, compensatory stage of shock, trauma and pain, renal
disease, hyperthyroidism and Cushing's Disease can all cause strong or
bounding pulses. If the pulse quality is weak or poor, it can be indicative of
hypotension (low blood pressure) or poor perfusion. Toxicity,
early/middle/terminal stages of shock, anemia, active bleeding (hemorrhaging),
poor perfusion and end-stage disease are all causes for poor pulse quality.
The heart sounds should also be assessed with the pulse. The rhythm of the
pulse should correspond with the heart beating. To properly assess the rhythm,
one must listen to the heart with a stethoscope (auscult) while monitoring the
pulse. There should be one pulse felt for each heartbeat heard. A pulse deficit is
when there is no pulse to follow a particular heartbeat. This has a potential to be
a life threatening condition and the veterinarian should be notified immediately.
Other rhythms that may be observed are sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia and
sinus tachycardia. Sinus arrhythmia, which is not abnormal and commonly seen
in dogs, is when the heartbeats correspond with the respiratory pattern. The
heartbeat frequency increases with inspiration and decreases upon expiration.
Sinus bradycardia is a slow sinus rhythm where the heartbeats per minute are
below normal range. This can be an indicator of certain conditions such as a
heart block, Sick Sinus Syndrome, hypothermia, and the influence of anesthesia
or post surgical recovery. Sinus tachycardia is a fast sinus rhythm where the
heartbeats per minute are above the normal range. Pain, shock, anxiety, and
hypotension can cause sinus tachycardia.
Heart murmurs (caused by a cardiac valve dysfunction) are another
abnormal cardiac sound. Some animals develop murmurs during illness, in which
the murmur goes away once the patient has recovered. A murmur will have a
"whoosh" sound instead of clear, distinct heart sounds the normal healthy cardiac
patient has. There are different degrees of murmurs in which the veterinarian will
classify.
Muffled heart sounds, where the heart does not sound clear when ausculted, can
be associated with fluid in the thoracic cavity. An absence of heart sounds can be
due to position of either the stethoscope or animal, but also is a sign of a
pericardial effusion. A pericardial effusion is accumulation of fluid within the
pericardium (sac that surrounds the heart) and results in decreased cardiac
output. Trauma or disease can cause a pericardial effusion and it is fatal if not
treated.
Veterinary technicians should practice ausculting the hearts of animals that
come into the clinic. If it's understood what normal heart sounds are, they will be
able to aid the veterinarian in recognizing abnormal sounds when they arise.
Respiration
Respiration, or breathing, is the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide via the
lungs. The respiratory system consists of the upper (oronasal) and lower
systems (bronchi and lungs). Oxygen is the most important element to administer
in an emergency or critical situation in which the animal is in respiratory distress
as no living being can survive without it. It is important to remember that a
patient in respiratory distress can succumb due to stress at any point and
handling should be minimized until the patient is stable.
Signs of respiratory distress (dyspnea) include cyanotic (purple/blue) colored
mucous membranes (gums, conjunctivae, etc.), rapid or rapid and shallow
breathing (tachypnea), neck extension, labored breathing, abdominal effort, open
mouth breathing or gasping for air, and having "hunched back" position. Upon
observing the respiratory pattern, one can usually determine the area of the
respiratory system affected.
An increase in inspiratory effort, marked with open mouth breathing or
gasping motions usually correspond with an upper airway condition. There may
be a notable sound, usually harsh or high pitched, that is audible without a
stethoscope. This is called a stridor and is the most common sound associated
with upper airway conditions. Some conditions that may cause a stridor or an
increase in inspiratory effort include upper airway obstructions, upper respiratory
infections, laryngeal paralysis, and tumors/masses and collapsing trachea.
An increase in expiratory effort, marked with an increase in abdominal effort
or contracting, is indicative of a lower respiratory condition. Some conditions
associated with abdominal breathing and expiratory distress are ride side heart
disease, ascites (accumulation of serosanguineous fluid in the abdomen),
hemoabdomen (accumulation of blood in the abdomen), abdominal tumor,
diaphragmatic hernia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and
pneumonia.
Certain conditions may have little or no inspiratory or expiratory effort
however the animal still may be in respiratory distress. Watching the pattern is
important. Shallow, fast respirations are associated with conditions such as a
pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity) and a pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural
cavity) in which there may be a hydrothorax (clear transudate), pyothorax
(purulent), chylothorax (white/pink), or hemothorax (red/frank). Animals with
asthma, pulmonary contusions or pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can
appear to have severe inspiratory and expiratory effort at the same time, along
with open mouth breathing and tachypnea.
Upon asculting the lungs, breath sounds should be heard for both inspiration
and expiration. As with the heart, it is a good idea to listen to normal, healthy
lungs of several animals so abnormal breath sounds can be recognized.
Common abnormal sounds that may be noted are wheezes (whistling) and
crepitant and crackling rales (popping or bubbling sounds). Wheezes are
associated with bronchitis and asthma. Crepitant and crackling rales are
associated with fluid in the lungs (pneumonia, pulmonary edema, near drowning,
etc.).
It is important to note which side of the thorax the sounds were observed,
and whether it was the cranial (toward the head) or caudal (toward the tail) area
of the thorax, and whether the sounds were heard upon inspiration or expiration.
This will help the veterinarian determine which lung lobe is affected. If no lung
sounds are heard upon auscultation, a veterinarian should be retrieved
immediately as this is a classic sign associated with a pneumothorax. Again,
keep in mind that stethoscope or patient position may be the cause as well.
Normals
Canine
Feline
Temp
99.5- 102.5
100.4 -102.5
Pulse
70-160
110-200
Respiration
10-30
24-42
VITAL SIGNS – Evaluated in relation to presenting complaint, history and
current health status
Body Weight
All animals < 20 lbs should be weighed using a pediatric/small animal scale
Any animal < 5 lbs or > 75 lbs must be examined by supervisor to be cleared
for surgery
Temperature: Via rectal thermometer
Normal: 99.5-102.5 °F
Examine rectal area for signs of diarrhea, parasites or other abnormality.
Any temperature < 99 °F or > 105 °F warrants immediate evaluation by a
supervisor.
A patient whose temperature is 103-104.5 °F, who is excited/overactive and
has no other signs needs to be allowed to calm down, then have temperature
retaken later (after questionnaire and exam) to see if it has normalized
Most animals will resist having their temperature taken. Complete the rest of
the exam before obtaining a temperature to avoid agitating the animal and
making examination more difficult.
Do not struggle with an aggressive animal to obtain a temperature. If having
difficulty taking an animal’s temperature consult a supervising veterinarian
or staff member.
Heart/Pulse rate
Normal: K9: 70-160 bpm; Fe: 110-200 bpm
Evaluate pulse at femoral artery
Evaluate pulse rate, strength and quality (e.g., strong, weak, thready,
bounding)
Compare both sides and heart rate: pulse rate < heart rate = pulse deficit
Respiratory rate and character
Normal: K9: 10-30 bpm; Fe: 24-42 bpm
RR determined visually or by auscultation. Count either inspirations or
expirations.
Perfusion Indicators - (see ‘Assessing Mucous Membrane Color’ below)
Mucous membrane color (MM)-provides indication of the blood flow to
peripheral tissues.
Capillary refill time (CRT) - reflects perfusion of peripheral tissues
Press on an area of mucous membrane. The gums will "blanch" white as
they are
pressed and become pink again when pressure is released.
Normal: < 2 seconds
Prolonged CRT (> 2 seconds) may indicate compromised circulation due to
cold, shock,
cardiovascular disease, anemia or other causes
Signalment
Complete description of the animal
Species, Breed, Age, Sex, Reproductive status, other distinguishing
characteristics
Always double-check client reported information (sex, age, etc)
Keep this information in mind as you examine the animal and make clinical
judgments.
GENERAL APPEARANCE / INITIAL OBSERVATIONS (GA)
General appearance – observe animal from a distance and up close before
any handling
Symmetry - note any asymmetry; note any difference in size or shape of
extremities
Body condition / State of nutrition (see Purina Small Animal Body
Condition Scoring chart)
Assign appropriate Body Condition Score using standard nine point scale
(BCS = 1-9)
In general, the animal is too thin of his ribs are easily seen, normal if they
are readily felt without a layer of fat lying over them and obese if it is
difficult to feel them at all
Mentation / Level of consciousness – attentiveness / reaction to
environment- Alert and responsive – Depressed – Uncontrolled hyperexcitability – Stupor – Coma
e.g: Normal healthy animal's mentation is often bright, alert and
responsive or "BAR". A healthy puppy may be described as "active and
playful," while a sick puppy may be "moderately depressed and inactive"
Posture and gait - watch the animal walk to exam area or kennel.
Look for limping, incoordination or unsteadiness and abnormal limb
placement.
Hydration status - (see ‘Assessing Dehydration’ below)
Expressed as percentage of body weight (0-15%)
Loss of the elasticity of the skin (skin turgor) is first sign of dehydration.
Check the skin of the upper eyelid and the neck for tenting
Dehydration is expressed as a percentage of body weight.
Signs of dehydration are more difficult to see in some animals. Skin may
"tent" more in emaciated animals and certain breeds (such as Bassett Hound
or a Chinese Sharpei). Obese animals may not have skin tenting even when
they are dehydrated.
Some physical exam oddities:
Blue tongue (or blue spots on tongue) chow or chow mix
Two different eye colors Australian shepherds among some other dogs
Manx Cats- short or absent tail
Animal Restraint
Often times you will be asked to restrain the animal for examination or
procedures done by the veterinarian or tech.
Clients are only rarely allowed to holdIn the interest of safety, safety for the patient, client, assistants,
veterinarians and techs we do NOT let owners hold with very few
exceptions. (See veterinarian/manager/tech for clinic exceptions.)
1) Gentle but firm restraint is best. Try not to overpower the
animal in such a way as to immediately set up its defenses.
Gentle quiet reassurance is what the animal needs. At all times
keep your face away from bite zone. Remember, however, that
sometimes the best restraint is light or moderate restraint, which
decreases the amount of stress on the animal.
2) Say Hello - Remember to socialize yourself with the animal
before abruptly starting the examination. Taking a few
moments to develop a relationship with the animal will save
time and stress later.
3)
4)
5)
6)
Feline restraint
Canine restraint
Mechanical restraint
Chemical restraint