Injection techniques for drug administration and methods of restraint

More documents

Recommendations

Info

grasping the nose nose ring pushing up the tail kick stops noose dog muzzle cat 11.2.3 Cattle 11.2.4 Pigs behind the elbow. The skin fold is then pulled tightly with the full hand. In foals, the tail base can be grasped in the full hand, pulling it upward and forward. This upward pulling of the tail reduces the movement of the hind limbs. In horses that keep lifting the limb that needs attention, another limb can be lifted to counter this. For example by lifting the left forelimb, the horse will leave the right fore- and left hind limb on the ground. Keeping the forelimb lifted is hard work for the helper, especially if the horse keeps on attempting to lift the limb that is to be examined or treated (even more so if a hind limb were to be lifted). In cattle, “grasping the nose” is often used as a restraint method. The aim is to exert traction to the muzzle. The ring can be pulled in animals with a nose ring. Without a nose ring, the thumb can be placed in one nostril, one or two fingers in the other, pulling the muzzle forward. This quickly becomes tiring, and therefore nose tongs are available. With such tongs the muzzle can be pulled if necessary while the hand of the operator can relax at moments when the tong needs to be slackened. Pushing up the tail as described for foals is also a useful technique in cattle to prevent lifting of the hind limbs. The tail should be grasped near its base to avoid the risk of fractures. To prevent forward kicking of the hind limb, a hand can grasp the inguinal fold and pull it up firmly. With so-called “kick stops”, often used to stop cows kicking off the milking clusters, the same effect is obtained. One end of the adjustable hook is placed under the inguinal fold, while the other end is hooked behind the spinal processes of the sacrum. For treatment of the lower limb, the limb concerned is best lifted and attached in a hoof-trimming crush. Small pigs can simply be restrained in lateral recumbency or be lifted up for various treatments. Larger animals can be restrained by securing a noose over the upper jaw. The noose should be placed behind the canines so that it does not slip off. The pig will resist and pull backwards, after which interventions such as blood sampling can be carried out with ease. 11.2.5 Companion animals Jos Ensink and Joris Robben 217 Restraint methods in dogs and cats are numerous. A few examples will be given here to give an impression of the range of possibilities. A calm and confident approach to the patient is a first requirement. Depending on the degree of co-operation of the animal and the restraint required for the treatment concerned, more or less firm immobilising grips are available. See also under the descriptions of the various injection techniques. In dogs, the main aim is to avoid being bitten. The easiest way is to restrain the head by grasping the loose skin at both sides of the neck (Figure 11.8.). In certain brachycephalic breeds (Pekinese), this grip is not recommended in view of the risk of eyeball prolapse. If this does not give sufficient immobilisation, a muzzle (e.g. cotton band) can be tied around the dog’s snout. Different types of commercial muzzles are also available. If the dog tries to wriggle or escape, it can be placed in lateral recumbency. Good restraint of the lying dog can be obtained by holding the lower limbs while standing at the side of the dog’s back: one limb in each hand, just above the elbow and hock. This makes it virtually impossible for the dog to get up. The dog’s head and neck are restrained by placing the elbow (of the same arm that holds the forelimb) on the table, securing the neck between upper arm and breast. The elbow should not press the neck down on the table as this may cause damage to the neck (See also Chapter 14). Cats often resist restraint more than dogs. However, a calm approach with a “loose” restraint often gives excellent results. If immobilisation is nevertheless necessary, care should be taken to avoid both biting and scratching, and restraint should be firm from the start. There is often no in-between with cats. Here, too, many options are available. If the cat is placed in lateral recumbency, both fore- and
218 Chapter 11 Injection techniques for drug administration and methods of restraint hind limbs need to be grasped with a finger between the limbs. Stretching the body (see above) leads to a reduced force and causes a less effective resistance of the cat. As in the dog, the head can be fixed with the lower arm and/or a muzzle. Muzzles that cover the eyes are especially effective in cats. Apparently, this causes a certain degree of calm and acceptance. Often, a second assistant can be useful for proper restraint. In this case it is important for all concerned that, if someone loses control, or at the end of the procedure, this is notified in time so that everyone can let go at the same time. Usually, cats calm down once they are released. To avoid being scratched, cats may be wrapped in a towel. For IV injections, a single limb may be extracted. Figure 11.8. The easiest way to restrain the head in dogs is to grasp the loose skin at both sides of the neck
Page 1 and 2: Injection techniques for drug admin
Page 3 and 4: 204 Chapter 11 Injection techniques
Page 5 and 6: 206 side effect injection site reac
Page 7 and 8: 208 sharps bin vial bottle breached
Page 9 and 10: 210 administration set drip chamber
Page 11 and 12: 212 horse cattle pig Chapter 11 Inj
Page 13 and 14: 214 horse cattle pig small ruminant
Page 15: 216 twitch Chapter 11 Injection tec

Injection techniques for drug administration and methods of restraint

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?