Animal Handling

Question 1

How does a slip lead help at a vet clinic?

Answer 1

1. Allows control of the head.
2. Prevents escape.
3. Getting loose in the clinic or while being walked.
4. Escaping out the door and into traffic.
5. Loose pets are hard to chase down

Question 2

Standing restraint (dog)

Answer 2

1. Always keep a hand on the pet!
2. One arm is in front of the chest around the neck, one arm is behind the rump or under the flank, the “forklift position” of arms.
3. Pull the pet into your chest gently, you can always tighten into a more firm grip if needed.
4. Keep your face up and away from the head.

Question 3

Sternal Recumbency

Answer 3

Recumbency = lying down, not standing
Sternal =Resting on sternum (chest)

1. One arm is in front of the chest, around neck.
2. One arm is over the top of the pet’s body
   May need to press down with arm or body weight onto the pet (depending on pet size) to keep them sternal.

Question 4

Lateral Recumbency

Answer 4

Lying “lateral” = on the side

1. Stand or kneel beside the pet.
2. Reach over the body with both arms.
3. Grasp the legs that are closest to you (don’t grasp the paws, hold more proximally.
4. Pull up on those legs and gently support the pet as they lie down on their side.
5. One arm is over the neck holding the “down” forelimb, while the other is over the flank holding the “down” hindlimb.

Question 5

Cephalic vein

Answer 5

-The vein on the cranial aspect of the forearm
-Commonly used for blood sampling or IV catheter placement.
-May be accessed with pets in a variety of positions, cooperative dogs may just sit quietly with minimal restraint

Question 6

Cephalic Venipuncture (in sternal restraint)

Answer 6

1. The person who will be sampling holds the forelimb extended, grasping carpus or paw.
2. Handler helps extend the forelimb, placing the hand behind the elbow.
3. Place the thumb on the medial aspect of the forearm.
4. Roll the thumb and hand laterally while applying gentle pressure over the vein.

Question 7

Types of muzzles

Answer 7

-Basket Muzzles are most comfortable for dog!
-Leather or nylon (look less intimidating to owners. Note: shouldn’t be left on longer than 10-15min)

Question 8

“Free catch” Urine collection

Answer 8

-Collect midstream (preferably in the AM)
-Should not be cultured for bacteria

Question 9

Manual Bladder Expression

Answer 9

-The bladder is palpated in caudal abdomen and gentle, steady pressure is applied.
-Too much pressure can rupture/injure the bladder.
-Should not be used on an obstructed bladder or a fragile bladder.

Question 10

Cystocentsis

Answer 10

Cysto=(bladder); Centesis=(to puncture)

Collection of a urine sample through cystocentesis in a dog. The bladder is isolated, and urine is aspirated into a syringe.

Question 11

Catheterization

Answer 11

1. External genitalia should be cleansed.
2. Always use sterile urinary catheters and sterile gloves.
3. Females: a speculum may be used to help visualize the urethral orifice.
4. Cats are almost always anesthetized for this procedure.
5. A small amount of sterile lubricant is placed on the tip of the catheter.
6. Care must be taken to avoid trauma to the sensitive urethral mucous membranes.

Question 12

Urine evaluation

Answer 12

Physical properties: color, amount, turbidity (cloudiness), collection method, unusual odor.

Question 13

Urine Specific Gravity (USG)

Answer 13

-Measured with a refractometer and is an indicator of the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
-Compares the sample to pure water which is specific gravity 1.000

Question 14

Chemical evaluation

Answer 14

Using chemical strips designed to test urine, they will change color with the presence of blood, protein, glucose, etc.
Timing is critical!

Question 15

Where is the cephalic vein located?

Answer 15

Foreleg