C3 Chpt 17: Handling Difficult Cats

Question 1

Why might a patient react negatively to restraint

Answer 1

Fear
Pain/injury
Variations in anatomy
Previous negative experience 
Aggressive temperament 
Illness

Question 2

What is the most common reason for aggression

Answer 2

Fear

Most animals will choose to flee but if unable with bite

Question 3

How do you handle an animal that is in pain or has an injury

Answer 3

Each case requires unique handling methods
Look to DVM or RVT for guidance
Neck/ spinal injury- carrying board
Facial/ jaw injuries- no muzzle
Sedation/analgesia

Question 4

What can you use in cases where there are variations in anatomy?

Answer 4

Use towel or other tools instead of excessive force for : toy breeds, Italian greyhounds and cats
Excessive restraint can be detrimental
-respiratory distress : collapsed trachea, brachycephalic
Can progress to respiratory arrest
-watch gum and tongue colour
Proptosis:
- Persian and chihuahua

Question 5

What can happen if the animal has had a previous bad experience

Answer 5

-makes animal worse each time they are handled
-can be so bad they can no longer receive medical treatment
-cats reach threshold faster
Use:
-classical conditioning

Question 6

How do you handle an animal that has an aggressive temperament

Answer 6

• most aggression is due to fear
• counterconditioning
• comfortable environment
• goal is not to hold patient down
• goal is to keep patient calm so they choose not to struggle

Question 7

What precautions should you take with animals who are ill

Answer 7

Vomiting
-never use a muzzle
Thin/ dehydrated/ elderly cats
- even short procedures can cause a lot of distress
Panting cats
- too hot/stress/pain/respiratory distress
-inform DVM or RVT immediately