Intro to Restraint Flashcards
Why do we restrain?
-Makes procedures more safe
-Prevent animals from hurting itself
-Protecting yourself and others
What should be done before a visit to reduce stress?
-Get rid of feces and urine (contains message of fear and anxiety through pheromones)
-Minimise patient contact (other patients, clients)
-Use calming music and pheromones
-Nonslip surfaces
-Minimise hiding places
-Variety of treats available
-Provide water
-Pre-visit screening (muzzle, anti-anxiety meds, sedation,…)
Principles of Restraint
-Safety
-Confidence
-Use the minimum amount of effective restraint
-Reduce stress on animal
Less is more except when…
-Animal is in critical danger
-Animal is having a seizure and needs anticonvulsants
-Animal is in extreme pain and needs immediate analgesic or sedation
What is the mission of the vet healthcare team?
Prevent suffering, promote wellness and relief
Sources of stress for animals
-Confinement in a cage/carrier
-Car ride
-Sounds, smells, and activities of the clinic
-Medical treatment
-Restraint
What are the 4 effects of stress and struggling?
Physical, Physiological, Psychological, Behavioral
What are the physical effects of stress and struggling?
-Breaking nails
-Bruising
-Fractures
-Falling off the table
What are the physiological effects of stress and struggling?
-Tachycardia
-Techypenia
-Hypoxia
-Hyperthermia
-Hypertension
-Changes in lab values
-Fear
What are the psychological effects of stress and struggling?
-Fear
-Anxiety
-Stress
What are the behavioral effects of stress and struggling?
-Aggressiveness
-Defensiveness
-Attempts to escape
Define tachycardia
Increased heart rate
Define tachypnea
Increased respitory rate
Define hypoxia
Decreased oxygen levels in the blood
Define hyperthermia
Increased body temperature
Define hypertension
Increased blood pressure
What is FAS?
Fear and Stress
What are the ways to reduce stress?
-Talk to animal in a soft but firm voice
-Encourage animal to come to you first
-Give animal time
-Do NOT stare down animal
-Move slowly and confidently
-Use food rewards if appropriate
-Pet animal if receptive
What are the 4 types of restraint?
-Non-Contact
-Manual
-Mechanical
-Chemical
What is non-contact restraint?
Voices, gesture
What is manual restraint?
Scruffing, stretching cats, lateral recumbency
What is mechanical restraint?
Using leases, muzzles, cat bags,…
What is chemical restraint?
Tranquilizers, sedatives, anesthetics
The amount of restraint needed depends on…
-Behavior of animal
-Environment
-Procedure to be performed
What are the behavioral signals?
-Vocalization (growling, chattering)
-Baring of teeth
-Ear position (erect or back)
-Pupil size
