Page 156 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

140 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 8.43 Assuming control of large dog on table.

FIGURE 8.45 Using capture pole to give a sedative.

If the owners think their dog may bite, applying a
muzzle is in order. There are several muzzles available as
seen in Figure 8.46. Muzzles A, B, and D are used on
dogs and muzzle C is the cone muzzle recommended for
cats. The first two are easy to slip on over the dog’s
muzzle with the straps being fastened around the ears.
The trick is to select the appropriate size to fit around
the muzzle. Muzzle D is a cage or basket muzzle and is
the one recommended as a fear free device. This muzzle
can be put on without a lot of struggle. Offer the dog a
taste of spray cheese on an applicator stick so they
associate the smell with something good. Then spray the
front of the muzzle with the cheese. Hold it up to the dog
and allow it to stick his face into the basket to get the
cheese. Quickly buckle the muzzle straps behind the ears
(Figure 8.47). If using muzzles A and B, one restrainer
will have to steady the head with hands on either side of
the neck and back of the head. The other person holds
the straps open widely, one in each hand, and slides the
muzzle onto the patient and quickly clasps the straps
behind the ears.
Cats too may need to be muzzled and the plastic
cone muzzle is the best one to use as it has a wide
enough opening for them to breath normally and it
covers their eyes which is also a distraction technique.
Wrap the cat up in a thick blanket or towel as previ-
ously described (Figure 8.48). Another person
unwraps just the head and slides the muzzle over the
face and secures the ties behind the ears (Figure 8.49).
Often this will calm an angry cat because they can’t
see what is going on, so they often give up. However,
FIGURE 8.44 Capture pole. whatever the procedure is may spark their anger