Page 170 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

154 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 9.1 End, standing part, and bight.
FIGURE 9.4 Overhand knot.

Types of Ropes

The choice of material and flexibility depends on the
rope’s purpose. Ropes are made of many types of mate-
rials and are of varying thicknesses (Figure 9.5). The
diameter is expressed in fractions of an inch, such as ⅝,
½, or ¼ inch. Strength varies by material and diameter.
Ropes are flaccid to stiff depending on the material used
to construct the rope. A cotton rope with a small diam-
eter and good flexibility is suitable for positioning a
FIGURE 9.2 Throw. small, anesthetized animal during surgery or radiog-
raphy. A stronger nylon rope with some stiffness is more
suitable for maintaining a loop while slipping it over a
kenneled dog’s head. A thistle or hemp rope is rough to
the touch. Flexibility should be such that knot retention
is secure. The surface must be smooth enough to be
comfortable for both the patient and the handler. A
thick, stiff rope characteristic of the lariat used for large
animals is harsh to the touch but doesn’t damage the
tough hide of a calf or cow. A soft cotton or nylon rope
of medium diameter and approximately 6 ft long can be
used to make horse halters.

Learning Exercise
FIGURE 9.3 Loops – left end under the standing part, right end over
the standing part.
Visit a hardware or home improvement store and
find the rope section. Most will have either bun-
make the loop in the right direction so the knot is tied dles of rope or rope that you can purchase by the
correctly. foot or yard. Take a look at the different types. Can
Overhand knot: a quick and easy way to secure the end of you determine nylon from cotton and cotton from
a rope from fraying or to produce a loop to make a thistle?
fixed bight (Figure 9.4).

Prevent Fraying
Learning Exercise
Rope is purchased from hardware and feed stores in
Make flash cards with the knot terminology upon requested lengths. When purchasing rope in this
them. Practice using the correct terminology manner, it becomes necessary to treat the ends with
when making knots. some technique to prevent fraying or unraveling. Nylon
or synthetic ropes will fray quickly if the ends are not