Main description:

This instructional pocket reference condenses the most important aspects of small animal handling. It provides a portable, durable means of learning 'on the ground', as well as a convenient way to refresh on how to strive for safety and efficacy in animal handling techniques. Spiralbound for practical use at the animal's side during veterinary placements in a clinic or laboratory, the text covers:

Handler safety
Animal safety
Sanitation
Approach and capture
Routine handling and release procedures
Handling for medical procedures
Use and supply sources of restraint equipment

A Companion Website provides additional self-assessment questions and answers to aid learning. Important reading for undergraduate veterinary students as well as practicing technicians, nurses and assistants, the book instructs on safe and humane handling of species encountered in both small animal practice and laboratory settings.

Contents:

Preface. Acknowledgments. Caution. Author Biography. SAFER ANIMAL HANDLING AND PHYSICAL RESTRAINT. Handling and Animal Welfare. The More Effective Handler: The Art of Firm Kindness. Conditions for Handling and Restraint. Risks of Injury. Risks of Disease to Handlers and Other Animals. Ethical Concerns. Legal Considerations. Roles of Chemical and Physical Restraint. Keys to Good Handling of All Animals. SMALL ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. Behavior and Handling. Predator or Prey Behavior. Animal Hierarchy: Social Dominance. Socialization with Humans. Flight Zone. Senses and Behavior. Resistance Behaviors. Species Differences in Aggression and Avoidance. Training Methods for Handling Animals. Health and Behavior. Stereotypic Behavior and Environmental Enrichment. Nutraceuticals for Control of Anxiety. Animal Behavior Specialists. DOGS. Natural Behavior of Dogs. Safety First. Approaching and Catching. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Walking Dogs. Lifting and Carrying Dogs. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Special Equipment. Transporting Dogs by Automobile or Truck. CATS. Natural Behavior of Cats. Safety First. Approaching and Catching. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Special Equipment. OTHER SMALL MAMMALS. Natural Behavior of Small Mammals. Safety First. Mice. Rats. Hamsters. Gerbils. Guinea Pigs. Chinchillas. Degus. Sugar Gliders. African Pygmy Hedgehogs. Rabbits. Ferrets. Handling Small Mammals for Common Medical Procedures. COMPANION BIRDS. Types of Caged Companion Birds and Birds of Prey. Natural Behavior of Companion Birds. Safety First. Approaching and Catching. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Special Equipment and Procedures. REPTILES. Types of Pet Reptiles. Natural Behavior of Reptiles. Safety First. Turtles and Tortoises (Chelonians). Snakes. Lizards. Handling of Reptiles for Common Medical Procedures. Transporting Reptiles. Appendix. Index.