Introduction
Restraint of exotic companion mammals is a challenging but necessary part of veterinary practice. Ms. McClellan reviews the approach to predator and prey species as well as the principles of capture and restraint of several species of small exotic companion animals in a hospital setting. She also discusses how to avoid being bitten, potential complications that can arise during restraint, as well as species-specific behavioral issues that should be considered. Once the basics of handling and restraint are reviewed, restraint techniques involved for specific clinical procedures, oral examination, and drug administration are discussed. This presentation concludes with measures that can be used to reduce the stress of restraint and associated fear responses through the use of operative learning, including systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning. The goal of these client education techniques is to help provide a long-term, healthy, low-stress environment. Attendee participation was enhanced by the inclusion of video clips.
Outline
Download a Word (DOCX) or PDF version of Ms. Darbo’s outline.
Webinar recording
The webinar recording of this live, interactive, web-based course is RACE-approved for VETERINARY TECHNICIANS and VETERINARY NURSES.
Due to technical glitches during the live event, a private recording of Ms. Darbo-McClellan’s presentation was also recorded and is shown here.
Videos
Videos created by Heather Darbo-McClellan
Slide 8. Removing a guinea pig from a cage
Slide 8. Wrapping a guinea pig in a towel
Slide 9. Wrapping a rabbit in a towel
Slide 10. Removing a rabbit from a cage
Slide 15. Hedgehog restraint
Slide 16. Sugar glider restraint
Also visit AHWLA.org/ for helpful videos illustrating laboratory animal restraint.
Q & A session
This Question & Answer session was recorded on Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Post-test
Veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians take the post-test. With a passing grade of 70% or higher, you will receive a continuing education certificate for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB R.A.C.E. approval.
RACE approval
This program was reviewed and approved for veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education in jurisdictions, which recognize AAVSB R.A.C.E. approval.
Please contact the AAVSB R.A.C.E. program if you have any comments or concerns regarding this program’s validity or relevancy to the veterinary profession.
Darbo-McClellan H. Restraint & handling of small exotic companion mammals webinar. LafeberVet web site. Nov 13, 2014. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/restraint-handling-of-small-exotic-companion-mammals/