Concise Textbook of Small Animal Handling: A Practical Handbook

by C. B. Chastain

Overview

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.

You can hear the author discuss the topics covered in this book on his weekly podcast ‘Better Animal Handling’: https://www.betteranimalhandling.com/

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367628130
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	04/27/2022
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

C.B. Chastain is a professor emeritus and adjunct professor of veterinary medicine and former Section Head of Small Animal Medicine and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Missouri. He also has been on faculty at Iowa State University and Louisiana State University. In addition to being a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, he has authored journal articles, book chapters in veterinary medical and allied publications, and textbooks on clinical endocrinology and animal handling and physical restraint. He was also chief editor of the monthly journal, Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery for 20 years. Prior to entering academic veterinary medicine, he was a horse wrangler for a horseback riding stable and a licensed guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; worked in mixed animal veterinary medical practices in Missouri, Illinois, and New Mexico; and a captain in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. He has handled, restrained, and trained a variety of animals in differing environments and taught aspects of animal handling for more than 40 years at the undergraduate and professional school levels. Currently, he is a professor and consultant for Veterinary Online Programs at the University of Missouri.

Table of 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.

Editorial Reviews

Safe animal handling is a foundation of training for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. With the popularity of various low stress training and certifications for veterinary staff it is always important to stay abreast of the latest in animal restraint. This handbook is an easy to use and practical guide for various species. I particularly found the exotic companion mammal, bird, and reptile sections of great interest. The artwork in the handbook adds to the text's descriptions so readers are not left self-interpreting how the technique should be performed. I appreciate the author's attention to not only human safety but also the welfare of the animals undergoing restraint.

I think this handbook would serve any veterinary professional or clinic well. I also think it is a great substitute for the larger animal restraint texts available as the conciseness highlights the material readers are often looking for.

Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM, Stanford University, USA

From the Publisher