Large Animal Restraint

What are the three aims of large animal restraint?

1. Safety

2. Efficiency

3. Minimal stress

what four things should be considered when restraining a large animal?

1. Condition suspected/procedure or treatment required

2. Temperament

3. Materials/equipment at hand

4. Personnel available to assist

What is the nose ring in a bull/cow?

It is a ring made of stainless steel, copper or aluminum in the form of semi circles healf closed by a bolt, it goes through a hole in the nasal.

what is the nose ring in bulls/cows used for?

Used to control the bull/cow

How is the nose ring in the cow removed?

they must be cut

When is the nose ring in the cow/bull placed?

placed between 9-12 months of age

how do you tip a sheep?

1. Hold sheep against your legs

2. Turn head away from you towards sheep shoulder

3. At the same time push down on further away hip (where sheep is looking)

4. Sheep should then sit down and you can roll and hold front legs, with sheeps head against your abdomen

5. Sheep will generally remain calm in this position

6. Can conduct a clinical exam

7. Beware can still kick, will try and push to get away

How do you handle pigs?

Approach calm and carefully

Should not be left alone/isolated

Vision poor - they have a blind spot directly behind them’

Avoid low lights/bright lights

Do not rush - should be gently encouraged

How do you handle piglets?

1. Lift up by back legs - supporting the chest with other hand to minimise stress on the leg

2. Hold against your body

3. Lower back to ground or all feet at once

How do you restrain a foal who is under 2 weeks of age using the folding technique?

1. One hand on muzzle, another on their tail

2. Bend them by moving their head and tail towards each other

3. Foal will relax and go limp so they can be placed in lateral recumbency

4. Cover eyes and minimise enviromental stimulation