Main description:

This concise instructional guide condenses the most important aspects of large animal handling. It provides a portable, durable, beside-the-animal means of learning, as well as a convenient way to refresh on how to strive for safety and efficacy in animal handling techniques. It is ideal for use during veterinary placements in all settings from farm to laboratory, to riding school. 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 on EMS rotations, as well as practicing veterinarians, technicians and assistants, the book covers species encountered in farm, equine and laboratory settings.

Contents:

Safer Animal Handling and Physical Restraint. Handling and Animal Welfare. Good Handling Needs Transparency. 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. Use of Force. Responsibilities for the Actions of Assistant Handlers. Legal Considerations. Roles of Chemical and Physical Restraint. Keys to Good Handling of Large Animals. Ideals and Realities. Large Animal Behavior. Behavior and Handling. Predator or Prey Behavior. Predators. Animal Hierarchy: Social Dominance. Socialization with Humans. Flight Zone and Point of Balance. Senses and Behavior. Resistance Behaviors. Species Differences in Aggression and Avoidance. Training Methods for Handling Large Animals. Health and Behavior. Stereotypic Behavior and Environmental Enrichment. Nutraceuticals and Behavior. Animal Behavior Specialists. Ropes, Knots, and Hitches. Terminology and Rope Construction. Equipment Maintenance. Equipment Safety. Useful Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Animal Handlers. Using a Lariat. Horses, Donkeys, and Mules. Natural Behavior of Horses. Safety First. Approaching, Catching, and Releasing. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Special Equipment. Transporting Horses. Donkeys, Mules, and Hinnies. Cattle. Natural Behavior of Cattle. Safety First. Approaching and Catching. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Transporting Cattle. Small Ruminants. Species Characteristics. Natural Behavior of Small Ruminants. Safety First. Sheep. Goats. South American Camelids (Llamas and Alpacas). Transporting Small Ruminants. Swine. Natural Behavior of Swine. Safety First. Approaching and Catching. Handling for Routine Care and Management. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Transporting Swine. Poultry. Natural Behavior of Poultry. Safety First. Approaching, Catching, and Routine Handling. Handling for Common Medical Procedures. Appendix. Supply Sources of Large Animal Handling and Restraint Equipment. Multiple Species References.