Lifting a dog to the examination table

LIFTING AND RESTRAINING  A DOG ON THE EXAMINATION TABLE

  • To lift a medium-sized to large dog from the floor, the handler should squat next to the dog and he should place his one arm around the dog’s chest in front of the fore limb and another around the abdomen .
  • Then the dog should be pulled close to the body of the handler to shift the weight nearer to his legs, and then he can stand up.
  • If the dog struggles, it should be pulled tightly against the chest of the handler or set the animal down on the table.
  • The same process should be followed in reverse while releasing the dog.
  • The dog should not be dropped of allowed to jump from the table.
  • Vicious dogs should be muzzled before doing this procedure.

Restraint of the Dog in sternal recumbency

  • To perform procedures such as a physical examination, injections, venipuncture, and ophthalmic examinations. In some cases, the dog may be more cooperative if it is
    restrained in this position.
  • Put a noose leash on the dog.This gives you control over the dog if you need it.
  • Begin with the dog sitting.  Place one arm around the dog’s neck and place the other arm around the dog’s back to grasp the forelimbs
  • The dog’s face should always be kept away from the person performing the procedure to reduce the chance of the other person getting bitten
  • Push down on the dog’s back with your body. This will encourage the dog to lie down.
  • Apply gentle pressure so as not to injure the dog’s back. You may need to pull the forelimbs forward to get the dog to lie down. 
  • Two people may be required to restrain a large dog.
  • One person would restrain the front end of the dog as previously described, while a second person uses their hands to keep the hindquarters on the table or floor.
  • From this position the head can be examined.

CLICK HERE FOR ANIMATION 

CLICK HERE FOR ANIMATION 

Restraint of a dog in lateral recumbency

  • To restrain a dog in a lateral recumbency position for procedures such as urinary catheterization, injections, cystocentesis (puncture of the bladder to obtain a
    urine sample), and venipuncture of the lateral saphenous vein.
  • Put a noose leash on the dog. This will give you control over the dog if you need it.
  • Place the dog in the standing position. The dog could also be placed in lateral recumbency from a sternal position.
  • Place your right arm across the dog’s neck and reach between the front legs to grasp the dog’s right forelimb in your right hand.
  • This will place the dog in right lateral recumbency. If the dog is in sternal recumbency, the right front limb will not be exposed for easy access so grasping the
    right forelimb will be more difficult.
  • Alternatively you can place your right arm over the dog’s neck and reach under the chest to place the dog’s right forelimb in your right hand.
  •  With the dog’s body close to yours, gently lift the limbs while allowing the dog’s body to move to the table. It should now be on its right side.
  • This needs to be done quickly and in one motion as some dogs will panic when they feel they are losing their footing. Placing the dog on the table must be done
    gently.
  • Place your left arm over the dog’s back, reaching for the dog’s right rear limb. Grasp the limb just proximal to the hock.
  • If the dog is in sternal recumbency, the right rear limb will be tucked under the dog and will be more diffi cult to grasp.
  • With the dog’s body close to yours, gently lift the limbs while allowing the dog’s body to move to the table. It should now be on its right side.
  • This needs to be done quickly and in one motion as some dogs will panic when they feel they are losing their footing. Placing the dog on the table must be done
  • Allow the dog to relax for a couple of seconds, not releasing the limbs from your grasp. Your right arm can now be used to place pressure on the dog’s neck if needed for more control.
  • Use caution when releasing the dog from lateral recumbency. The hind legs should be released fi rst followed by the front.
  • Once the dog is in lateral recumbency, one person controls the front limbs, while the other person controls the hind limbs.
  • If the dog is large, two people may be required for this restraint. One person would be in control of the front limbs, while the other would control the hind limbs gently.
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 10:09 AM