Content continues after advertisement

Small Mammal Restraint Techniques

David Eshar, DVM, DABVP (ECM), DECZM (SM & ZHM), Kansas State University

Small Mammals

|January 2020|Peer Reviewed

Sign in to Print/View PDF

Many exotic companion mammals have an inherent fight-or-flight response. Safe handling techniques can minimize stress and reduce the chance for trauma in these patients. Body size, sensitive skin, and, in some species, fragile, long bones should be considered.

During examination, patients should be approached in a calm, gentle manner and minimal physical force should be applied. Staff should wear gloves, as some animals may carry zoonotic pathogens.1-3 Chemical immobilization with injectable sedatives or inhalant anesthesia should be considered in patients that are extremely fractious and/or painful and for invasive and/or prolonged procedures.

The following can serve as a general guide for handling select small mammals commonly evaluated in the clinical setting.

References

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy