ABSTRACT
The reasons to handle or restrain individual animals include physical examination; prophylactic, medical, or surgical treatments; grooming; training; recreation; and companionship.
The single action that veterinary medical personnel do for each and every patient is the application of handling techniques.
This chapter describes the qualities, knowledge, and skills required to be an effective large animal handler. Included are affection for animals, proper attitude, allocation of sufficient time, attention to safety, avoidance of pain, instilling animal respect for handlers, attention to possible special circumstances, and the use of body language, voice, and touch. Appropriate attire and personal habits are listed. Also included are the effects of handling conditions on the success of animal handling. The risks of injury and zoonotic diseases to handlers of animals are discussed and means to eliminate or mitigate the risks are reviewed. Ethical and legal concerns of animal handling are included. The advantages and disadvantages are given for chemical restraint when handling animals.
