Each species of our domestic animals is endowed with one or 

 more means of defense. These are oftentimes — in individuals of 

 certain temperament — converted into weapons of offense. The 

 horse w^ll strike, kick and bite; the ox will gore and kick; the 

 dog and hog will bite. It is with these weapons of offense that 

 we are called upon to contend and overcome by restraint. These 

 animals must be rendered harmless by the means of restraint 

 v/hich we have at hand. Of course the particular method em- 

 ployed depends largely upon the animal and the degree of re- 

 straint necessary. 



While we constantly find it necessary to employ methods of 

 restraint in order to confine the animal, we should always do so 

 in as humane a manner as possible. Humanitarian treatment 

 applies here as well as elsewhere in the practice of veterinary 

 science. We should never take advantage of an animal when 

 confined in order to cause torture or to inflict unnecessary pain 

 of any kind. 



The surgeon is confronted with problems pertaining to re- 

 straint or some method of subjection almost ever^^ hour of each 

 day of his professional career. 



Not only does the restraint problem confront and concern the 

 surgeon alone, but his client and patient are also directly inter- 

 ested to a well marked degree. The surgeon owes it to his client, 

 his patient and himself to become proficient in properly and se- 

 curely restraining animals for examination and operation. With- 

 out efficient means of restraint the surgeon is in constant dan- 

 ger of great bodily harm ; the animal in danger of self-inflicted in- 

 juries as a result of its own efforts at resistance, thereby causing 

 the owner financial loss, which could and should have been avoided 

 by proper methods of procedure. 



In order to cast and secure an animal properly and success- 

 fully the operator should possess a level head associated with 

 plenty of courage and confidence. He should retain Ins equili- 

 brium in spite of any untoward accident or emergency which may 

 chance to take place. Self-confidence and good judgment are 

 both valuable assets in performing work of the character which 

 this book undertakes to illustrate and describe. The surgeon 

 should get control and remain in control from the time the twitch 



