INTRODUCTION 



Restraint of Domestic Animals, in the broadest acceptation 

 of the term, means much to the average busy and active practi- 

 tioner of Veterinary Surgery. 



Each species of our domestic animals is endowed with one 

 or more means of defense. These are oftentimes — in individ- 

 uals of certain temperament — converted into weapons of offense. 

 The horse will 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 re- 

 straint which we have at hand. Of course the particular method 

 employed depends largely upon the animal and the degree of 

 restraint 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 every hour of each 

 day of his professional career. 



l^ot 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 securely restraining animals for exam'ination and operation. 

 Without efficient means of restraint the surgeon is in constant 

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

 inflicted injuries 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. 



