How does a slip lead help at a vet clinic?
- Allows control of the head.
- Prevents escape.
- Getting loose in the clinic or while being walked.
- Escaping out the door and into traffic.
- Loose pets are hard to chase down
Standing restraint (dog)
- Always keep a hand on the pet!
- One arm is in front of the chest around the neck, one arm is behind the rump or under the flank, the “forklift position” of arms.
- Pull the pet into your chest gently, you can always tighten into a more firm grip if needed.
- Keep your face up and away from the head.
Sternal Recumbency
Recumbency = lying down, not standing
Sternal =Resting on sternum (chest)
- One arm is in front of the chest, around neck.
- One arm is over the top of the pet’s body
May need to press down with arm or body weight onto the pet (depending on pet size) to keep them sternal.
Lateral Recumbency
Lying “lateral” = on the side
- Stand or kneel beside the pet.
- Reach over the body with both arms.
- Grasp the legs that are closest to you (don’t grasp the paws, hold more proximally.
- Pull up on those legs and gently support the pet as they lie down on their side.
- One arm is over the neck holding the “down” forelimb, while the other is over the flank holding the “down” hindlimb.
Cephalic vein
-The vein on the cranial aspect of the forearm
-Commonly used for blood sampling or IV catheter placement.
-May be accessed with pets in a variety of positions, cooperative dogs may just sit quietly with minimal restraint
Cephalic Venipuncture (in sternal restraint)
- The person who will be sampling holds the forelimb extended, grasping carpus or paw.
- Handler helps extend the forelimb, placing the hand behind the elbow.
- Place the thumb on the medial aspect of the forearm.
- Roll the thumb and hand laterally while applying gentle pressure over the vein.
Types of muzzles
-Basket Muzzles are most comfortable for dog!
-Leather or nylon (look less intimidating to owners. Note: shouldn’t be left on longer than 10-15min)
“Free catch” Urine collection
-Collect midstream (preferably in the AM)
-Should not be cultured for bacteria
Manual Bladder Expression
-The bladder is palpated in caudal abdomen and gentle, steady pressure is applied.
-Too much pressure can rupture/injure the bladder.
-Should not be used on an obstructed bladder or a fragile bladder.
Cystocentsis
Cysto=(bladder); Centesis=(to puncture)
Collection of a urine sample through cystocentesis in a dog. The bladder is isolated, and urine is aspirated into a syringe.
Catheterization
- External genitalia should be cleansed.
- Always use sterile urinary catheters and sterile gloves.
- Females: a speculum may be used to help visualize the urethral orifice.
- Cats are almost always anesthetized for this procedure.
- A small amount of sterile lubricant is placed on the tip of the catheter.
- Care must be taken to avoid trauma to the sensitive urethral mucous membranes.
Urine evaluation
Physical properties: color, amount, turbidity (cloudiness), collection method, unusual odor.
Urine Specific Gravity (USG)
-Measured with a refractometer and is an indicator of the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
-Compares the sample to pure water which is specific gravity 1.000
Chemical evaluation
Using chemical strips designed to test urine, they will change color with the presence of blood, protein, glucose, etc.
Timing is critical!
Where is the cephalic vein located?
Foreleg
