Physical Restraint Technique

Horse

Twitching

Twitching is a method used to subdue horses without the use of drugs. It is frequently
used for basic veterinary procedures such as passing a nasogastric tube in a colicky
horse. Some handlers will also use it when working with a sensitive horse for things like
clipping a ticklish area or sheath cleaning. The goal is to make the procedure safer for
the horse and humans involved by restraining the horse. Unlike drugs used to calm
horses, the effect ends almost immediately after the twitch is removed; no groggy
recovery time afterwards.
There are a few methods used to twitch horses. The most common is a lip twitch where
the horse’s upper lip is squeezed in a device. Veterinarians often use a rope twitch—
sometimes called a hickory twitch-- which is a small loop of rope on the end of a long
wooden handle. This twitch typically requires one person to hold the twitch while
another person is performing the procedure. The video below shows how a rope twitch
is applied.

A one-man twitch uses essentially the same mechanism, but is a smaller device that
clamps on the upper lip, then held closed with a clip or an attached rope that can be
clipped to the halter and therefore doesn’t require a second person.
Another method of twitching is an ear twitch. This doesn’t use a separate device, but is
simply a firm hold applying a slight twist to the ear.
Cattle

Tail Jacking

When tailing, tie the animal up or put it in a stanchion

and stand directly behind it. Lift the tail with one hand, reaching

under and grasping the tail at the base with the other hand.

Then grasp it close to the base with both hands, pressing the

tail upward, straight over the back. When this

technique is carried out properly, pressure will not break the

tail, yet will pinch the vertebrae and the caudal nerves suffi -

ciently to make the animal relax and ignore manipulation

elsewhere. Once the animal has settled down, the pressure can

be released, to be reapplied only when a particular procedure

requires the animal to stand quietly. It is important for the

pressure to be exerted at the base of the tail, not further along

it. The tail of the bovine is not as strong as that of the equine,
and improper manipulations may fracture the coccygeal

vertebrae.

Flanking a Calf

Place the calf’s body so its left side is parallel to your legs. Position your right knee into the calf’s flank
and reach around the calf’s body to grasp the opposite flank with the right hand. With the left hand,
grasp the loose skin just behind the shoulder. Push into the calf with your knee and lift up with both
hands at the same time, letting the calf slide down your legs to break the fall. Follow the calf down and
place one knee on the neck. Raise the front leg that is closest to the ground to keep the calf down.

Goats

When you work with a herd of goats, the ideal restraint is to use a small pen. Lure them into the pen
with grain or some other treat. Lure them into the pen with grain or some other treat. Chasing giats
rarely works.
Catch a goat by placing an arm around its neck and the other hand on its tail and then direct its
movements with forward or backward pressure. Never hold a goat’s horns, they resent this and will
resist violently. They will either run at you and butt you or shake their heads vigorously.

Sheep

Setting up a sheep

Stands with your legs against the sheep’s shoulder and flank. Push the sheep’s head laterally to its
shoulder. After a few moments, the sheep will begin to slowly sag. At this point, lift up on the flank, step
back with the leg closest to the flank, pivot on the other leg to throw the sheep off-center, and set the
sheep on its rump. Rock the sheep back so that it is resting on the top of the pelvis versus directly on the
rear. This keeps the sheep off-balance, and it will cease to struggle. Rest the back between your legs,
freeing both hands for other work.
Pig

Applying a hog snare

Hold the loop in front of the pig. Most will investigate it in case it is something to eat. When the pig
mouths the loop. Quickly move the loop into the moth and over the snout and lighten the loop. Lean or
pull back on the snare. The pig will lean back from the snare and emit loud scream, which it will keep up
until released. When releasing the snare, push down on the handle. Do it quickly and step out of the
way.
Reference :

Sirois, M. 2016. Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology, Elsevier Health Sciences, pgs 864