To Linda Doran:
 
>What are your techniques in restraining the weasels for the vet WITHOUT
>scruffing?  And DVM's (if you're reading), how would you prefer the human
>half of your patient load to behave?
 
        Linda - I am a firm advocate of scruffing when necessary.  Don't
forget the Linatone as a distractor - that should be attempted first.  If
this fails, then scruffing is the second choice.  When I give shots, the
last thing I want is a squirming ferret.  There si little you can hurt in
the scruff of the neck - it is when you try for the body hold that other
things can get damage.  Also scruffing allows you to maintain control of the
head.  I wouldn't want my ferret to bite the doctor or anyone else - that
can only lead to trouble.   I prefer the one handed scruff and hang for a
quick injection.  For taking blood, though, a small amount of gas anesthesia
is my choice - trying to put a needle in the neck or leg of a squirming
ferret can be dangerous for everyone involved, especially the ferret.
 
        As far as the human is concerned - I would prefer they scruffed the
animal (if they have to participate) and kept calm.
 
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP
Dept. of Vet Path, AFIP
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Chief Pathologist, AccuPath
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[Posted in FML issue 1304]