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 [log in to unmask] OR Chief Pathologist, AccuPath [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1304]