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Author Spotlight: Training of Laboratory Animals for Gentle and Stress-Free Handling
Published on: February 16, 2024
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Teaching Gentle Canine and Feline Handling as a Veterinary Clinical Skill
Jennifer T Johnson1, Julie Hunt1, Jamie Perkins2
1Lincoln Memorial University.
Mededpublish (2016)
|March 15, 2024
Summary
Gentle animal handling techniques reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets during vet visits. This article provides lesson plans for teaching these essential skills to veterinary students, enhancing animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Education
Background:
- Companion animals experience fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) during veterinary visits.
- Gentle animal handling techniques are emerging as a method to mitigate this distress.
- Effective training is crucial for veterinary professionals to implement these techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a curriculum for teaching gentle animal handling to veterinary students.
- To provide adaptable lesson plans for veterinary institutions.
- To improve the welfare of animals during veterinary care through enhanced handling skills.
Main Methods:
- Development of a progressive clinical skills curriculum.
- Utilizing laboratory sessions with models and live animals.
- Incorporating instructor feedback and deliberate practice for skill refinement.
Main Results:
- The curriculum is designed for easy adoption and modification by institutions.
- Structured laboratories reinforce and build upon learned handling techniques.
- Emphasis on deliberate practice aims to instill lifelong handling skills.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary students can be effectively trained in gentle animal handling.
- Implementing these techniques early in education prepares students for clinical practice.
- Improved handling skills contribute to reduced animal FAS and better veterinary experiences.
