Class S i ^ .
Book. xli_
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COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV
Restraint
Domestic Animals
A BOOK FOR THE USE OF
Students and Practitioners
312 Illustrations from Pen Drawings and
2b Half Tones from Original Photographs
George R. White, M. D., D. V. S.
t \
Graduate Columbian University {Veterinary Department) , and University of Nashville {Medical Department)
Member
American Veterinary Medical Association ^
Tennessee State Veterinary Medical Association
American Medical Association
Tennessee State Medical Association
Nashville Academy of Medicine »
and Davidson County Medical Society
Published by the Author
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
19 09
LIBRARY of CONGRESS
Two CoDies
Received
MAR 15
1U09
. Copyiifcnt
1 CLASS O^
"i-3 \ 4
COPY
tntry _
\Xc, Mo,
8.
COPYRIGHTED 1909
BY
George R. White
PRESS OF
BAYLESS-PULLEN CO.
NASHVILLE
Dedication
To W. H. Dalrymple, M. R. C. V. S.
As a slight token of personal friendship, as well as for his untiring and continued
efforts to advance the status of the Veterinary Profession in the South
— especially for his pioneer work in the State of Louisiana,
is this volume respectfully dedicated by
The Author
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.
Restraint of the Horse in the Standing Posture.
Chapter I. Twitches, Gags and Barnacles.
Chapter II. Restraint or "War Bridles" and Halters.
Chapter III. Restraint Harness and Other Leather and
Rope Appliances.
Chapter IV. Stocks.
Chapter V. Slings.
PART II.
Restraint of the Horse in the Recumbent Posture.
Chapter I. Hobbles.
Chapter II. Casting and Securing Harness and Ropes.
Chapter III. Operating Tables.
PART III.
Restraint of the Ox.
Chapter I. Restraint of the Ox in the Standing Posture.
Chapter II. Restraint of the Ox in the Recumbent Posture.
PART IV.
Restraint of the Dog.
Chapter I. Operating Tables.
Chapter II. Muzzles, Tape and Other Methods.
PART V.
Restraint of the Hog.
INTRODUCTION
Restraint of Domestic Animals, in the broadest acceptation
of the term, means much to the average busy and active practi-
tioner of Veterinary Surgery.
Each species of our domestic animals is endowed with one
or more means of defense. These are oftentimes — in individ-
uals of certain temperament — converted into weapons of offense.
The horse will strike, kick and bite; the ox will gore and kick;
the dog and hog will bite. It is with these weapons of offense
that we are called upon to contend and overcome by restraint.
These animals must be rendered harmless by the means of re-
straint which we have at hand. Of course the particular method
employed depends largely upon the animal and the degree of
restraint necessary.
While we constantly find it necessary to employ methods of
restraint in order to confine the animal, we should always do
so in as humane a manner as possible. Humanitarian treatment
applies here as well as elsewhere in the practice of Veterinary
science. We should never take advantage of an animal when
confined in order to cause torture or to inflict unnecessary pain
of any kind.
The surgeon is confronted with problems pertaining to re-
straint or some method of subjection almost every hour of each
day of his professional career.
Not only does the restraint problem confront and concern the
surgeon alone, but his client and patient are also directly inter-
ested to a well marked degree. The surgeon owes it to his
client, his patient and himself to become proficient in properly
and securely restraining animals for examination and operation.
Without efiicient means of restraint the surgeon is in constant
danger of great bodily harm; the animal in danger of self-
inflicted injuries as a result of its own efforts at resistance,
thereby causing the owner financial loss which could and should
have been avoided by proper methods of procedure.
8 INTRODUCTION.
In order to cast and secure an animal properly and success-
fully the operator should possess a level head associated with
plenty of courage and confidence. He should retain his equili-
brium in spite of any untoward accident or emergency w^iich
may chance to take place. Self-confidence and good judgment
are both valuable assets in performing work of the character
which this book undertakes to illustrate and describe. The
surgeon should get control and remain in control from the time
the twitch is placed on the animal preparatory to applying the
hobbles or casting harness until the animal is again on its feet.
Experience and dexterity are not to be underrated in the oper-
ator who is to undertake the task of securing and properly con-
fining the larger of our domestic animals. Do not allow your-
self to become excited or unduly alarmed or aggravated should
everything not transpire as smoothly as you expect or desire,
for in so doing the surgeon is not in possession of his mental
faculties sufficiently to do justice either to himself, his patient
or his client.
Perfect, or even good, surgery is impossible without per-
fect restraint. The surgeon is no better than the restraint
method which he uses. It is rare to see a surgeon handle a knife
any more skillfully than he handles his restraint technique.
Imperfect restraint means an imperfect operation.
This book contains 338 illustrations; of this number 312
are zinc etchings made from pen drawings, and 26 are half-
tones from original photographs. In compiling and placing it
before the profession of this country I have endeavored in so
far as possible to avoid technicalities in order to make it valua-
ble to the student and amateur horseman.
I do not care to be held responsible for the imperfections
of many of the modes of restraint and subjection illustrated and
described. I have endeavored to the best of my ability to illus-
trate and describe the good methods as well as those which are
bad or even indifferent. Each operator should select his favor-
ite method — the one or ones which most appeal to his fancy —
and by practice become proficient in the skillful use of same.
My thanks are due and are hereby acknowledged to Professors
A. Liautard, John A. W. Dollar, W. L. Williams, and L. A.
INTRODUCTION. 9
Merillat for their courteous assistance and advice ; Mr. J. T.
Jollej for his painstaking care in making the drawings, and
all others who have in any way assisted me in my efforts to fur-
nish the profession with a book on Restraint of Domestic Ani-
mals, which appeals to me as in a manner filling a long felt
want in American veterinary literature.
Geoege R. White.
PARTI.
Restraint of the Horse in the
Standing Posture.
CHAPTEK I.
TWITCHES, GAGS AND BARNACLES.
The Twitch.
If every practicing veterinarian in the civilized world was
asked to name the first and most important factor in confining
a horse in the standing posture, their unanimous answer would
be "a well made and properly applied twitch/' The twitch
as a means of subjection or restraint, is as ancient as the
domesticated horse himself. Since its introduction it has been
used with excellent and satisfactory results; although brutal
in principle, it is the veterinary surgeon's most valuable asset
against injury.
It is almost universally applied to the upper lip ; however,
in rare instances it is placed on the lower lip and ear. It is
applied by grasping lip through loop of the twitch, and is tight-
ened by rotating the handle. It acts by squeezing the lip until
sufficient pain is produced to detract the animal's attention from
the seat of operation. To use more force in this squeezing
process than is necessary is inhuman, besides rough handling
of the twitch or bearing on it too long will often cause labial
paralysis.
The twitch diverts the animal's attention by compressing
the sensory nerves of the lip. The ordinary rope and stich
twitch, Figure 1, is one of the simplest and most inexpensive
Fig. 1. Ordinary Rope and Stick Twitch.
forms. It is made by simply boring a round hole (c) in a
stick (a), preferably hard wood, about one inch from the end.
H
RESTRAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS,
When the hole is made, insert a piece of rope or sash cord (b) ;
this may vary in diameter from % to ^ inch, and in length
from 10 to 20 inches. Tie ends of rope or cord together and
the twitch is completed.
Another rope and stick twitch, Figure 2, can be easily made
by boring an oblong hole (e)
in a piece of hard wood (a)
similar to that used in Fig.
1. Use same diameter and
Fig. 2. Ordinary Rope and Stick length sash cord or rope (b)
"'"^'*^^- as is used in Figure 1. In-
stead of tying ends of rope together they are inserted through
hole (e) on each side and are retained in place by a simple-
knot on each end (d) (c).
Ring Tivitcli.
The ring twitch, Figure 3, consists of a metal ring (b) and
Fig. 3. Ring Twitch.
Fig. 4. Triangle Twitch.
TWITCHES, GAGS AND BARNACLES.
15
piece of rope (a). This ring may vary in diameter from 4 to
6 inches. Into the ring is tied the piece of rope or sash Curd
(a). This cord may vary in diameter from !/§ to ^2 inch, and
in length from 8 to 18 inches. This makes a neat and light
twitch, and one which can be folded up and carried conveniently
in an ordinary instrument grip or satchel.
Triangular Twitch.
The triangular t^vitch, Figure 4, is made similar to the ring
twitch. Figure 3, except instead of a metal ring the piece of
metal in shape of a triangle (b) is used into which the rope or
cord (a) is tied.
Miles' Twitch.
The Miles twitch. Figure 5, was designed and first used
by "Farmer" Miles. It is made from a piece
of hickory or other tough and hard wood 18
inches long, % i^ch thick, and 2 inches wide
(a). A metal rivet (h) is inserted near the
end. An oblong hole is bored to carry rope
(e). Another hole (d) is bored about 3' inches
from the small end of stick to carry strap or
rope (b) (c). The rope (e) can vary in
diameter from % to % inches, in length from
12 to 20 inches. Insert ends of rope through
hole and retain in place by tying knots (f)
Cg)-
The Miles twitch, Figure 6, is applied and
used in the ordinary way, with the exception
that the twitch stick (e) is fastened up to side
of halter (a) by straps or ropes (c) (b). Fig-
ure 6. This dispenses with holding the twitch
by hand. This is a convenient as well as an
Twitch. effectual method of using the twitch.
i6
RESTRAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
The rope and stick twitch
Fig. 6. Miles' Twitch Applied.
with metal bound head,
Figure 1, is more sub-
stantial than either of
those described and illus-
trated above. The stick
(a) should be heavy and
strong, size and shape to
suit the operator. Spaces
should be hollowed out of
head under the metal band
to accommodate rope or
sash cord (f) (e). A
metal band (g) (d) is
shrunk around head of
twitch stick. K round hole is bored four inches from head
(c) (b). The rope (f) (e) may vary in diameter from % to
Fig. 7. Rope and Stick Twitch Metal Bound Head.
^2 inch, and in length from 18 to 22 inches, and are fastened
together at side of head of twitch (c).
Ball and Chain Twitch.
Figure 8 consists of a
piece of % to 14 inch twisted
link chain 10 to 12 inches
long attached to piece of iron
at one end, and upon the
other end is a ball, as shown
in the illustration. This
makes a good twitch, and one
easy to apply. But on ac-
count of its rigidity it must
be used with care and dis-
cretion.
Fig. 8. Ball and Chain Twitch.
TWITCHES, GAGS AND BARNACLES.
17
Fig. 9. Iron and Chain Twitch.
Another form of iron and chain twitch, Eigure 9, is strong
and durable. It is preferred by some operators, while by
others it is condemned. The
hand piece is simply a flat
piece of iron hammered into
proper shape. After shaping
the metal two holes are
drilled through it to accom-
modate the twisted link
chain. The chain may be the same diameter and length as
the one used in Figure 8. This same pattern of twitch may be
made of wood for handle instead of metal, and horse-hair rope,
sash cord, or common rope instead of chain.
The rope loop
and short stick
twitch. Figure 10,
consists of a piece of
rope or sash cord
varying in diameter
from l^ to % inch,
and in length from
12 to 20 inches. The
bends are tied togeth-
er. A round stick
(a) from 8 to 20
inches long is used
to complete this
twitch.
Fig. 10. Rope Loop and Short Stick Twitch.
The Gag.
The "gag" has been used since time immemorial as a means
of subjection and restraint. Although seldom used now by the
BESTEAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
Fig. 11. Loop and Rope Gag.
American veterinarian, its use is continued by many practi-
tioners of central Europe. Unless used with extreme caution
lacerations of the lips and con-
tusions of the "poll" are liable
to occur. The gag should al-
ways be used and removed as
quickly as possible.
The loop and rope gag,
Figure 11, consists of a rope or
sash cord which may vary in
diameter from ^ to % inch,
and in length from 5 to 10 feet.
To apply this form of gag it is
only necessary to place rope in
mouth (a), then pass looped
end (d) over poll (c) ; now
carry rope (b) through loop
(d), and make the desired tension by pulling on free end of
rope (b).
Rope and short stick gag, Figure 12, is made by tying both
ends of a rope together
the proper size to fit a
horse, somewhat similar
to an ordinary bridle
(a) ; then with a round
^^ A ^^^ ' u\ - "â– ^>v^ piece of wood (c) 6 to
8 inches long, placed
y M,\\\\xvxN , \?^^>^^''^"""~ '\^^"^\ between rope and cheek,
make traction by twist-
ing at side of cheek (b)
^. ,^ until the desired ten-
Fig. 12. Rope and Short Stick Gag. . . , . , „.
sion IS obtained. The
diameter of the rope or sash cord used should be same as that
described in Figure 11.
TWITCHES, GAGS AND BARNACLES.
19
Fig. 13. Rope and Long Stick Gag.
The rope and long stick
gag, Figure 13, is made sim-
ilar to that of Figure 12 ex-
cept the piece of wood (a)
should be from 10 to 18 inches
long. Insert the stick at side
of cheek (b) and twist until de-
sired tension is obtained. The
free end of stick can then be
tied to rope (c) at side of
face.
Barnacles.
Barnacles are made of either metal or wood. They con-
sist of two pieces hinged together at one end and so shaped at
the free ends as to make them easily and quickly brought to-
gether so that they can be "fixed" securely by cord or other
means. The barnacle answers the same purpose as either the
twitch or gag. It is more severe in its effects, and should al-
ways be used with
discretion. The
wooden barnacle,
Figure 14, con-
sists of two round
pieces of hard Fig. 14. Wooden Barnacle.
wood 1^ inches
in diameter and 15 inches long, into which notches or circular
ridges are cut to come in contact with the lip. These cause
pain as well as prevent the appliance from slipping off the lip.
They are hinged at one end by means of a piece of rope or
cord. To apply this barnacle the lip is grasped and the free
ends of the stick brought together until desired pressure on
lip is obtained ; then the free ends of sticks are tied together
with cord.
EESTEAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
Metal barnacle, Figure 15, consists of two pieces of metal
with their approx-
imating edges flat-
tened and hinged
together. On the
distal end of one
of these pieces of
metal a ring is placed to fit into notches on the corresponding
end of the other. To apply this barnacle, Figure 16, the nose
Metal Barnacle.
Fig. 16. Metal Barnacle Applied.
should be grasped and the metal pieces forced together until
the desired tension is secured. The ring (c) is then locked in
the appropriate notch (a).
Fig. 17. Subjection by Grasping Nose and Twisting Ear.
twitches, gags and barnacles. 21
Other Simple Methods of Subjection.
To firmly grasp the nose (b) with tlie left hand, Figure 17,
and simply twisting or compressing the ear (c) with the right
hand will oftentimes prove to be sufficient restraint for exam-
ination and minor operation.
Fig. 18, Rope or Cord Held Tightly Around Lower Jaw.
Figure 18 represents a rope or cord (b) passed into the
mouth (a) and held tightly around lower jaw (c). This will
oftentimes enable the op-
erator to examine and op-
erate upon many animals
without resorting to other
methods of restraint.
To simply "blindfold"
or cover the head, Figure
19, will cause many ner-
vous and sometimes vicious
animals to stand without
Fig. 19. Subjection by Blindfold.
resorting to other more
complicated or painful
methods.
CHAPTEE II.
EESTKAINT OE "wAR BRIBLEs" AND HALTERS.
The Restraint or '^'War Bridle."
As a means of restraint and subjection of animals which
are of a certain nervous or vicious temperament, the "war
bridle" is far superior to the twitch or any other appliance.
This device has been in successful use for many years by some
of the world's most famous "horse tamers." It is oftentimes
indispensable in handling certain animals. When properly
applied, correctly adjusted and judiciously used there can come
no bad results from its application. When the nervous and
vicious character of some animals is taken into consideration,
its use on them, even from a humanitarian viewpoint, is amply
justified. The "war bridle" can be modified in a variety of
ways to increase its power and efficiency. Experience, good
judgment and extreme care are the three attributes necessary
on the part of the operator to handle the "war bridle" suc-
cessfully.
To make a good "war bridle" it is necessary to use rope
or sash cord of first-class quality, varying in size from 5-16 to
%-inch in diameter, and from 15 to 24 feet in length. The
object of the "war bridle" is to cause pain by pressure on the
spinal cord at its most exposed part, which is immediately over
the axoatloid articulation, at the same time tension is brought
on cheeks at corners of mouth by traction on free end of cord.
This also causes excruciating pain, thereby bringing the ani-
mal under immediate and thorough control. If properly used
it is certainly a powerful and valuable method of restraint.
KESTKAINT OB ""WAR BRIDLEs" AND HALTERS
23
Gleasons "War Bridle.
The bridle of
Gleason, Figure
20, is one of the
simplest of war
bridles. After se-
curing sash cord
or rope of proper
diameter and
length, the rope is
passed around the
neck (d) and tied
securely (c). It
is then passed into
and through the
mouth (a) to the
opposite side and over the poll (e) and back again (f), after
which the pull or traction is made from end of rope (b).
Fig, 20. Gleason's "War Bridle."
Eureka "War Bridle.
Fig. 21. Eureka "War Br-idle."
The Eureka "war
bridle," Figure 21, is
made and applied by
tying the rope (g) (f)
around the neck well
posterior to the "poll."
ISText pass rope (c) to
right side of face and
through the mouth.
Then pass rope (a) (b)
back through loop
around neck (d) and
make traction on free
end of rope (e).
24
EESTEAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
Bonaparte "War Bridle."
The Bonaparte "war
bridle," Figure 22, is one
of the most popular and
widely used "war bridles"
that has ever been de-
signed. It is also known
as the double draw-hitch
bridle. It gives at least
three times more power
than any other form of
"war bridle," and is es-
pecially useful in handling
and controlling large, pow-
erful and vicious animals. To make this appliance the cord
(d) is tied securely around neck (c). Then bring the cord
from below upwards, l^ow pass it over poll (e) and back
through mouth (a) thence through the loop (F) and make trac-
tion from free end of rope. If desired to secure still more
power the cord may be placed under the upper lip instead of
though the mouth.
Fig. 22. Bonapart "War Bridle."
Magner's "War Bridle.
The Magner "war
l)ridle," Figure 23,
is made by simply
making loop (a)
around lower jaw
and through mouth,
after which pass free
end of cord upward
on off-side of head
and over "poll"
(b) ; then downward
through loop (a) and
make traction from
free end of rope (c)
Fig. 23. Magner's "War
RESTRAINT OR WAR BRIDLES AND HALTERS.
25
Magners "War Bridle" Modified.
Figure 24 represents
Magner's "war bridle"
modified. This bridle is
applied bj making a loop
around lower jaw (a) with
free end of rope on off-
side; then over "poll" (d)
downwards and through
loop at lower jaw; thence
under upper lip (e) back
along side face on off side
over poll again (d) down
and through loop (b). Make traction from free end of rope (c).
Fig. 24. Magner's "War Bridle"
Modified
Restraint and Dental Halters.
Devices of this character are oftentimes useful in confining
horses for minor surgical and dental operations. Inasmuch as
the head does not require additional holding, these halters
dispense with the services of at least one assistant. There are
several good and substantial halters made for this purpose.
The principal ones are as follows:
Lucas' Denial Halter.
The Lucas dental halter, Figure 25, is a very desirable
device for securing the horse's head in almost any position for
minor surgical operations
and dental work. It was de-
signed by George H. Lucas,
Veterinary Dentist, of To-
ronto, Canada, and consists
of (a) metal nose band (a)
hammered into proper shape.
This nose band is well padded
with felt or other soft mate-
rial. The nose band is con-
Fig. 25. Lucas' Dental Halter.
26
EESTEAINT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
nected with the heavy two-inch overhead or "poll strap" (h)
bj means of two 6-inch doubled and stitched straps (g). There
are two side rings into which the two side ropes or straps (e)
(f) are fastened. These side ropes or straps are fastened
securely to a post on each side of the head to prevent move-
ment of head from side to side. At bottom of nose band is a
ring (c) into which is attached the chain martingale (d). This
martingale is to fasten into a strong surcingle and prevent up-
ward motion of the head. The Lucas dental halter, when
properly adjusted, will effectually prevent the head from move-
ment to either side or upwards.
FeJirs Dental Halter.
Fehr's dental halter, Figure 26, is an effectual device for
holding the animal's head steady while performing minor sur-
gical operations about the
head, and dental work. It
is simple and light, con-
sisting of only four pieces.
The semi-circular metal
nose band is covered with
either rubber tubing or
leather. The covering is l\l
held securely to the nose
band by metal clamps to
which are attached the
suitable rings for attach-
ment of the heavy over poll
strap and the side ropes or Fig. 26. Fehr's Dental Halter,
straps which are to secure the head on each side to post or
sides of stall. All straps and ropes are adjustable. The appa-
ratus is readily cleaned, and on account of its lightness and
compactness may be easily transported.
RESTRAINT OR WAR BRIDLES AND HALTERS.
27
Ellis Combination Surgiml and Dental Halter.
The Ellis combination dental and surgical halter, Figure 27,
is an appliance for fixing the head in certain positions for minor
surgical operations and dental work. This
halter possesses several original features
which are valuable in restraining the head.
The principal feature is the "lip strap" (b)
to which the pillar or side reins (g) are at-
tached. These suspend the head at the proper
height and prevent side to side movement.
The nose band (a) is metal, non-compressi-
ble and heavily padded. There are offsets
in the nose band which hold the cheek pieces
of the halter 2^ to 3 inches from the cheeks
of the horse. The cheek pieces are doubled
and very strong. The "lip strap" is covered
with rubber. There is a piece of forged steel
(c) into which a substantial martingale (e)
is snapped (c). The side reins (g) are 7
feet long and can be of either sash cord,
leather or chain. The halter is made of fine
russet leather, rawhide, and metal with brass mountings.
Fig. 27. Ellis Com-
bination Halter.
Directions for Its Application.
After backing the horse into his stall in the usual manner
for work upon the teeth, drop off the stable halter and apply
the "combination" halter to the head, unbuckle the lip-strap
on one side, pass it under the upper lip over the incisor teeth
and buckle quite tight. Elevate the head by fixing the side or
pillar reins to the stall-posts on each side as high up as you can
reach ; then tighten the strap leading to the surcingle which is