Small Mammal Training in the Veterinary Practice

Veterinarians take an oath that includes the statement “I will. use my scientific knowledge and skills for. the prevention and relief of animal suffering.” This has been at the heart of veterinary practice for decades even as veterinarians were not always aware of additional suffering inadvertently caused by their intervention. It was the lesser of two evils to cure the disease that might have killed, even though the patient may have been left in a state of fear when exposed to the veterinary staff and the client who administered the care. Many a trusting relationship between caregiver and companion animal has suffered serious and sometimes permanent damage in the aftermath of veterinary intervention. Animals restrained overzealously and forced to endure aversive experiences can also be dangerous to the handler as they struggle to escape. Small mammal patients often run frantically around their cages before being forcefully and quickly grabbed, bringing all 4 feet off the ground in order to be