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[[Image:snakeheadhold.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Restraint of a [[Royal Python|Royal python]]''' © RVC]]

[[Image:snakeheadhold.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Restraint of a [[Royal Python|Royal python]]''' © RVC]]

==Physical restraint==

==Physical restraint==

Physical or [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|chemical restraint]] of snakes is frequently required in order to follow safe protocols for a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]].  The best method for transport of non-venomous and non-aggressive species is simply a cotton bag into which snakes will often retreat voluntarily.  Prior to handling any snake, it is important to establish the species or else a dangerous snakes may be inadvertently handled without due care. Ideally snakes should be handled minimally. Hypothermia is not a method of restraint. The oculovasal reflex is not seen in snakes. When handling a snake for the first time, it is safest to grasp just behind a [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|snake’s head]] before lifting the rest of the body.

Physical or chemical restraint of snakes is frequently required in order to follow safe protocols for a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]].  The best method for transport of non-venomous and non-aggressive species is simply a cotton bag into which snakes will often retreat voluntarily.  Prior to handling any snake, it is important to establish the species or else a dangerous snakes may be inadvertently handled without due care. Ideally snakes should be handled minimally. Hypothermia is not a method of restraint. The oculovasal reflex is not seen in snakes. When handling a snake for the first time, it is safest to grasp just behind a snake’s head before lifting the rest of the body.

*Be gentle when handling any snakes.

*Be gentle when handling any snakes.

*[[:Category:Snake Species|Some species]] must be handled with care, even though they are non-venomous, since they can be very aggressive.  These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.

*Some species must be handled with care, even though they are non-venomous, since they can be very aggressive.  These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.

*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of an accident.

*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of an accident.

*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the [[Vent|vent]] and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).

*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the vent and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).

===Handling===

===Handling===

Non-venomous snakes should be physically restrained by holding the head at the quadrate/mandible level and supporting the body of the snake.  For every three to four feet of snake body, an extra handler should be positioned to support the spine.  A snake should never be handled by being placed around the neck of a human.  The behaviour of the animal should be observed from a distance prior to grasping.  Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present.  They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury and even death.  There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.

Non-venomous snakes should be physically restrained by holding the head at the quadrate/mandible level and supporting the body of the snake.  For every three to four feet of snake body, an extra handler should be positioned to support the spine.  A snake should never be handled by being placed around the neck of a human.  The behaviour of the animal should be observed from a distance prior to grasping.  Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present.  They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury and even death.  There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.

==Chemical restraint==

==Chemical restraint==

Restraint can be induced by parenteral injection of a variety of sedatives. Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative. To facilitate intravenous induction, ketamine can be administered by intramuscular injection.

Restraint can be induced by parenteral [[Snake Injection|injection]] of a variety of sedatives. Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative. To facilitate intravenous induction, ketamine can be administered by [[Snake Injection|intramuscular injection]].

*Find out more about [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthesia in reptiles]].

*Find out more about [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthesia in snakes]].

'''Useful resources'''

'''Useful resources'''

*[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/213400.htm&word=snakes Snakebite Introduction (invenomation treatment) - The Merck Veterinary Manual]

*[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/213400.htm&word=snakes Snakebite Introduction (invenomation treatment) - The Merck Veterinary Manual]

[[Category:Snake_Examination]]

 

 

 

 

 

[[Category:Snake_Examination|B]]

[[Category:Snake_Husbandry]]

[[Category:Snake_Husbandry]]