BASIC FIRST AID FOR WILD AND STRAY ANIMALS - II RESTRAINT AND TRANSPORTATION

Since injured animals are very different from injured humans, in all probability they will require some form of restraint. You can never be too careful about this aspect. Sometimes over or under restraint can actually harm the poor creature much more than its original injuries. There are two types of restraint - chemical and manual. If it looks like the injured animal is too ferocious to let you near it, and its injuries are bad enough to require it to be taken to a surgery, then you just might have to call up a vet to administer a dart anesthetic.

Manual restraint never really goes by the textbook, you have to pick out new and ingenious ways as the situation demands. If you watch Steve Irwin in Crocodile Hunter on Animal Planet, you will know what I mean! Depending on what you have with you, you can use your dupatta as a makeshift muzzle, or a stretcher, while a cloth bag comes in handy to throw over an injured cat, or drop a snake into. If you want to be a dedicated guardian angel, then it's a good idea to keep a roll of bandage with you all the time - you can use this as a muzzle, or to tie up the animal to something while you go and get help.

Once you have the animal properly restrained and under control, then you have to transport it in your car or in an autorickshaw to the shelter or surgery. Never attempt to carry a large animal on your own, but get help. If there is no evidence of internal abdominal bleeding (ie no bloody discharge from the vulva or prepuce or the anus), then pick up the animal by placing one arm under its abdomen, and one around the hind legs, while your partner places one arm around the chest and one under the front legs. Lift simultaneously to the count of three, then carry your patient to the car, and gently place him on the seat, over which a clean cloth has been placed.

A totally recumbent animal, can be placed on a large piece of cardboard, or a makeshift stretcher made from a large cloth, and carried to its transport. A smaller animal can be held in your arms, either cuddle held if very small, or with your arms wrapped around its front and back legs if medium sized. Birds should be securely wrapped in a cloth with only enough space for the head to peep out, and held very firmly so that they cannot flutter their wings. Many times I see people hold up the bird by one wing or by its tail feathers, this is very very damaging to the most precious part of a bird's anatomy - if you really want to help the creature, and not have it land up on your dinner table, then wrap your fingers firmly around its wings, or use your hands if it is a large bird, and with the help of a friend, drape a cloth around it. Birds also need a lot of warmth when under stress, the cloth provides this dual benefit.

Often, in road accidents, a running four legged animal gets hit on the spine, resulting in a broken back and paralysis. Depending on which part of the spine is injured, the animal will be totally paralysed, or partially ie loss of its hind legs. In both cases, the poor thing might have to be put down. All I can say therefore is that you should be extra kind and comforting as you take it to the hospital, makes its last hours peaceful and filled with love. If paralysed he may not be in much pain, but he will be very confused, so keep talking to him gently and reassuringly all the way.

In the coming months we will deal specifically with fractures, burns, and other wounds

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