An introduction to handling aggressive patients
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour in animals can have serious consequences, with a number of people hospitalized by dogs each year. Many animals in the veterinary clinic feel fear and this can trigger aggressive behaviour, which is often aimed at veterinary professionals. It is useful to be able to read the signals given out by animals to identify whether aggression is likely, however, it should be remembered that animals can switch states very quickly, so that an animal appearing relaxed one minute may be aggressive the next.
Learning useful handling techniques can help in the safe management of animals in practice. In addition, long-term plans can be put in place to help animals with a history of aggressive behaviour. Restraint should be kept to a minimum, however, it is essential that both patients, owners and staff are kept safe and secure at all times.
The number of people hospitalized for dog attacks has increased by almost 50% in the past decade (Easier finance, 2011), and nine out of ten (88%) of these attacks required emergency treatment. The report, issued by a pet insurance company, surveyed veterinary surgeons throughout the UK and showed that the most common breeds of dog that are inclined to be aggressive are German Shepherds, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Jack Russells. This supports a study carried out in Australia in the 1990s that revealed that Bull Terrier (16%), German Shepherd and crosses (15%) were the two breeds that represented most attacks on people (Blackshaw, 1991).
Because of the contact that veterinary staff have with animals they are likely to be targets of any aggression (Jaume, 2007). It is for this reason that veterinary nurses must be aware of the signs of aggression and the techniques that can be employed to ensure health and safety within the work place.
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