Restraint with ropes, especially foot exams

As a recent graduate, one of the more daunting as well as re­warding on farm veterinary procedures is examining lame cows. The biggest challenge, however, is to be able to raise a cow’s leg and immobilize it enough to perform an examination and corrective procedures, while ensuring both safety for the animal and one’s own safety and welfare during the examina­tion. Employing a few simple techniques with relatively com­mon and inexpensive materials will help to contribute to your professional satisfaction and your clients’ confidence in your competence. Using ropes to your advantage should be an in­tegral part of your professional toolkit. Adequate and firm re­straint is a highly important component of lameness work.