Holds Used for Bloodwork, Intravenous Injections

The Animal Science students at the Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, Harry B. Ward Technical Center campus, are learning how to perform the four commonly used venipuncture restraints on dogs. These restraints are used for dogs that need intravenous injections or bloodwork. The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology is the Career and Technical Education Program of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and has locations in Oakdale, Bellport, and Riverhead.

Animal Science Teacher Lori Beckman demonstrated the various holds to students, which allow veterinarians to access the jugular, cephalic, medial saphenous, and lateral saphenous veins. These veins are located on the neck, foreleg, inner rear leg, and lower rear leg, respectively. Students practiced the different holds on dummies before applying the restraint techniques to real dogs. In addition to restraints, the Animal Science Program teaches animal anatomy, physiology, and evolution; husbandry; exam procedures; and basic grooming skills. Said James Immordino, a junior from the Remsenburg-Speonk UFSD, “I took this program for the hands-on experience since I want to become a veterinarian. I can’t get this type of in-depth experience in high school anywhere else.”