Abstract: Embodiments include a cat suspension and training apparatus that provides a stress-free environment to train fearful or intolerant cats, designed while considering a cat's unique anatomy. Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods to suspend and train a cat with a cat suspension and training apparatus. In one embodiment, a cat suspension and training apparatus includes at least a raised structure coupled with a sling by suspension structures, with the raised structure comprising a base, a plurality of support legs, height adjustment and outward angle adjustment capability, crossbeams, and a rotatable shelf. The apparatus may have a plurality of configurations, including a receiving configuration, a resting configuration, and a closed configuration. Additional embodiments include the apparatus including limb security straps comprising a metacarpal strap to limit leg mobility of a cat.

Abstract: A releasable chest pad including a padding portion designed to form a single structural unit with an outer chest strap part and threaded through chest strap parts on the two sides thereof that fit into loop adjuster frames of the dog chest harness. A lining padding portion coming into contact with the body of the dog, is fixed only to the outer chest strap part by a bearing portion fixing zone for the adjustability of the threaded through chest strap parts. The lining padding portion can be folded up to the bearing portion fixing zone, then after adjusting the length of the threaded through chest strap parts and closing them on the outer chest strap part. The cut ends of the threaded through chest strap parts are covered by the lining padding portion and the bearing strip portion, preventing the cut ends from irritating the chest or neck of the dog.

Abstract: A fixing device for endotracheal intubation of rodents is provided. The fixing device includes: a bed configured to place a rodent thereon; a support member attached to an upper end portion of the bed in a transversely movable manner and supporting a gas supply pipe through which an anesthetic gas is supplied to the nose of the rodent; and a fastening member configured to fix the support member to the upper end portion of the bed after an end portion of the gas supply pipe is aligned with the nose of the rodent.

Abstract: A pressure distribution element holding a ring, attachable to the horizontal chest strap of a chest harness which is closable-openable by a hook-and-loop fastener, by connecting the chest strap loop section and the chest strap hook section comprising a chest strap connecting portion, and a vertical connecting element connecting the horizontal chest strap of the dog harness to the belly strap, forming a loop around the belly strap by folding back on itself, comprising at least a loop section, continued in a lower loop portion resting on the belly strap of the dog harness.

Abstract: A potted plant holder is provided and comprises three ropes positioned adjacent each other and folded thereby creating six strands. A hanging knot is formed in the combined ropes creating a hanging loop with the strands hanging below the hanging knot. Below the hanging knot, a first knot is tied in the first and second strands, a second knot is tied in the third and fourth strands, and a third knot is tied in the fifth and sixth strands. Below the first, second, and third knots, a fourth knot is tied in the first and sixth strands, a fifth knot is tied in the second and third strands, and a sixth knot is tied in the fourth and fifth strands. A support knot is tied the strands below the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth knots wherein a first plant pot positioned between the strands rests on the support knot.

Abstract: A pressure distribution element holding a ring, attachable to the horizontal chest strap of a chest harness which is closable-openable by a hook-and-loop fastener, by connecting the chest strap loop section and the chest strap hook section comprising a chest strap connecting portion, and a vertical connecting element connecting the horizontal chest strap of the dog harness to the belly strap, forming a loop around the belly strap by folding back on itself, comprising at least a loop section, continued in a lower loop portion resting on the belly strap of the dog harness.

Abstract: A wire mesh safety net for enclosing an overhead device fabricated from a wire strand formed into a bag and having a closed bottom and an open mouth with a line engaging the open mouth for opening and closing the bag around the device and having wire mesh extending and retracting structure for increasing and decreasing the extent of the wire mesh bag.

Abstract: A hind-end support system for dogs with hind-end disabilities. The system comprises a handle strap, an under belly support, a back strap, and a left leg strap and a right leg strap. The handle strap is utilized to pull the lower abdomen and the hind legs of the dog upward so the hind-end of the dog can be lifted up and/or carried forward by the owner. The lower abdomen of the dog is supported by the under belly support, whereas the left hind leg and the right hind leg of the dog are strapped and supported by the left leg and the right leg straps, respectively. The back strap is utilized to connect the handle strap to the under belly support and the leg straps. Lengths of the straps are all made adjustable via attachment means such as buckling mechanisms, D-rings, swivel lobster clasps and tri-glide slides.

Abstract: There is provided an animal squeeze having a drop floor and a cradle in which an animal is suspended. A mechanism for altering the positioning of the cradle relative to the drop floor is described. The cradle can be raised or lowered to accommodate animals of differing size. The cradle can also be tilted horizontally to improve access to portions of the animal.

Abstract: Apparatus for promoting the healing of a hoof or leg injury or disease of an animal, particularly a horse, comprises a strap to be placed around the trunk of the animal and a mounting by means which the strap can be pulled upward. The strap is mounted by way of a balancer to a fixture that can be moved two-dimensionally in a horizontal plane. The fixture comprises a carriage disposed on a slide rail, which is arranged and displaceable on two slide rails oriented at a right angle thereto, wherein the slide rails are arranged in a cuboid or cube-shaped frame. The strap is fastened with the two ends thereof to mutually parallel sides of a two-dimensional cross bar, which at or close to the center thereof is connected to the balance, and is composed of a number of individually tensionable supporting straps having a common, preferably breathable, cushioning pad.

Abstract: A vertically moveable immobilizing sow chute to allow hoisting and holding horizontally of a sow for foot treatment is described. The unit avoids the use of slings, can be operated electrically, and has numerous fail safe features as well as mobility and stability.

Abstract: A tread mill is disclosed. The tread mill includes a lower frame to which a belt track rotated by a motor is mounted, a pair of support frames erected on an end of the lower frame in such a way as to be spaced apart from each other, and a hand rail attached to each of the support frames. The tread mill includes a harness unit for supporting a body of a pet, and a support unit removably coupled to the hand rail to support the harness unit such that the pet remains on the belt track. Such a construction allows a person or a pet to exercise.

Abstract: A vest surrounds the animal's torso. Slings for supporting the front or rear legs can be attached to the vest. Besides straps with rings, the vest may have monitors for remote monitoring of the animal's vital signs.

Abstract: An animal support harness and method of supporting and restraining movement of an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a sling that can be routed around the abdomen of the animal, and a plurality of primary support straps extend and are joined at a handle. A leash strap is integrated with the handle, and extends to connect to the collar of the animal. The integral leash strap along with the primary support straps enables an owner to control not only an upward supporting force for the animal, but also provides an inherent restraint to prevent an animal from walking too quickly or lunging, which might otherwise harm the animal.

Abstract: An integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse's abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied. The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse's abdomen and secured using VELCRO® fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse's mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse's shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region.

Abstract: A vertically moveable immobilizing sow chute to allow hoisting and holding horizontally of a sow for foot treatment is described. The unit avoids the use of slings, can be operated electrically, and has numerous fail safe features as well as mobility and stability.

Abstract: A support suit including support fabric sized to fit around a torso of an animal, where the support fabric includes a bib. The support suit further includes a front girth strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the support fabric around a chest portion of the torso, a rear girth strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the support fabric around a belly portion of the torso, a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the bib to an upper chest portion of the animal, where the first shoulder strap is located on a right side of a neck of the animal and wherein the second shoulder strap is located on the left side of the neck, and a bridge strap configured to fix a distance between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap.

Abstract: An immobilizing sow chute to allow hoisting and holding horizontally a sow for foot treatment. The device immobilizes the animal, allows it to be conveniently lifted and allows close work on the animal's feet to provide needed inspection and treatment/therapy without risk of either harm to the animal or the operator by being kicked by the sow.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing medical treatments is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus according the present invention comprises a mattress, a mattress support, cast shoes, a footboard support, a drive for causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform. In another aspect, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sling device connected to a drive causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform.

Abstract: A robotic system and method for locomotion assessment and training of a mammal, exemplified by a rodent. A neurologically impaired animal is suspended over a moving surface in a harness, and the animal's hindlimbs are connected to robotic arms that apply force to the hindlimbs or measure limb movement characteristics. The moving surface can be a physical or virtual surface. A single robotic mechanism comprising two robotic arms can simultaneously apply force, measure limb movement, and provide a virtual surface. Manual or automatic adjustment of load support allows the mammal to step at varying body weight loads.

Abstract: A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals comprises a cart having a chassis. The chassis includes a front subassembly detachably mounted to a rearward subassembly. A primary wheel is mounted to the frame of the chassis at each side of the rearward end and a set of swively mounted secondary wheels is mounted to the frame at each side of the forward end. A yoke extends across the frame at the forward end and is movable from an active position spanning the side walls of the frame to an inactive position away from one of the side walls to permit entrance and exit of the animal from the cart.

Abstract: A rear support pet leash includes a loop portion and a lifting portion, both portions being formed of flexible material. The loop portion has first and second ends and a medial section. Each of the first and second ends is attached adjacent the medial section to form first and second leg loops for fastening about the upper rear legs of a pet. The lifting portion is attached at an attaching end to the medial portion of the loop portion and has an adjustable handle at a lifting end. The lifting portion is adjustable to accommodate pets and pet owners of varying height. Leg loop pads are removably attachable to the first and second leg loops to provide additional comfort for the pet. Sliding adjustment means are provided for varying the size of the leg loops to accommodate different size pets. The adjusting means may be rings buckles or fabric loops.

Abstract: A harness for dogs with crippled hindquarters. The harness has a sling for supporting the dog's belly near its hindquarters. A D-ring is mounted on each end of the sling. A rod-like handgrip for a human handler is detachably connected with the D-rings by snap-lock connectors. The inside layer of the sling that contacts the dog's skin comprises a launderable barrier fabric of polyester knit textile. The same material is used on the outside layer, but only near the opposite end-portions likely to contact the skin or clothing of the handler. The mid-portion of the outer layer is of polypropylene since it does not normally contact the handler's skin or clothing. The sling of a second embodiment has a composite strap of nylon and sheepskin.

Abstract: An animal support apparatus for providing supplemental vertical support to ease strain on portions of an animal during a process of medical rehabilitation is provided. The animal support apparatus includes an elongate flexible sheet member for positioning about a belly and sides of an animal. The sheet member is generally oval-shaped and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the limbs of the animal. The sheet member comprises a substantially flexible cloth material and has a cushioned material attached to an inner side of the sheet member. The sheet member has a plurality of handle sections for lifting the sheet member upward such that limbs of the animal are relieved of a portion of a weight of the animal to facilitate the process of medical rehabilitation of one of the limbs or other related parts of the animal. One each of the handle sections is located at outer ends of the sheet member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting a large dog traveling on an incline. The apparatus includes a support member and two handles attached to the support member. When a lifting force is applied to the handles, the weight of the dog is partially supported and partially transferred to the support member resulting in increased comfort for the dog.

Abstract: A cover for animals. The cover comprises a main body, a strap system sewn to main body, and a fastening system arranged to join two edges of the main body. So joined, main body extends around at least a portion of the animal, portions of the animal extend through first and second open ends of the main body, and the strap system extends under the animal with handle portions of the strap system arranged above the animal. Grasping the handle portions of the strap system allows the animal to be lifted with the weight of the animal being carried at least in part by support straps of the strap system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for restraining wildlife with minimal trauma to the animal. The apparatus includes a housing having open front and rear ends allowing the entry and exit of a target animal, while the rear end includes an openable/closable door effective for controlling the egress of the target animal from the housing. To immobilize the animal, a deer lift is disposed within the interior of the housing having opposed, outwardly and upwardly inclined surfaces which are vertically movable between a first, lower position and a second, raised position. The opposed surfaces are spaced from one another with the space therebetween defining a narrow passageway allowing the target animal to walk between the opposed surfaces in the lower position. However, the width between the opposed surfaces is sufficiently close such that they engage the trunk or body of the animal when raised.

Abstract: A robotic system and method for locomotion assessment and training of a mammal, exemplified by a rodent. A neurologically impaired animal is suspended over a moving surface in a harness, and the animal's hindlimbs are connected to robotic arms that apply force to the hindlimbs or measure limb movement characteristics. The moving surface can be a physical or virtual surface. A single robotic mechanism comprising two robotic arms can simultaneously apply force, measure limb movement, and provide a virtual surface. Manual or automatic adjustment of load support allows the mammal to step at varying body weight loads.

Abstract: A hoist device includes an elongated tube that has a pair of bends therein such that the first end extends in a direction orientated generally perpendicular to a direction of extension of the second end. A platform has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The first end is attached to the upper surface such that the tube extends upwardly from the platform. An elongate flexible member has a free end that extends through the opening in the tube and extends through a length of the tube and outward through the second end of the tube. A motor is mounted on the platform and is mechanically coupled to the elongate flexible member. A lift bar is attached to the free end of the elongate flexible member. A harness includes a plurality of straps for positioning about an animal, fastening releasably fasten the harness to the lift bar.

Abstract: A cover for animals. The cover comprises a main body, a strap member sewn to main body, and a fastening system arranged to join two edges of the main body. So joined, main body extends around at least a portion of the animal, portions of the animal extend through first and second open ends of the main body, and the strap member extends under the animal with first and second side portions of the strap member arranged above the animal. Grasping the side portions of the strap member allows the animal to be lifted with the weight of the animal being carried at least in part by the strap member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining an animal within an animal squeeze. The animal squeeze has a “V” shaped passage in which the animal is suspended by relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor. A pressure member is movable into an operative position engaging a back of the animal and restraining the animal. An animal, such as a deer, suspended in a “V” shaped passage, will normally continue to struggle. However, when pressure is exerted upon the back of the deer by the pressure member, the deer ceases to struggle.

Abstract: An animal lifting mechanism for lifting the rear quarters of a lying cow or the like animal. An angle adjustable yoke has cushioned gripping arms disposed angularly inward. The yoke's included angle is adjusted by a pivoting crank with a hook attached to one of the arms of the yoke. The other yoke arm anchors a chain for engagement with the hook for the adjustment of the yoke angle which is dependent on the size of the animal. The apex of the angled yoke has a rotatable ring which is adapted to be attached to a lifting chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining ruminant mammals; especially deer. The apparatus includes a "V" shaped open ended chute having opposed sidewalls and a floor. Shoulder pads are secured in opposed relation to the opposed sidewalls adjacent one open end. The shoulder pads engage shoulders of an animal attempting to pass through chute, thereby retarding the animals forward progress. Relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor is effected, thereby suspending the animal in the "V" shaped open ended chute.

Abstract: Movable device for facilitating the dropping of young has a rope-like element which can be fastened to the young and upon which a tractive force may be exerted, and a collection element for collecting the young. The collection element is carried by a frame that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A wheel that serves as a windlass traction device for tensioning the rope and as a wheel for the barrow is rotatably attached to the frame distal end and aligned with the longitudinal axis. A lifting element is attached to the frame proximal end such that the collection element, the frame, the lifting element and the wheel form a wheelbarrow arrangement that is readily tiltable. Tilting guides facilitate tilting of the barrow.

Abstract: A livestock lift apparatus comprises two U-shaped gripping arms hinged together at their open ends. The rounded ends of the gripping arms are bent toward each other. A locking mechanism comprises a locking handle rotatably mounted to locking handle mount plates carried by a cross member of one of the gripping arms, a chain catch rotatably mounted on the locking handle, a length of chain engageable by the chain catch, the chain attached to an eyelet of a threaded ready rod extending through a hole in a cross member carried by the other gripping arm, and adjustment handle threaded to the ready rod. The lift apparatus is place over the hip sockets of a cow and tightened and adjusted with the locking mechanism to securely hold the cow's hip sockets for rehabilitation, lifting, and transport.

Abstract: A small animal carrier and support device comprising a cantilevered beam having inner and outer ends, a pair of spaced apart generally "U" shaped body cradle members rigidly attached to the said beam, a mounting post angularly attached to the inner end of the beam and wherein said mounting post comprises a hollow tubular member having an aperture in a side wall thereof, and a locking plier having a shortened upper jaw and a lower jaw wherein the shortened upper jaw is attached to the side wall of the tubular member adjacent to and above the side wall aperture and the lower jaw thereof is disposed within the aperture so that the lower jaw may be closed against the lower surface of a trailer type hitching ball which is positioned inside the lower end of the tubular member for attachment of the carrier to a supporting structure or transporting vehicle.

Abstract: A pig holder designed to support pigs by their hind legs while performing operations on the pig or while giving treatment to the pig, includes a support frame which mounts to the rails of a ferring crate. A leg holder assembly including two pairs of hooks are secured to the support frame for engagement with the pig's hind legs. Each pair of hooks is adapted to engage with a respective hind leg of the pig and includes one upwardly facing hook and one downwardly facing hook. The spacing between the first and second pairs of hooks may be adjusted to accommodate pigs of different size or to spread the hind legs of the pig to permit access to the pig's abdomen.

Abstract: A small animal carrier and support device comprising a cantilevered beam having inner and outer ends, a pair of spaced apart generally "U" shaped body cradle members rigidly attached to the said beam, a mounting post angularly attached to the inner end of the beam and wherein said mounting post comprises a hollow tubular member having an aperture in a side wall thereof, and a locking plier having a shortened upper jaw and a lower jaw wherein the shortened upper jaw is attached to the side wall of the tubular member adjacent to and above the side wall aperture and the lower jaw thereof is disposed within the aperture so that the lower jaw may be closed against the lower surface of a trailer type hitching ball which is positioned inside the lower end of the tubular member for attachment of the carrier to a supporting structure or transporting vehicle.