Baseball-hold restraint, rat

Commonly used method, often called the "baseball hold," to restrain rats for physical examination and other procedures. The restrainer places the index finger and third finger of one hand on either side of the head, with the palm against the animal's back. The thumb and fourth finger of the restraining hand then go underneath the forelimbs. Care must be taken not to squeeze the thorax too tightly and thus impede respiration. The hindlegs and rump should be supported with the other hand.