A veterinarian works in a highly specialized field and needs specialist tools and equipment to carry out their work. From autoclaves to IV pumps, read on to discover the top pieces of veterinary equipment you need in your clinic.
Digital radiography (DR) lets veterinarians get clear images of bones, muscles, and internal organs, eliminating the need for film, messy chemicals, and darkroom processing. Plus, images can be enhanced and stored in a patient database.
Stethoscope
The stethoscope is the tool doctors use to listen to their patients’ hearts and lungs. Its name is derived from the Greek stethos, meaning chest or breast, and the Latin suffix -scope, which means instrument for seeing.
The instrument’s bell or diaphragm is placed directly against the patient’s skin. This causes the stethoscope’s hollow tubes, heard in the earpieces, to vibrate.
Medical professionals can also use digital stethoscopes to record and analyze sounds, such as heart murmurs and bowel sounds, for diagnosis. These stethoscopes feature an audio output processed via accompanying software, resulting in a more precise sound quality and increased functionality. They’re a popular choice for home care and are often combined with sphygmomanometers to monitor blood pressure. This allows healthcare providers to monitor multiple symptoms simultaneously for a more thorough diagnosis.
Thermometer
A veterinary thermometer is an essential veterinary equipment that helps vets hear a pet’s heartbeat and lungs. These are available in different types, from traditional mercury to digital ones, which work quickly and offer a transparent display.
Launching a new veterinary practice requires meticulous planning and acquiring essential equipment to ensure the highest quality of care for your animal patients. One crucial aspect of any veterinary practice is the availability of veterinary anesthesia equipment.
Anesthetic machines are vital in delivering controlled amounts of anesthetic gas to animals during surgical procedures and other interventions. These machines require regular maintenance and calibration to guarantee safe and accurate delivery of anesthesia.
Alongside an effective anesthetic machine, a comprehensive set of monitoring equipment is indispensable for ensuring the well-being of your animal patients under anesthesia.
Fluoroscopy machines shoot low X-rays to help vets study a patient’s bones and internal organs. These are more detailed than a standard X-ray and can show movement as a pet moves. Other diagnostic imaging equipment includes ultrasounds that scan a pet’s internal structures for quick and accurate diagnoses. New technology offers a real-time ultrasound with external cameras that provide broader, more detailed images for a faster exam.
IV Pump
Veterinary clinics use IV pumps to administer fluids, medications, and other supplements during surgery or other procedures. These devices can control the constant infusion rate for a specified period, making them the preferred method over manual administration.
X-ray equipment allows vets to see clear images of an animal’s bones, muscles, and internal organs without holding the animal still, which is difficult for some animals. Digital X-ray imaging can also be easily shared via telemedicine with specialists or other vets to help make a quicker diagnosis.
To reduce the risk of IV innovative pump medication error, a veterinary practice should establish interprofessional teams to perform library design and oversee the smart pump usage and organizational drug error reports. The team should also periodically remove defective pumps and associated supplies from patient use.
Endoscopic Instruments
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure wherein a long tube is inserted into the body to view a specific organ or cavity. It performs various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as foreign body retrieval, stone removal, and feeding tube placement.
The general design of a flexible video endoscope consists of a tubular steel braided or coiled support structure with a frontal section that is more flexible for insertion into the body. Light transmission fibers, steering wires, and, for some applications, flushing or air channels are integrated into the main body of the endoscope.
Specialized endoscopic instruments with robotic functions are becoming more common. However, they require further validation of their safety and efficacy with objective measures. Studies of instrument ergonomics are limited and often report a learning curve with non-standardized comparisons to standard instruments.
Catheters
Catheters are medical devices that transfer liquids or gases into the body, such as medication, fluids, or dialysis solutions. They can also be used to drain fluids from the body.
The material used to make catheters significantly impacts their durability and longevity. Latex catheters are subject to a risk of infection, whereas polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicone elastomer are low-risk materials.
Healthcare-acquired infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Almost half of these infections are associated with urinary catheters. Changing the behaviors of health care professionals (HCPs) and patients to prevent catheter-associated infections will help reduce their occurrence and antibiotic use. Catheters should be appropriately cleaned and removed when no longer needed. They should also be regularly inspected for signs of infection.
