Caveat Emptor and the Veterinary Surgeon

Last year my sister bought a power washing system which was on special offer in her local supermarket.Initially it worked very well and her car and paving benefitted from regular washing.Unfortunately,the trigger handle  was damaged accidently and the search for spare parts began.The supermarket no longer stocked the washer and did not have any parts.The supplier to the supermarket had only stocked the item as a special promotion and referred all queries to the U.K distributor who was almost impossible to contact but admitted that no parts were available and that the unit was regarded as so cheap that replacement parts were not considered
My sister has now bought another system but this time from a local dealer and with a recognisable brand name.The dealer advised her with regard to tap adaptors and when she again accidently damaged the on/off switch he was able to immediately supply a replacement from stock and fitted it himself at no extra charge.
The cheap power washer was indeed cheap but was extremely poor value and caused more aggravation than it was worth.
Seagull Marketing
Ireland is particularily prone to this type of marketing.The definition of an expert is someone from overseas with a good suit, a briefcase and a well rehearsed storyline.There is always good literature and a recommendation from someplace that sounds prestigeous.Perhaps the place has been given the equipment on loan for a short period of time and in return have given a limited  recommendation which has been exaggerated in the literature.Seagull marketing means that the individual has flown into the country (sh..tted as often as possible) ie, made sales and then returned to wherever he came from with the money and a pocketful of warranties that can never be invoked (yes it is all in the small print).It may also be the case that machines or equipment supplied do not have a CE mark (hence the cheaper price).Bear in mind that such items may not be legally imported or distributed within the EU .Practise insurance may not be adequate if such a machine were to become "live" and give your assistant a significant electric shock .
Professional and Consumer electronics.
Professional photographers use professional cameras.These are built to a much higher specification and are generally more robust compared to the hobbyists version.Hospitals will never use television sets as medical monitors because the professional version will give better imaging quality and is more suited to the task.Veterinary practises are generally unaware of the differences between professional and consumer equipment (until caught out) and  purchasing decisions based on price alone are not logical.

We have no preference as to whether you consult with us first or last. and we do not charge for advice.But we would like you to have the choice as to whether you take or leave our recommendations.
Please contact Pat @ 087 2503629
                       John@087 2670137

Visit our website at www.vetequipment.ie

Tono Pen Vet

With over 40 breeds of dog predisposed to developing glaucoma including Labradors and American Cocker Spaniels it is imperative that all cases of red eye are investigated further.The Tono Pen Vet accurately measures intra ocular pressure and the procedure is straightforward with no discomfort to the animal but one which will yield a wealth of information to the veterinary surgeon.
Glaucoma testing on a regular basis for susceptible breeds is really worthwhile and may prevent the painful misery of developing blindness in many animals.Felines are more prone to secondary glaucoma ie.developing the condition from illness or injury rather than genetic predisposition
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Examination and Surgery Lighting for the Veterinary Practise



Starled 5

Click here to view online VETERINARY EQUIPMENT CATALOGUE

Effective  lighting is not only crucial for your  examination work in the consulting room but also for your own health and safety.Fluorescent lighting,while appearing to give a reasonable light intensity will not achieve the quality of light required for detailed animal examinations  and shadowing together with constant manipulation are a source of irritation and frustration.Practitioners recognise that proper illumination is paramount when attempting to detect ailments. Digital x-ray,ultrasound and endoscopy are common enough features in modern veterinary clinics but how many veterinarians can boast of really good illumination in either consult rooms or operating theatres yet both areas are absolutely vital to the success of any practise.A modest investment in lighting will not directly increase the income of the facility but will most definitely make a more effective and pleasant work environment and increase job satisfaction.Happier,less frustrated people are more productive .With the advent of new technologies there is no need for a light system to monopolise a room.Modern examination or theatre lights are designed for maximum effect and have a much smaller footprint than previously.Take a look at the following light systems and elevate your practise out of the dark ages!

 









Soled

Starled Evo1



Description	Code	Mounting	Euro Price ex Vat
Evo Starled 1	CHSTIEVOF101	Rail	850
Ditto	102	Wall	850
Ditto	103	Table	850
Ditto	105	Trolley	895
Starled 3 Evo Plus	CHST3EP/S	Ceiling	3345
Ditto	CHST3EP/P	Wall	3345
Ditto	CHST3EP/T	Trolley	3345
Soled Exam LED Light	CHSOL/S	Ceiling	1950
Soled Exam LED Light	CHSOL/P	Wall	1950
Ditto	CHSOL/T	Trolley	2050

The Starled Evo 1 is an exceptionally versatile light for any veterinary practise as it combines the ability to provide brilliiant examination light capabilities and also be extremely  good in the op theatre.It is also incredible good value.!!!  

Equine xray accessories

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Many veterinary surgeons are all too painfully aware of the dangers to both themselves and their equipment while attempting to x ray horses .Digital x ray systems are quick ,cost effective and provide the practitioner with incredible detail but can be vulnerable to accidental damage.DR plates are expensive to replace as are the associated cables and laptops.It is more important than ever to protect your investment in this superb technology by investing a little more in some very useful and helpful aids.The following video clips will outline the benefits to you for each item bearing in mind the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Useful tips for SP02 monitoring

The best patient monitoring systems are made by Surgivet Ltd and the following advice pertains to the use of their equipment.

SurgiVet® Pulse Oximeter

Sensor Application Tips

Lingual Sensor (Universal “Y” and Mini Clip)

Cats and small to medium dogs: tongue (pink tissue).

•Fold the tongue like a taco or use a wet gauze pad over top.

•Prepuce or vulva of larger dogs.

•Achilles tendon of cat or small to medium dog.

•Ears.

•Toe webbing.

•Can be used for exotics (thigh) and birds (axillary area “armpit”).

•Please note that very bright direct lighting can interfere with sensor

• function, it may be necessary to cover patients head (sensor area)

with drape or a towel.

“C” Sensor

Cats and small to medium dogs: thigh, metatarsal, metacarpal, or hock

• near the saphenous vein.

For larger breed dogs: Achilles tendon, tongue, prepuce or vulva, or

• through toe webbing.

For equine, bovine, etc. place on tongue or ears.

•It may be necessary to wet and part the fur with water in order to get the

 sensor closer to the skin of the patient.

Tail Wrap Sensor

For use on the ventral base of the tail.

•It may be necessary to shave a small area.

•Apply gel to the non-illuminated side and adhere to the shaved area.

•Secure straps around tail.

Reflectance Sensor

In most animals, wet and part the fur at the ventral tail base and wrap (not

• tape) in place. It may be necessary to shave a small spot on the ventral tail

base in patients with a thick undercoat.

For equine, etc. place along gumline or cheek.

•In dogs or cats, if the sensor is inserted rectally, the red light should be shining

 on the sphincter muscle. Do not insert entire length of the probe in the rectum.

Experience will quickly tell you which sensors work best under different

• conditions.

Fur, dark pigmentation, poor perfusion, and movement can affect the

• sensors ability to obtain accurate readings.

• Well-perfused sites (pink tissue) with little or no hair are preferable.

• It is also important to note that some anesthetic drugs, such as Xylazine

 (Rompun), Acepromazine, or Medetomidine (Domitor) can affect peripheral

pulse pressures causing very weak pulsations. All pulse oximeters require a

good quality pulse to work properly. Other drugs, such as ketamine, can cause

the tongue to twitch, limiting the use of a lingual clip on that site.

How to Test Sensor Function

Lingual Sensors (Universal “Y”, “C” Sensor, Mini Clip)

Turn monitor on, attach sensor to monitor without extension cable.

1.View the sensor to make sure a red light is emitted and steady.

2.Place sensor on small finger (no nail polish) light shining down on nail.

3.Rest hand on table to minimize motion.

4.Shield sensor from high ambient light by placing other hand over top.

5.Once placed, red light should be continuous. A blinking light may indicate

 tissue thickness is too thin or too thick.

6. SpO2 and Pulse rate should appear in 10-15 seconds, SpO2 should read

96% or higher.

Reflectance Sensor

Can be tested in a similar manner as indicated above.

1.Press lighted area against palm of hand and fold fingers over top or

2. place other hand over the sensor to shield from light.

Please note that a rapid, low emitting, blinking light may indicate sensor

 malfunction.

http://www.acravet.ie/
http://www.xlvets.ie/links.php

Veterinary Dental X-rays

What are the requirements?
1. PetDent kit you get 1 (one) flexible plastic cassette and 2 (ie a pair) screens for green-sensitive film.  These are for indefinite re-use and are disinfected between uses – just a sterile wipe is adequate.
2.The film can be processed in any standard-cycle medical film processor that will accept film sized 6 x 12cm. There is no special holder required.   The cassette is placed in the animal’s mouth, withdrawn manually, and the film removed for developing in a light-tight environment in the usual way.

Not all automatic film processors are suitable but it is quite easy and straightforward to develop manually using a Nova processor or a small tray system.Temperature of the chemistry is crucial to success and should be maintained around 25 Celsius.At this temperature ,development time is approximately 3 minutes and the film should be agitated in the tray for the first 90 seconds  to prevent air bubbles sticking to the film and causing underdeveloped spots.

The Petdent kit is sold  complete with a flexible cassette containing intensifying screens and 50 individual films for just 95 €+Vat.

Canine Hydrotherapy

The benefits of water based rehabilitation therapy have been recognised for a long time.The problem is ensuring the treatment is undertaken within clearly defined control conditions.Clever design features from Technik Technology ensure your practise will be able to offer your clients the most advanced rehabilitation system together with weight reduction and improved fitness levels

To appreciate the benefits of aquatic therapy it is necessary to understand the basic principles and properties of water.

	Relative Density - The relative density of an object is the ratio of the weight of the object to the weight of an equal volume of water.
	Buoyancy - Aids in rehabilitation of weak muscles and painful joints by reducing weight-bearing on joints.
	Hydrostatic Pressure - Fluid pressure is exerted equally on all surfaces of an immersed body, the deeper a body is immersed the greater the pressure.
	Viscosity - A measure of the frictional resistance of a liquid, this is significantly greater in water than air.
	Surface Tension - Occurs where water meets air and as a result resistance to movement is greater than movement in air alone.
	Temperature - Water temperature can affect rehabilitation, aid relaxation and improve pain management.

These are important components to consider and understand when planning effective aquatic rehabilitation programmes.

1. Changing the water level promotes the proper resistence for specific joints or muscle groups .
2. The high visibility design offers outstanding viewing from every angle to better promote patients progress.
3. Buoyancy reduces relative bodyweight of the patient, minimising concussive forces on the joints and limbs.
4. Training in water is very effective in building up cardiovascular strength and endurance.
5. Hydrostatic pressure provides constant pressure on a limb to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
6. The unique walk through design removes the need to turn the patient around within the chamber after each session.
7. Adjustable water temperature promotes relaxation ,rehabilitation and pain management. 

Veterinary practice benefits:

• Standing out from your competitors is essential in today's increasingly difficult business environment
• Adding hydrotherapy to your practice allows you to complete the rehabilitation process
• Improves client relationships through better service
• Allows you to offer a referral service to neighbouring practices
• Provides added value to your clients
• Generates additional income
• Older animals benefit from a better quality less painful existence and the commercial benefits of an extended lifespan for working animals such as sniffer,search and rescue,guard and guide dogs is incalculable.