Most used instruments and equipment in Veterinary Medicine

We continue our quest for everyday equipment and instruments used by veterinary practitioners and veterinary technicians. Not a single piece of equipment can be ‘perfect’ thus we investigate and present to you the positive and negative aspects of each one of them, based on customer experience.

The latest list includes a variety of products, such as a thermometer, otoscope, portable ultrasound, examination gloves, needle holder, scalpel handle, electronic sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope.

Veterinary Thermometer

Digital thermometer specially designed for veterinary purposes. It runs on 1.55 V batteries (coin-type) that’s good for approximately 1.500 measurements. The device is dual scale and ranges from 32.0o C to 43.9O C (90O F – 111.9O F). It comes with a specially designed carrying case and five disposable probe sheaths.

The temperature is measured in a matter of seconds and the device produces just enough ‘beep-sound’ not to upset the patients.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Fast measurement

Cons

• You may miss the ‘beep-sound’
• Not suitable for small breeds

Buyer’s guide:

• Dual scale thermometer
• Carrying case, a battery, and five probe sheaths
• Weighs 0.2 ounces/0.06 kg

OTOSCOPE VETERINARY 

Here’s another affordable ear examination set that’s suitable for veterinary professionals and vet students. The otoscope runs on 2 AA batteries and is black/silver color. The set comes in a convenient safety box with replaceable polypropylene ear speculas and replacement bulb set.

The batteries needed to power the otoscope aren’t included in the set.

Pros

• Bulb replacement kit included
• Suitable for vet students

Cons

• New and untested on the market

Buyer’s guide:

• Weighs 1 pound/0.45 kg
• Safety carrying box with an otoscope
• Replaceable ear speculas and bulb replacement set    

Vet Electronic Sphygmomanometer Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

This electronic sphygmomanometer can be used in veterinary practices for smaller and larger animals as the product comes along with large, medium and small cuff modes. The measurements are full-automatic and the LCD display has strong visibility in HD color. Measured data can be stored and reviewed later (around 100 measurements).

Pros

• Affordable price
• Light and mobile
• Possibility for a protection plan

Cons

• No charger included
• Not very accurate reading

Buyer’s guide:

• 1.2 pounds/0.54 kg
• Electronic sphygmomanometer
• Free PC Software, USB Cable, circumference cuff

3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscopes are one of the most widely used both in veterinary and human medicine. The classic III model comes with a black next-generation tube with improved oil and alcohol resistance and a non-chill rim. The chest-piece is two-sided, suitable for smaller and larger patients.

Pros

• High-quality sound
• Resistant tubing system
• Non-chilling rim

Cons

• Higher price
• Easily stained

Buyer’s guide:

• Double sided, machined stainless steel stethoscope
• Single lumen tubing
• 15 g/0.03 lb

Portable Ultrasound Scanner

This portable ultrasound system can be used by veterinarians for diagnosing pregnancy in various animal species (cats, dogs, pigs, and sheep). A multi-frequency convex probe with frequency rate 2.5/3.5/5.0 MHz comes is included in the package.

The device measures heart rate, area, volume and distance and has a built-in memory with a possibility of saving up to 128 images.

Pros

• Light and portable
• Suitable for field work

Cons

• Limited diagnostic possibilities
• Not suitable for small animal practitioners

Buyer’s guide:

• Ultrasound scanner, multi-frequency probe
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery, AC adapter, shoulder belt
• 8 pounds/3.63 kg

DeBakey Needle Holders

DeBakey Needle Holder is a stainless steel surgical instrument that provides high precision while performing surgical procedures. The dimensions of the product are 26 cm/10. ¼. Primarily it’s used for holding fine and delicate needles used in cardiovascular surgeries.

Pros

• Suitable for vet professionals and students
• Affordable price

Cons

• Poor locking mechanism

Buyer’s guide:

• Stainless steel needle holder
• 4 pounds/1.81 kg

Scalpel Handle

A scalpel handle produced by Swann Morton comes individually packed, non-sterile in standard No. 3 size. The instrument is made out of graduated stainless steel.

The dimensions of the product are 5.8x1x0.3 inches.

Pros

• Solid fit with the blades
• Offers good grip and precise control

Cons

• Pricier than similar products

Buyer’s guide:

• Standard No. 3 scalpel handle
• 2.4 ounces/ 0.07 kg

Exam Gloves

This set of non-sterile examination gloves made out of nitrile are good for performing basic medical procedures and laboratory work. They offer good sensitivity and dexterity and protect the material protects the hands against sharp objects, liquids, and gases.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Good sensitivity
• Non-irritating and hypo-allergenic

Cons

• Smaller than average size
• Thin material

Buyer’s guide:

• 100 gloves made out of nitrile
• Size small
• 3.53 ounces/ 0.1 kg