Keeping our animals healthy is one of the most critical functions of veterinarians in our society. They treat animals like family members, so they need special skills and training before entering this rewarding profession. You will learn everything from what tools veterinarians use and the most important ones.
Becoming a veterinarian is worth considering if you want to help animals! However, there is more to the career than assisting animals; you must have strong communication skills and love working with people.
Suppose you plan on specializing in a specific veterinary field like becoming an exotic veterinarian, surgeon, or mobile practice veterinarian. In that case, you will require special tools for your field of work. These tools are essential for veterinarians, so you need to know all about them.
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What Specialized Veterinary Tools Are There?
Specialized veterinary tools are a must if you specialize in euthanasia, dentistry, surgery, or veterinary nursing! These specific things all have to be done very precisely and with high accuracy. For example, if an animal is under anesthesia, the veterinary professionals will use a unique tool to monitor heart rate and oxygen levels.
Also, when animals need surgery, there is no room for failure. Every second counts, so we must have specialized tools in place to save an animal’s life! Euthanasia is another essential veterinary procedure requiring special equipment since it is a sensitive task.
If you plan to become a mobile practice veterinarian, your toolbox will be inside the vehicle.
Here is a list of the most common tools veterinarians use at many mixed animal veterinary practices. Remember that the answer to “What Tools Do Veterinarians Use?” will vary based on your veterinary specialty. A residency and learning how to use the appropriate veterinary equipment and tools will be required if you want to specialize. Understanding how many years of college to be a vet will also depend on your specialty.
Veterinary Tools and Equipment
Absorbent Pads [What Tools Do Veterinarians Use?]
Veterinarians and vet techs often use absorbent pads to clean the surface during various veterinary procedures.
It is standard for veterinarians and vet techs to use absorbent pads during physical exams and nail trims since an animal may accidentally pee or poop on the exam table.
Catheters
A catheter has many uses in a veterinary clinic. Sometimes, they collect a urine sample or simply drain an animal’s bladder before surgery. Some animals who have trouble voiding their bladder may have a permanent catheter put in through a surgical procedure. As you can see, catheters play a significant role in a busy veterinary clinic.
Computer/Software
Nowadays, all veterinary clinics use a computer and software to schedule appointments, keep track of patients records, track inventory, accounting, and more. Some of the more popular veterinary software brands are IDEXX Cornerstone Veterinary Software, AVImark, EVetPractice, Vetter software, Shepherd Software, Hippo Manager, PetDesk, and more. With so many new and unique brands available, the best way to decide which software will work best for your practice is to talk to other veterinarians about the pros and cons of each product.
Electric Razors
Before a surgical procedure, ultrasound, or x-ray, a veterinary technician will usually shave the patient.
Each animal is unique, and veterinary professionals adjust their techniques based on their animal. They will use an electric razor to remove the patient’s fur. Sometimes animals do not like having their body shaved and become scared when they hear the buzz of the shaver. A vet tech may need to restrain some animals while shaving the fur.
IV pumps:
Veterinarians will use IV pumps which are automated pumps that help maintain an animal’s intravenous fluid rate. Veterinarians can program the pump to provide fluids at a specific drip rate for animals who need them.
Hoof Grinders and Hoof Trimming Tools
Many pet owners who own horses or donkeys have a veterinarian or farrier visit their property for their animal’s routine care. Veterinarians will use different files to keep their animal’s hooves smooth and healthy. Veterinarians and vet techs use hoof grinders to smooth the sharp edges. They use hoof trimmers to cut off excess parts of the hoof, which can be uncomfortable for an animal if it’s too long. Nowadays, many hoofs trimming tools are so precise that you can remove hoof slivers as thin as a piece of paper. When I shadowed an equine vet a few years ago, we were making routine stops at various barns in the area for hoof issues.
Microscopes
A good microscope is part of any veterinary practice. Most veterinary practices do their fecal flotation, which checks for parasites in your pet’s poop. They mix the stool sample with liquid, and then a team member from the veterinary office examines it under a microscope. The veterinary technician will look for parasite eggs in the stool sample. Not only is the microscope good for finding parasite eggs, but it also has many diagnostic uses in a veterinary clinic.
Nail Clippers:
Veterinarians and vet techs also need nail clippers to clip nails of cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, and many other animals. Many people bring their animals to the veterinary office if their animal’s nails are too long or overgrown. Even though this is something that many people do at home, some folks still don’t feel comfortable clipping their animal’s nails. It is essential to keep the animal’s nails trim not to injure itself while moving around. If an animal’s claws get too long, then they can get caught on something and cause injury such as a sprained toe or worse. It can also cause their gait to be off because if their long toenail is touching the ground while they are walking, it may cause long-term damage.
Otoscope Tools:
Veterinarians and vet techs use otoscope tools to check animals’ ears for abnormalities. Veterinarians and vet techs will look for problems such as ear mites and ear infections. They can also look for wax build-up and anything that may be obstructing the animal’s hearing abilities.
Otoscope tools use light to help them see what is happening inside an animal’s ears.
An otoscope tool is essential for veterinarians and vet techs because it helps them diagnose ear infections, which is a common reason dogs and cats may see the vet.
Portable Ultrasound Machine
Many veterinary practices have a portable ultrasound machine. I took my dog to the vet because she wasn’t eating. The veterinarian did an exam and then brought a portable ultrasound machine into the exam room. Since the veterinarian did not see any concerns, she still encouraged me to make an appointment with their board-certified radiologist. My veterinary clinic has a board-certified veterinary radiologist available on Fridays.
Reference Books [What Tools Do Veterinarians Use?]
When learning what tools do veterinarians use, reference books will always play a role. The Merck Veterinary Manual is a classic book that you will see in every veterinary clinic. Another excellent go-to quick reference guide is The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook. Many veterinarians are also members of various associations with private online forums only accessible for veterinarians. Inside these forums, veterinarians can present complex cases and get feedback from their colleagues worldwide.
Scissors:
Veterinarians and vet techs use scissors to cut bandages, suture material, and other materials used during various veterinary procedures.
Some animals have health issues that require special bandages or slings for their leg or wing. Veterinary technicians often take care of these small details while a veterinarian delivers more complex care.
Veterinary assistants will often hold tubing and other supplies during surgery so that the veterinary surgeon has free hands to work on the patient. In some clinics, there is little to no difference between the job that a vet assistant vs. a vet tech does. It all depends on the state laws regarding the licensure of veterinary technicians.
Stainless Steel Exam Table:
Veterinary equipment is made of stainless steel because it is easy to clean and disinfect. However, if it’s padded, it will be much more comfortable for the animal. Veterinarians and vet techs use stainless steel exam tables to perform physical exams, lab work, and other animal procedures.
Stethoscope:
All veterinarians need to have a stethoscope. Most vets will use a vet stethoscope daily to listen to the heart and lung sounds of the animal patient. Veterinarians and vet techs also use it for listening to bowel sounds and blood flow, so it’s a crucial veterinary tool that all vets and vet techs must have!
- Diagnose and make decisions with confidence and hear subtle changes in patient status
- Useful in critical care and challenging environments such as the ED, ICU, Cardiac ICU, step-down unit and other dynamic locations
- More than twice as loud* as the next leading stethoscope. *Based on tests against globally-available comparable stethoscopes in an equivalent class using recorded heart sounds with diaphragm.
- Allows you to more reliably and consistently hear heart sounds at lower frequencies (below 120Hz*) like Korotkoff sounds, Mitral Stenosis and S3 and S4 Gallops when compared to other leading stethoscopes.
- Weighs less** than other stethoscopes. ** Based on published weights of globally-available comparable stethoscopes in an equivalent class.
Suture Material:
Veterinarians use suture material during various veterinary procedures.
A veterinary suture is a thread used to close wounds or fix tears in ligaments. It is made from natural or synthetic materials and is often absorbable.
Thermometer:
Veterinarians and vet techs need to measure an animal’s body temperature because it can be a sign of infection, heatstroke, or other health issues. A veterinarian or vet tech will use a thermometer to take an animal’s temperature. The veterinary professional sanitizes thermometers in between patients.
Wrist Watch:
Vet techs and veterinarians will use their watches for more than just timekeeping purposes. A vet tech watch comes in handy when calculating the heart rate of their patient.
A wristwatch or stethoscope watch is critical in calculating heart rates and pulses. Veterinarians and vet techs will use a stethoscope to listen to an animal’s heart rate and use the clock to count the beats. It’s crucial when they are feeling out the femoral pulse of an animal patient.
What Tools Do Veterinarians Use Who Specialize in Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncturists use a portable acupuncture needle and electrode kit, and a portable ultrasound machine.
Usually, the veterinarian will give your pet a complete exam and possibly do an ultrasound on any painful areas before going ahead with acupuncture. Doing a general exam first will allow the veterinarian to assess the patient and see if they are a good candidate for acupuncture.
One of my old dogs, Sherlock, suffered from a brain tumor and other pain issues in his old age. He was an excellent candidate for acupuncture since he was very calm in the veterinary office. However, If your pet is fearful at the vet’s office, acupuncture may not be the right choice. An animal needs to remain calm with acupuncture needles. They may need to sit there for up to an hour while the veterinarian places and moves the needles.
What Tools Do Veterinarians Use Who Specialize in Exotic Animals?
Exotic animal vets will use endotracheal Tubes, stethoscopes, Anesthesia Equipment, Ultrasonic Doppler flow detectors, thermometers, and all of the other essential tools on our list above.
One technique that exotic animal vets use to deliver anesthesia to a bird is to modify the anesthesia masks dedicated to small mammals. In order to induce an avian patient with anesthesia, they replace the black rubber gasket with a latex glove; this makes it easier to repair if the bird bites at the rubber glove.
What Tools Do Veterinarians Use Who Specialize in Surgery?
Veterinary surgeons use electric razors, scalpels, chlorohexidine, digital x-ray imaging machines, stethoscopes, portable ultrasound machines, autoclaves, saws, defibrillators, anesthesia machines, microscopes, endoscopy equipment, CT scanners, snook hooks, suture materials, MRI machine, Surgical Lamp, and many other tools.
There is even a technique that fixes a torn cranial cruciate ligament with an Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization technique. The veterinary surgeon will anchor the tibia to the femur by placing an internal suture around the fabella, and then the suture loops down into a tunnel that the veterinarian creates in the tibia.
Can a vet come to your house?
Yes, if they have a mobile/house-call practice. However, not all vets will come to your house; you can’t just call your local veterinarian and assume they will make a house call. If you need a veterinarian to come to your home, you must contact them and ask if they offer house call services. Make sure you mention that you want a house call and not just an office visit because some veterinarians do both.
A veterinarian may make a house call for an elderly or very sick patient, but most likely, they will say no if the animal is not in immediate danger. A house call service is often more expensive than a regular office visit because the veterinarian must bring all of their equipment, including catheters, stethoscopes, and everything else they need to treat your pet.
Although house call services are often more expensive, there are also some benefits to having your veterinarian come to your house instead of going to an animal hospital. Cats are a good candidate for a house call veterinary service since many cats do not like going into their carriers. Shy or unsocialized dogs may do better with a house call veterinary visit.
What is an Exotic vet?
An exotic vet is an animal doctor specializing in treating non-domestic animals. Some of the types of animals an exotic veterinarian will treat include parrots, monkeys, lizards, tortoises, fish, owls, and any other kind of animal out there. Becoming an exotic animal veterinarian starts with getting into an accredited veterinary school. The specialization in exotic animals usually begins after you earn your DVM degree.
Final Thoughts on – What Tools Do Veterinarians Use –
Every veterinarian has their own set of tools in their practice. Whether veterinarians specialize in acupuncture, exotic animals, or surgery, they will have a unique set of tools to treat their patients. Veterinarians’ most common tools are electric razors, thermometers, scalpels, stethoscopes, and portable ultrasound machines. Each tool serves a specific purpose in helping veterinarians diagnose and treat their patients.
