The animals and pets in our lives have an undeniable animal instinct, and unfortunately, it doesn’t always keep them out of harm’s way. Additionally, dogs and cats can succumb to diseases and chronic disorders just like we can.
Fortunately, there is a large market for medical equipment for animals. Medical veterinary equipment is specially designed for the treatment of the pets and animals in our lives.
In many instances, veterinary equipment is a smaller version of pre-existing surgical equipment used on humans. Let’s take a look at some of the common medical tools used by veterinarians.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is commonly used in humans as an imaging tool for expectant mothers. The same tool can be used for pets as well.
Ultrasound machines for veterinarians are generally smaller and more portable than those used on humans, but they still serve similar purposes. Ultrasound can be used to get a better look at a pet’s insides. This includes pregnancies, but imaging is important for dozens of other disorders and procedures. A veterinarian may opt for an ultrasound device instead of more invasive or complicated imaging tools. Certain organs and structures are difficult to visualize with x-rays but are easily viewable with ultrasound.
An abdominal ultrasound, for instance, can be used to evaluate pets with abdominal issues, including diarrhea, urination problems, and vomiting. Veterinarians can also differentiate between heart and lung diseases and treat the patient accordingly.
Warming Units
Keeping the animal warm before, during, and after a surgical procedure helps the it to maintain its health and prevents your pet from potentially entering a more critical status. Thermal warming units keep your pet’s body at a comfortable temperature after an operation. This prevents hypothermia, which could severely damage your pet’s health when it is recovering.
Warming units can resemble blankets (which are draped over and around the animal), cabinets (where the animal is placed inside a climate controlled device), and blowers (which gently blow warm air over the animal).
ECG
Monitoring a pet’s heart rate when it is in surgery or otherwise receiving medical care ensures all is well. This is where an ECG (or EKG) (electrocardiography) machine comes into play. An ECG monitors and records the electrical activity of an animal’s heart with help from strategically placed electrodes.
The ECG displays an animal’s heart activity as waveforms. This simple visualization helps veterinarians diagnose any medical problems as shown by irregularities or inconsistencies. ECGs used by veterinarians are specifically designed for animal bodies and are small for easy portability.
