Veterinary Medical Instruments

Many of the medical instruments used by veterinarians are the same as those used on human patients. Devices such as stethoscopes, thermometers and surgical tools are similar if not identical to those used by physicians, especially in dog and cat practices. Veterinarians working with larger or more exotic animals have special instruments they must use on their patients.

  1. Rabbit Dental Equipment

    • Dental disease occurs in all animals with teeth, but rabbits may have special dental needs. Teeth grow constantly in rabbits; in nature they are worn down by eating various plants. Domesticated rabbits may not receive the proper foods to wear teeth down evenly, or may suffer from maloccusions, or misalignment of their incisors. To correct this problem, veterinarians must use instruments designed for the task. These include molar cutters, rasps to file down teeth, luxators for extraction and rongeurs for tissue cutting, all sized for bunnies.

    Balling Guns

    • It is not easy to push a pill down or other medication a large animal's throat. For that purpose, veterinarians use balling guns. The balling gun is commonly used on cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats. It consists of a tube with a holder for the medication, usually a capsule, at one end. Veterinarians push the plunger on the end of the tube to force the medication into the animal. Balling guns come in various sizes depending on the species.

    Hoof Testers

    • Hoof testers are important instruments for equine veterinarians. The long, plierslike hoof tester is used to help decipher the area of the hoof where a horse is experiencing pain. The device comes in various sizes. The vet applies the same amount of pressure to all parts of the foot until it elicits a pain response. Such tests are also routine parts of pre-purchase exams for clients considering the purchase of a horse to look for any soundness defects. Hoof testers are commonly used for basic diagnosis when abscesses, navicular disease or laminitis are suspected. Radiographs and ultrasounds may be used in further diagnostic work-ups.