Supplies for a Vet

Veterinarians are specialized doctors who are trained to practice medicine with tame and wild animals. Vets use many of the same medical supplies as family doctors, including medications, bandages, surgical instruments and other equipment. However, vet supplies are tailored for use on animals to ensure their health and safety.

  1. Stethoscope

    • Animal stethoscopes come in a variety of sizes for all types of pets. Vets use stethoscopes to listen to the heartbeat of the animal. This instrument also helps the vet determine if the animal's lungs are healthy. A healthy lung will sound hollow through the stethoscope. However, lungs filled with fluid will sound different.

    Otoscope

    • Vets use otoscopes to examine the ears of animals. A vet pulls down the animal's ear to open the ear canal, and inserts the otoscope. The inside of the ear can be examined with a light and magnifying glass. Vets also clean the animal's ear while using the otoscope.

    X-Ray Equipment

    • X-ray machines allow vets to examine the interior of and animal's body and take pictures. This machine often helps vets locate foreign objects swallowed by animals. X-ray machines also help vets examine bones that may be broken and determine proper treatment.

    Nail Trimmer

    • Pet owners often have a difficult time trimming their animals' nails. Nails cut too low cause pain and bleeding. Veterinarians typically offer nail-trimming services for animals. Special nail trimmers eliminate pain for animals because the nail cannot be cut too low.

    Defibrillator

    • Veterinarians use defibrillator machines to treat heart conditions in animals. This machine sends an electric shock to the heart, jumping the heart to a normal beating pattern. A defibrillator may be necessary if an animal's heart stops during surgery or other medical procedure.