Equipment Information

Village Animal Clinic Equipment Information

Heated Water Pad

Heated circulating water pads are used to maintain body temperature for pets under anesthesia. These pads prevent hypothermia and are safer than traditional heating pads.

IV Fluid Pump and Warmer

Intravenous (IV) fluids are used during surgical procedures to help maintain the normal fluid balance, support internal organ function and reduce fluctuation in blood pressure that can occur in pets under anesthesia. The fluid pump sets a steady drip, while the fluid warmer aids in maintaining body temperature.

Blood Pressure Monitor

Blood pressure is monitored to determine if the values are too high, too low, or normal. Changes in the blood pressure can reflect the presence of disease. Monitoring the blood pressure can aid in the adjustment of rate of anesthetic and fluid administration during anesthesia.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

The ECG or “Electrocardiogram”, tests the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG can help determine the character and some times indicate the cause of irregular heartbeats and abnormal heart sounds. It can also determine dysfunction in a heart that has no external signs of disease.

Dental X-Ray Unit

Dental radiographs are recommended when severe gum disease, cavities or fractured teeth are noted. Dental radiographs help us determine the status of the tooth’s root structure in the bone of the jaw. The purpose of the dental radiograph is to determine if the tooth is salvageable

CBC

A routine blood screen acts as a “window” into the body of your pet to help us assess internal organ function that cannot be determined by physical examination alone. Indications of internal organ function, such as the liver and kidney, as well as the presence of infection or anemia, can be determined.

Chairside Developer

A chairside developer is used to develop our dental radiographs. It is a portable light safe box with developer, fixer, and water in small containers. The whole process from opening the film packet to examination of a rinsed film takes approximately two minutes.

LASER

When a surgery is done with a LASER, there is less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, and faster recovery.The LASER does not crush, tear or bruise tissue because the only thing that touches your pet is an invisible beam of light. Healing is rapid and there is less post-operative discomfort.

Digital Camera and Dental Lens

We have a special lens for our digital camera. It allows up to take clear, detailed picture of our patients’ teeth. These pictures are used to inform our clients on their pet’s dental health.

Microscope

The microscope lets us see particles and organisms that we would not normally see with the naked eye.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaner is used after manual cleaning of the surgical instruments. The ultrasonic vibrations and heated detergents remove tightly bound soil and clean areas that the brushes cannot be reached.

Ultrasound

Ultrasonography is an advanced diagnostic tool. It shows us details into the body that an x-ray cannot, specifically regarding soft tissue.

Anesthesia Machine and Dental Machine

Isoflurane gas is a relatively new gas anesthetic that has fewer side effects on the patient than other commonly used anesthetics. This gas does not require internal organ metabolism for the patient to “wake up.” This gives us more accurate control of the depth and length of the anesthetic period, thereby allowing for rapid recovery and minimal “hangover” effects.

Dental cleaning is performed with an ultrasonic scale that removes plaque and tarter above and below the gum line. We also use hand instruments for fine, detailed cleaning. The teeth are then polished to smooth the surface at a microscopic level. This helps reduce future tarter accumulation.