SVN 2 RVN

22/08/2025

The next instrument to look at is:

Babcock Forceps
These are tissue forceps, used for holding tissue out the way hence their long arms to be able to reach into cavities. They have tiny atraumatic teeth spread across the cup like ends, to disperse pressure and prevent tissue trauma. How do I remember their name……..well if you put them on the end of a p***s you’d have a Badcock!!!

18/08/2025

So we have looked at instrument care over the past couple weeks now to look at some instrument identification.

Finochettio Retractor
This self retaining retractor is often used in thoracic surgery, it has a strong retaining bolt and two wide retractor cups. When opened up and stood on end it looks like an F which is how I remember finochettio.

15/08/2025

I don't like the idea of these living in human eyebrows!! Who can identify this parasite?

11/08/2025

Principles of Surgical Instrument Cleaning
Immediate Post-Use Care
• Following surgery, immediately rinse or wipe instruments to prevent blood and tissue from drying on surfaces.
• Carefully handle sharps and delicate items to avoid injury or damage.
Pre-soaking
• If cleaning can’t be performed right away, place instruments in a tray of lukewarm water or pH-neutral enzymatic solution to loosen debris.
• Never use hot water, as it can set proteins and make removal harder.
Manual Cleaning
• Dismantle multi-part instruments where possible (e.g., separating removable parts of scissors or needle holders).
• Use a soft nylon brush under running water to clean all surfaces—including joints, box locks, hinges, serrations, and lumens. Pay special attention to grooves and crevices where debris may accumulate.
• Avoid steel wool or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage instrument finishes.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
• Place instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner using manufacturer-approved solutions. This method removes microscopic debris from hard-to-reach areas, especially important for hinged or ratcheted instruments.
• Do not overload baskets; ensure all surfaces are exposed to the cleaning action.
Rinsing and Drying
• Rinse instruments thoroughly with deionised or distilled water to remove all traces of cleaning agents.
• Dry completely with lint-free towels or allow to air-dry. Even minimal moisture can cause corrosion or pitting.

08/08/2025

Who can identify this parasite?

05/08/2025

As veterinary nurses one of our many jobs is to clean, maintain and sterilise surgical instruments, this means not only do we need to identify instruments, but we also need to understand how and why we maintain them.
Surgical instrument care is essential for:
• Preventing the transmission of infectious agents and surgical site infections
• Ensuring instruments are functional and safe to use
• Prolonging instrument lifespan and reducing replacement costs
• Maintaining compliance with veterinary infection control standards
When instruments have been used it is important to check them over for:
• Damage (cracks, chips, corrosion, pitting)
• Alignment and function (e.g., scissors should close smoothly and cut evenly; forceps should align precisely; ratchets and locks should hold securely)
• Sharpness (dull blades or tips should be professionally sharpened or replaced)
Cleaning will focus next week, but following cleaning of instruments we have to think about the maintenance of them:

01/08/2025

Laboratory Flash Cards back in stock.
These flashcards are not only useful for revision and learning purposes, but also as a refresher in practice. The cards contain the following information:
- blood cells - types, when seen
- ectoparasites - names, common features etc
- endoparasites - names and common features
- urinalysis - crystals, casts etc, names and features
- procedure protocols - ranging from pcv, urine sediment and refractometry to FNA and McMasters
All this for just £10 plus postage - interested message the page or comment below

27/07/2025

New FREE resource.....
I have created two new resources to help with the planning and gathering of evidence and skills. The vet nurse planner can be used in tutorials to plan practical task, evidence needed and priorities, whilst the evidence card can be used to make notes relating to patient evidence.
These can either be laminated and reused with dry wipe markers, or printed and used fresh each time.
The photos below can be downloaded to use, if you would like to receive an email pdf copy just message your email address to the page and I will flip one across.

25/07/2025

I spoke about blood transfusion the other week and today I thought I would mention the use of fresh frozen plasma. It is indicate for use in haemostasis issues where whole blood is not required and also in cases of hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinaemia caused by intestinal issues such as protein loosing enteropathies. The patient we used in recently had a nutritional issue due to malnutrition resulting in a protein loosing enteropathy. You still have to take the same precautions with regards allergic reactions, but for patients not needing the red blood cell element of a transfusion it is a good alternative.

21/07/2025

Just thought I would share some kitten spam for a Monday morning, before next week we start on a new learning focus.
This little dude is Wilf and he was my recent hand rear, he was found under a bush at approximately two weeks of age, he was dehydrated covered in fleas and ticks and starving. So home he came with me and so began the every two hour day and night feeding, we had a little wobble when he developed some serious diarrhoea and an infection but some fluids and antibiotics and he rallied well. He's now a strong kitten who is into everything and loving life - this is why I do my job!

18/07/2025

TOP TIP INCOMING
When clipping a wound prior to lavage we want to prevent any further contamination so we recommend packing with gel to catch the fur shaved off and easily wipe out of the wound. Now traditionally people use KY jelly, which is often open on the side and has had god knows how many thermometer ends poked in it (everyone says no it doesn't but it totally does!!) so sometimes people will reach for a hydrogel such as intrasite to pack the wound with but that can be expensive in a large wound and some would argue wasteful, so I would suggest using scanner gel or thick lubricating gel used for farm work - they both come in large litre containers and are cheap!! you can use a good amount to protect the wound whilst prepping and not have to worry about further contaminating the wound with bum particles from the ky Jelly!!!

14/07/2025

Free cpd and a chance to win a nursing pouch packed with wound care goodies….what’s not to love! Simply follow the instructions below

Can you help us with our short survey? Our next Bandaging Angels Clinical Club is proudly presented in collaboration with Millpledge – leaders in innovative healthcare solutions and w e are...