Vetequip Ltd

04/12/2024

Autoclave Categories
Autoclaves are items of equipment that are used in veterinary practices to sterilize all of the instruments and all of the materials used in professional procedures. They must meet the biosafety standards established by the regulations in force, starting with the guidelines in Italian Legislative Decree number 81 of 2008 (Consolidation Act for Occupational Health and Safety). They define autoclaves as “pieces of equipment that allow items to be subjected to high-pressure steam” and state that they must meet the requirements of the UNI EN 285 standard, which also provides details of the tests that must be carried out to ensure that machines are operating properly.
When picking an autoclave, it is possible to chose between three different types: Class N, Class S and Class B.
Class N autoclaves
Class N autoclaves are compact and they are for sterilizing simple materials. The letter “N” stands for “naked solid products”. Therefore, these autoclaves cannot be used to sterilize textiles, porous loads, hollow items or even products in pouches, as the cycles do not have the right characteristics to pass specific physical tests. Another potential weakness of these machines is that the required steam pe*******on cannot be guaranteed. Among other things, it is dependent on the creation of a vacuum at the start, which is not obligatory in these machines.
Class B autoclaves
Class B autoclaves are compact but their performance levels are comparable to those of the largest machines in hospitals. The letter “B” stands for “big small sterilizers”, because they are small machines that offer big performance. Any type of load can be sterilized in a Class B autoclave. This includes porous materials, products in pouches, textiles and hollow items such as wands, turbines and tips. The applicable standard for equipment of this kind is EN 13060, which is specifically dedicated to small steam sterilizers (i.e. machines with a sterilization chamber that is smaller than the sterilization unit). The standard distinguishes between sterilization cycles on the basis of the materials being sterilized (solid loads, type A solid loads with hollow sections and type B solid loads with hollow sections).
Class S autoclaves
Finally, Type S covers all of the other types of autoclaves. Essentially, it is an intermediate class between Type N and Type B autoclaves and the characteristics are not defined by any standards. It simply depends how they are made. Only the manufacturers can provide details of their performance capabilities, which are established by specific tests.
Therefore, the most suitable machine for a veterinary practice is a Class B autoclave, because it offers greater flexibility and is suitable for a wide range of settings. Although they are small, Class B autoclaves can offer outstanding performance, unbeatable efficiency and the highest possible safety standards. Their noteworthy strengths include easy handling thanks to their ergonomic designs and energy savings due to their low power consumption. User-friendly Class B autoclaves are the epitome of hygiene and safety, as well as practicality and comfort.

08/06/2024

14/03/2024

12/02/2024

Human Meters Are Not Accurate If Used For Animal Blood Glucose Or Ketone Monitoring

The human blood glucose/ketone meter is not suitable for animal blood glucose or ketone testing because there are significant differences in blood composition between humans and animals. For example, parameters like hematocrit and blood cell distribution vary considerably in dogs, cats, horses, and cows compared to humans. The design and calibration of human blood glucose/ketone meters are specifically tailored to human blood parameters and intended for human use only. Therefore, attempting to use a human blood glucose/ketone meter for animal testing may result in inaccurate readings, which is not conducive to monitoring animal health.

03/01/2024

In Ireland it is very common to use the word "Cat" to describe something that is not quite up to standard e.g. I bought a new television last week but the reception was "cat". It seems that the Americans also had some "Cat" technology in the 1960s.

Can cats be spies too? 2023.12.7/in Health Information /by infoCats possess agile movements and move silently, making them seem like potential spy candidates. Could they really be used as cat spies? In the 1960s during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, the U.S. attempted t...

15/08/2023

The eyes may be the mirror of the soul but they can provide clues that could so easily be overlooked.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of Systemic Diseases in Animals
By Ralph E. Hamor , DVM, MS, DACVO, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine
Reviewed/Revised Feb 2023 | Modified Jun 2023

Learn about the veterinary topic of Ophthalmic Manifestations of Systemic Diseases in Animals. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the MSD Vet Manual.

19/06/2023

The pen is mightier than the sword ! and our lunchtime webinar will illustrate just how powerful it can be

02/06/2023

Sleep is essential for our welfare but veterinary professionals often forego it's recuperative abilities and short term gain may turn into long term loss.Sometimes you need to just listen!!!!

This podcast is brought to you by totalhealth and Haven Pharmacies. There are 127 of our independently owned pharmacies located all over Ireland so that we can bring Trusted, Local, Care to you in your community, and now, on the go, with this podcast!

26/04/2023

KEY RADIATION PROTECTION ROLES
The RPO and RPA roles are defined in IRR19 and are critical elements of the overall system of radiation
protection. The key differences between the two roles are summarised in Table 4.
Table 4: The RPO and the RPA
RPA RPO
Responsibilities of
the RPO/ RPA
The RPA is responsible for the provision
of professional advice on radiation
protection covering both the setting up
and the ongoing operation of radiological
practices to comply with IRR19 and licence
conditions.
The RPO is responsible for the implementation
of the radiation protection arrangements in
the workplace.
Responsibilities of
the undertaking
The undertaking must consult with an RPA
or RPAs as appropriate from the list of
approved RPAs published by the EPA.
The undertaking must designate an individual
or team (radiation protection unit) with
appropriate expertise and resources to carry
out the role of RPO.
The BSS provides that Member States must ensure that arrangements are in place for the recognition of
RPAs while they may, if appropriate, establish the arrangements for the recognition of RPOs. Under Irish
law, arrangements have been provided only for the recognition of RPAs.
Regulation 79 provides that the EPA must establish criteria for the approval of RPAs, implement
arrangements for approval of RPAs and maintain a register of approved RPAs. The criteria established
by the EPA provide for two categories of RPA, referred to as Level 1 and Level 2. Undertakings may
seek advice from a Level 1 RPA in relation to certain lower risk or lower complexity practices, while a
Level 2 RPA may advise in relation to all practices. The EPA has published details of the RPA approval
arrangements separately and maintains a list of approved RPAs on its website (www.epa.ie ).
Regulation 80 requires the EPA to establish minimum training requirements for RPOs. These
requirements are set out in Section 7.2 of this guide.
The advice set out in this guidance document is intended to give flexibility to the undertaking as to how
it provides for the implementation of the RPO and RPA functions.
3.3.1 THE RPO
As noted in Section 3.1, the undertaking must put in place systems and processes to ensure that people
are properly protected from ionising radiation. Specifically, Regulation 34 requires the undertaking to
delegate operational responsibility either to an individual (referred to as an RPO) or to a team (referred
to as a radiation protection (RP) unit) for the implementation of occupational and public radiation
EPA – Guidance for undertakings on the application of the Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR19)
15
protection arrangements. The EPA recognises that such arrangements will vary depending on the nature
of the practices being carried out.
Where the RPO function is carried out by a unit rather than an individual, the organisational structure
of the unit and the responsibilities of its individual members should be clearly documented. The head of
the unit should be designated and notified to the EPA through EDEN.
The RPO or staff of the RP unit must be technically competent in radiation protection relevant to the
practice(s) being carried out. In addition, the RPO should have the appropriate level of standing and
authority within the organisation. Responsibility for ensuring that the person or unit appointed to carry
out the functions of RPO is appropriately qualified rests with the undertaking.
The RPO/RP unit must be within the direct line management structure of the organisation. The RPO or
head of the RP unit must report directly to the undertaking in matters relating to radiation protection
and have a direct communication channel with senior management in the organisation. This is to ensure
that an independent route is in place for the reporting of radiation safety issues to the appropriate
managers and to facilitate the implementation of corrective measures. The undertaking must ensure
that the RPO/RP unit has sufficient authority, time and resources to carry out the function.
The RPO/RP unit should provide links between the workplace, the undertaking, the RPA and the
regulator and should be the central point of reference within an organisation for radiation protection
matters.
The tasks to be undertaken by the RPO/RP unit, as set out in Regulation 34(3), may include:
\ acting as a first point of contact with the regulator;
\ liaising closely with workers, supervisors and managers and the RPA(s) regarding the radiation
protection arrangements in the workplace;
\ liaising with the RPA(s) on all relevant matters concerning radiation safety;
\ ensuring that work with radiation is carried out in accordance with the radiation safety
procedures;
\ supervising the implementation of the programme for workplace monitoring;
\ maintaining adequate records of all radiation sources;
\ carrying out periodic assessments of the condition of the relevant safety and warning systems;
\ supervising the implementation of the personal monitoring programme;
\ supervising the implementation of the health surveillance programme;
\ providing new workers with an appropriate introduction to the radiation safety procedures;
\ inputting to the development and ongoing review of risk assessments;
\ participating in the arrangements for prevention, preparedness and response for emergency
exposure situations;
\ supervising the implementation of the quality assurance (QA) programme;
\ liaising with the RPA(s) on training requirements of exposed workers;
EPA – Guidance for undertakings on the application of the Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR19)
16
In organisations where the EPA licence conditions require a radiation safety committee (RSC), the RPO or
head of the RP unit, as appropriate, should sit on the RSC.
Regulation 34(4) provides that the role of RPO or head of the RP unit may be carried out by the RPA.
Where this happens, the undertaking must ensure that the requirements of both roles are fulfilled.
An RPA fulfilling such a role, for example, must report directly to the undertaking on issues relating to
radiation protection and have the necessary time and resources available.
Where the licence or registration covers multiple locations or premises or where the organisation
is divided organisationally according to speciality, the undertaking must ensure that RPO tasks are
appropriately resourced for location and speciality. Where RPO tasks are carried out by an RP unit, the
undertaking must have written arrangements setting which staff are responsible for carrying out each
task at each location and for each speciality. The arrangements must explicitly provide for the escalation
of radiation protection issues to senior management regardless of where in the organisation they arise.
As noted above, the nature of the RPO role can vary depending on the type and scale of the
organisation. The level of knowledge, experience and authority required by the RPO will consequently
also vary. The EPA considers that it is a matter for each undertaking to establish the most appropriate
arrangements to implement the RPO function in its individual organisation, provided that the
requirements of IRR19 are satisfied. Table 5 lists some typical considerations on the establishment of
appropriate RPO arrangements in sample workplace types.
Table 5: Issues to be considered when implementing RPO arrangements in some sample workplace
types
Type of workplace Considerations on the establishment of RPO arrangements
Individual dental or
veterinary practices
Depending on the size of the practice the RPO function might be carried out by the
dentist/veterinary surgeon themselves or delegated to a senior member of staff.
An employee involved in compliance assurance or liaison with regulators may be
suitable to act as an RPO.
The RPO arrangements in place must be proportionate considering both the range
of radiographic practices being carried out and the complexity of those practices.
Where, for example, only low-risk radiological practices are involved, the RPO
functions may be only a minor part of an individual’s work.

19/12/2022

PROFITABLE TONOMETRY

Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important part of a basic eye examination.

What is tonometry?
Tonometry is a test to measure the pressure inside your animal’s eyes. Tonometry is essential in the
workup of animals with ocular conditions and all head trauma patients. iCare TONOVET tonometers
are reliable, easy to use and also profitable.

Why is it necessary?
The importance of diagnostic tonometry is well established. Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are
significant threats to the vision of veterinary patients. As primary care providers, it is important that
general practitioners are able to recognize, and document increases in intraocular pressure.

What are the benefits for a vet clinic?
The iCare TONOVET rebound tonometers are quick, easy-to-use, and patient-friendly, requiring no
anesthesia or calibration. With TONOVET Plus anybody can take accurate readings as the device
guides the user and the quality of the results is clearly indicated. Vets often comment how surprised
they are of how much they’ve ended up using the TONOVET – because it’s so quick and easy.

How to ensure return of investment?
Use your tonometer to establish baseline readings on all patients during their first presentation, or
in the first few years of life. For patients predisposed to glaucoma, monitor eye pressure annually or
more often. IOP should be checked during all ophthalmological examinations, in all head or eye
trauma patients, and in all patients over 6–7 years of age. Don’t forget to always measure both eyes
so this important information can be compared and accurately interpreted in formulating a
diagnosis.
The iCare TONOVET Plus features automatic, species-specific calibrations for dog, cat, rabbit &
horse.

Send a message to learn more

12/07/2022

Survival as a species depends on our ability to learn and adapt. Covid taught us to wear facemasks in public when we had previously derided others. X-Rays are increasingly used in veterinary practise and safety may often be compromised by the need for speed. The technology has improved immensely from using film and chemistry and waiting 20 minutes for complete processing to 90 second processing with the latest DR technology. The time saving is substantial and 1 minute of that time is all that is required to ensure personal safety for the operator and others. Nobody is immune to the effects of radiation and continuous exposure even at low levels can take a toll on physical health. It is worth noting that holding the patient or the x ray machine is not recommended. Wearing an appropriate protective gown is obligatory and it is highly recommended that gauntlets and a thyroid protector are also utilized. Please note that protective clothing will not adequately protect the wearer if placed within the primary beam. There are no symptoms if you are over-exposed to x rays but there are sometimes unseen consequences.
Gowns should be hung up between use on specially designed hangars. Individual monitoring devices should be employed for each operator or assistant in the x ray room. Please contact me if you wish to have a free copy of our safety booklet. See our range of x ray protective items https://vetequip.ie/product-category/x-ray/x-ray-protection/

Vetequip is dedicated to providing the veterinary professional with a superb range of quality assured equipment at the most competitive rates.

15/06/2022

How do you know if your cat is pain❓🐈
Cats are masters when it comes to hiding signs of pain or illness, and it is important to pay attention to subtle changes that may indicate an issue before it becomes serious.

There’s a new pain scale in town: the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), which interprets changes in facial expression
🔸Ear position
🔸Orbital tightening: Eyes opened, eyes partially opened, or eyes squinted
🔸Muzzle tension
🔸Whisker position
🔸Head position

Other signs to look out for are:
🐾Lack of interest in food
🐾Not moving around or jumping up onto things as much
🐾Changes to how they use litter trays or scratching poles

The most commonly used veterinary pain-relief medications include:
💊Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. NSAIDs must be used with caution because there is the potential for liver, kidney, stomach, and/or intestinal problems. NSAIDs are used to treat mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Never give your cat an over-the-counter NSAID as some can be very dangerous.
💉Solensia contains frunevetmab which helps reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. The medication is administered by subcutaneous injection once monthly.

If you are concerned about your cat, please contact your veterinarian to discuss these concerns.

06/03/2022

Fast, easy, accurate!