CHAPTER 3 Instruments for Small Animals
These instruments are used when caring for and treating small animals.
INSTRUMENT
Tourniquet
| FUNCTION | To occlude a blood vessel so a venipuncture can be performed. It can also be used as a temporary muzzle. |
| CHARACTERISTICS | A rubber or nylon tube is held together by a clip. The tourniquet is tightened around the leg or muzzle by pulling on one end of the tube. It is released by pulling on the clip. |
INSTRUMENT
White Nail Trimmer
| FUNCTION | To trim a small animal’s toenails when they have curved around to the extent of being nearly circular. |
| COMMON NAME | Whites |
| CHARACTERISTICS | This scissorlike instrument has jaws that are bowed so that it can accommodate the circular nail. |
INSTRUMENT
Guillotine Nail Trimmer
| FUNCTION | To trim the toenails of small animals. |
| COMMON NAME | Resco™ |
| CHARACTERISTICS | A guillotine-like blade slides to slice the nail as the handles are squeezed. Care must be taken to hold the trimmer parallel to the pad so the nail is not cut too short. |
INSTRUMENT
Nail Scissors
| FUNCTION | To trim the toenails of small animals. |
| COMMON NAME | Nail Trimmer |
| CHARACTERISTICS | This trimmer is designed much like the White nail trimmer, except that the handles are more substantial on the larger scissors. The trimmers come in a wide variety of sizes, from very small for birds and cats to very large for big dogs. |
NOTE
Many have a blade depth guide that swings over the hole to prevent the operator from removing too much toenail at a time.
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