Page 82 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

66 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

(a) (b)

FIGURE 4.13 Clipper head sizes: (a) size 40 blade; (b) size 10 blade.

(a) (b) (c)

FIGURE 4.14 Toenail trimmers.

usually replaced. The guillotine trimmer has replacement
blades that are easy to replace. The only cleaning that
needs to be done on these is if a blood vessel was acci-
dently cut. If this should happen, clean the tips of the
blades off with alcohol or the spray disinfectant and wipe
dry with a paper towel.

Otoscope

The otoscope has several cannulas that are of different
sizes for different sized pets (Figure 4.15). This instru-
ment is used to look into ears, but it can also be used to
look up a nostril or into the vaginal vault. Whatever the
reason for its use the cannulas tend to become full of
wax or body fluids. If they are not disposable, they need
to be cleaned. First rinse them under warm to hot water, FIGURE 4.15 Otoscope and cannula.
then spray with a disinfectant spray, use a cotton swab to
clean and dry the inside of the cannula and a paper furniture. Some clinics will have a central vacuum
towel to dry the outside. system. The maintenance for a vacuum is usually to
make sure the vacuum collection container is emptied.
Central vacuum systems have a large collection bin and
Vacuums
you may be asked to do a weekly or biweekly check to
Vacuums are used in the surgery prep area to pick up empty the bin. Otherwise, a clinic will have a canister or
hair that has been shaved from a surgical site. There is small portable vacuum in the surgery prep area. This
also one used in the facility for carpeted areas and will have to be emptied daily or the hair gets into the