Gutter tape
A roll of this tape is very useful for making bandages waterproof in the hoof area. The tape is also useful for covering poultices.
Small sheep-size hoof clippers
These should be kept well oiled.
Equipment for the Limbs
Fractured limbs not only require immediate immobilization but also, in the eyes of both farmers and the public, need immediate stabilization. Splints and bandages are, therefore, essential; they should be kept in a sturdy case to avoid damage from pressure and liquid contamination.
Oscillating saw
This might be considered not to be essential as a hand-held plaster saw can be used. However, with modern plastering materials it is seriously hard work. An oscillating saw is quick and accurate. These need not be routinely taken in the vehicle by an ambulatory clinician.
Splints
Where funds are tight there is no need for sophisticated splints. Smooth lengths of wood and plastic guttering are quite adequate. Any sharp ends can be rasped smooth and covered with gutter tape.
Bandages and dressings
Sufficient materials should be included to cover a very large leg wound on a cow. An adequate amount of hydroponic gel is required. There should be enough bandaging to put a ‘Robert Jones’ splint on a cow.
Equipment for the Eyes
There is no doubt that eyes will need urgent attention and consequently the two items described below are essential for the ambulatory clinician.
Fluorescein strips
These are inexpensive and vital not only for revealing the presence of deep corneal ulcers but also for testing the patency of the tear ducts. It should be remembered that it takes up to 30 min for the fluorescein to reach the nasal end of the tear ducts in ruminants after instillation in the eye.
Ophthalmoscope
This is an expensive piece of equipment but is important to the clinician. Much can be found out by examining the eyes carefully with a bright small torch and a magnifying glass. Sadly, however, without a good ophthalmoscope some pathological conditions will be missed. Although a slit lamp is very useful for examining dog’s eyes, it is not required for farm animals.
Equipment for Dentistry
Unlike eyes, the teeth of farm animals do not need very urgent attention. In fact, there is much to recommend a more structured approach to their treatment. As a result, the items noted below may be kept at the practice rather than carried. The only exception is the drinkwater gag which will be required urgently to enable the removal of potatoes in the oesophagus of cows.
Dental elevators
Dental elevators as used for removing wolf teeth in horses are helpful.
Dental picks
These should be strong to allow the practitioner to pick out the food matter compacted between the teeth in diastemata.
Dental rasps
A small diamond-covered rasp is required.
Drinkwater gag
These are available for both the left and the right jaws of adult cattle. Only one is required. Normally the gag for the right jaw is required for a right-handed operator.
Headlight
There are some seriously bright torches available with heavy battery packs, but these are not really required, and a headlight which is easily taken on and off is preferable.
Molar extraction forceps
Two pairs are required. They should be 20 cm long, one should be straight and the other should have the extracting jaws at right angles.
Molar spreaders
A small pair 20 cm long is required.
Mouthwashing syringe
A catheter tip 60 ml syringe is adequate for this purpose.
Small ruminant gag
These are hard to obtain. A suitable type is shown in Fig. 6.2. on page 124.
Fig. 1.1. Pig snare.
Equipment for Stitching
These items are self-explanatory. They are listed below for completeness. The clinician can manage with very few.
Artery forceps
These can be straight or curved. Several pairs are required.
Clippers
These are a luxury. However, they make stitching and wound management so much cleaner and easier, particularly in rough-haired animals. The ideal is the rechargeable battery type.
Drapes
A single sterile drape is required as a tray cloth by the ambulatory clinician, although drapes will be required for other surgery.
Dressing forceps
The ends of dressing forceps are important: they can be flat or ‘rat toothed’. A pair of each would be required.
Dressing scissors
A pair of curved, blunt-ended scissors needs to be readily available for trimming hair. However, a straight pair with pointed ends is required for a stitch-up kit. There are various different sizes.
Needle holders
There are various types. The most convenient for stitching up wounds are the combination of cutting
