In recent years the veterinary profession has been quick to pick up the latest developments in human health care such as ultrasound imaging and
endoscopy. At Castle Vets we are usually amongst the first to invest in such technology once it becomes suitable for veterinary use.
You may be interested to learn more about the wide range of advanced technology we have available at Castle Vets to help us care for your pets. An overview of the major items is given below.
Needless to say, at the end of the day, all this technology is only as good as the people who
use it. Castle Vets has a team that is large and experienced enough to ensure the necessary expertise is
always available.
Equipment we use at Castle Vets
High frequency X-ray machine X-ray pictures (known as radiographs) have for several decades been an extremely valuable
diagnostic aid, especially for problems relating to bone damage or foreign bodies. However, great care must be taken
in the use of any X-ray technology. By investing in a modern, high frequency X-ray machine we are able to take high
quality images without compromising the safety of animals or staff. Our BSAVA accreditation includes independent
checks to ensure that our X-ray facilities and processes are both effective and safe. The picture shows Sally and Emma preparing the x-ray machine prior to taking x-ray images of a cat.
Ultrasound scanner Ultrasound scanning enables the examination of internal organs, often avoiding
the need for surgery and anaesthetic. It is also used for pregnancy testing.
Pulse Oximeter This device measures the oxygen level of the blood. It is mainly used when an
animal is under anaesthetic to ensure oxygen levels are maintained at a satisfactory level.
Diathermy This helps minimise haemorrhage during surgery by using a modest
electrical current to seal blood vessels. The advantages are less blood loss for the patient during surgical
procedures and fewer problems with post operative wound swelling.
Endoscope The endoscope allows internal structures such as the windpipe or stomach to be
seen. The image is transmitted via a set of optical fibres, which give a very detailed picture to assist
with diagnosis.
Haematology and Biochemistry equipment These machines allow the analysis of blood and other body fluids to be performed
on-site, which can be a significant aid to problem diagnosis, as well as helping to judge if an animal is
fit enough to undergo certain treatments, such as surgery.
ECG machine The Electrocardiograph machine measures the electrical changes in the body as
the heart goes through its cycle, to give a characteristic pattern. Diseases that affect the heart give
rise to specific changes to this pattern, and therefore the ECG trace is very helpful when diagnosing
certain conditions. Needless to say, preventing a cat from playing with the probes can be a challenge!
Vacuum-cycle autoclave Maintaining a regular supply of sterile equipment for surgical procedures is
essential to guard against post-operative infections. The autoclave is used to sterilise surgical
instruments after each use.
Ultrasonic scaler Heavy tartar deposits are common on the teeth of pet cats and dogs. The
ultrasonic scaler makes removing these deposits a quicker and more thorough process than using
conventional descaling instruments.
Compressor-driven dental machine To practice dentistry to a high standard requires a high speed air-driven drill
for sectioning teeth and fillings. The dental machine includes air jets to check that scaling has been
carried out adequately and water jets for cleaning. Polishing of teeth must be carried out after any
scaling procedure otherwise minor imperfections in the enamel surface of the tooth will rapidly attract
new tartar deposits. For this reason our dental machine also includes an air-driven polisher.
Infusion pump For accurate dispensing of intravenous drips, we use an electronic infusion pump.
This allows precise rates and quantities of fluid to be dispensed, which maximises the safety and benefit
of the treatment. The picture shows trainee veterinary nurse Jo in the process of setting up drip.
Blood pressure monitor Blood pressure measurements are useful in a variety of diseases. With domestic
animals this is most commonly used in cats with kidney disease, as they are often prone to high blood
pressure.
Pepperwash Lane off Saxtead Road Framlingham Suffolk IP13 0PT 01728 723480
48a High Street Debenham Suffolk IP14 6QW 01728 861374
The Former Library, Chapel Lane Wickham Market Suffolk IP13 0SD 01728 747755
X-ray pictures (known as radiographs) have for several decades been an extremely valuable
diagnostic aid, especially for problems relating to bone damage or foreign bodies. However, great care must be taken
in the use of any X-ray technology. By investing in a modern, high frequency X-ray machine we are able to take high
quality images without compromising the safety of animals or staff. Our BSAVA accreditation includes independent
checks to ensure that our X-ray facilities and processes are both effective and safe. The picture shows Sally and Emma preparing the x-ray machine prior to taking x-ray images of a cat.
Ultrasound scanning enables the examination of internal organs, often avoiding
the need for surgery and anaesthetic. It is also used for pregnancy testing.
This device measures the oxygen level of the blood. It is mainly used when an
animal is under anaesthetic to ensure oxygen levels are maintained at a satisfactory level.
The endoscope allows internal structures such as the windpipe or stomach to be
seen. The image is transmitted via a set of optical fibres, which give a very detailed picture to assist
with diagnosis.
These machines allow the analysis of blood and other body fluids to be performed
on-site, which can be a significant aid to problem diagnosis, as well as helping to judge if an animal is
fit enough to undergo certain treatments, such as surgery.
The Electrocardiograph machine measures the electrical changes in the body as
the heart goes through its cycle, to give a characteristic pattern. Diseases that affect the heart give
rise to specific changes to this pattern, and therefore the ECG trace is very helpful when diagnosing
certain conditions. 
Needless to say, preventing a cat from playing with the probes can be a challenge!
Maintaining a regular supply of sterile equipment for surgical procedures is
essential to guard against post-operative infections. The autoclave is used to sterilise surgical
instruments after each use.
Heavy tartar deposits are common on the teeth of pet cats and dogs. The
ultrasonic scaler makes removing these deposits a quicker and more thorough process than using
conventional descaling instruments.
To practice dentistry to a high standard requires a high speed air-driven drill
for sectioning teeth and fillings. The dental machine includes air jets to check that scaling has been
carried out adequately and water jets for cleaning. Polishing of teeth must be carried out after any
scaling procedure otherwise minor imperfections in the enamel surface of the tooth will rapidly attract
new tartar deposits. For this reason our dental machine also includes an air-driven polisher.
For accurate dispensing of intravenous drips, we use an electronic infusion pump.
This allows precise rates and quantities of fluid to be dispensed, which maximises the safety and benefit
of the treatment. The picture shows trainee veterinary nurse Jo in the process of setting up drip.
Blood pressure measurements are useful in a variety of diseases. With domestic
animals this is most commonly used in cats with kidney disease, as they are often prone to high blood
pressure.