We purchased R1, R2 and R3 and find them excellent. There is a bit of a learning curve, and l have found that if in doubt go for the larger recommended size – you do need a snug fit in the oesophagus. We have taken the decision not to routinew autoclave them (we don’t with our ET tubes) and so they should last considerably longer than the 40 uses. I agree that unfortunately they are no use during dental procedures as they are too bulky and too easilly dislodged. You need to ensure an adequate plane of anaesthesia before placing (bunny biting the tube will be an expensive errorl), I use IV propofol for induction.
“Recently my husband and | relocated to Hong Kong (we arrived last week) and I am working at a newly opened exotics clinic. I was telling them about all of my positive experiences with v-gels.
I shared the power-point presentations with them that Docsinnovent had previouslygiven me and told them that now I find these v-gels compulsory when working with rabbits – I can’t imagine going back to intubatingthem! ”
Nicole R. Wyre, DVM, DABVP (Avian), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammals)
Attending Clinician – Exotic Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery
Matthew J Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
I’m rubbish at tubing rabbits ( managed 3 in 10 years) so I used to use masks for oxygen I sevo after injectable induction (usually dom I ket). For me the v-gels are a revelation. Easy to fit and using a capnograph it’s as plain as day that you’ve got them in the right place. We have sizes 1 and 2 as don’t seem to see many bunnies over 2.5-3kg. Have to be a bit careful when adjusting
position and make sure breafliing system tubing is well supported or can pull out of place but overall I love them