Chapter 6: Oximetry
6-8
Operation Manual SurgiVet
®
V3404 Plus
Pulse Oximeter Sensor Application Tips
There is some variation depending on the manufacturer, but there are three basic types of pulse oximeter
sensors made for the small animal patient:
Large and Mini ‘Y’ sensors
Mini Clip sensor
‘C’ sensor (may also be used on large animals)
Tail Wrap sensor
Reflectance sensor
It is very important to have a variety of sensors in order to monitor the majority of the small animal patients. It is
also important to select the proper sensor for animals based on their size, color, fur type, medical condition, and
type of procedure.
Testing Sensor Function
To test the large and mini ‘Y’ sensor functions, turn on the monitor with the lingual sensor attached. View
the sensor to make sure a red light is being emitted, then place the sensor on a small finger (without nail
polish). Rest the hand with the sensor on it on a table to minimize motion. Note that in most cases the red
light should be shining in the same direction as the overhead or surgical lights. It is important that the light
receptor is shielded in order to avoid interference from ambient light. Once placed on a patient site, the
red light should be shining continuously. In some cases a blinking light indicates that the tissue thickness is
either too thin or thick. Once the sensor is placed properly, both the SpO
2
and pulse rate should appear in a
short period of time (10-15 seconds).
Testing the ‘C’ sensor is performed in the same manner. This is a stronger sensor and can be used with
greater tissue thickness.
Testing the tail wrap and reflectance sensors are performed in the same manner, but it should be
pressed between thumb and index finger or into the palm of your hand.
Primary Applications for Sensors
Large and Mini ‘Y’ Sensor and Mini Clip Sensor
The primary application site is the tongue for most animals. On cats and small dogs, fold the tongue like
a taco or use a wet gauze pad of single thickness folded over the tongue, and then place the sensor over
the gauze.
Other sites include the prepuce or vulva of larger dogs, the achilles tendon of a cat or small dog, ears, or
toe webbing.
C Sensor
For cats and small breed dogs, place the sensor on the thigh, metatarsal or metacarpal, or hock near the
saphenous vein.
For larger breed dogs, place the sensor over the Achilles tendon, tongue, prepuce or vulva, or through toe
webbing.
It may be necessary to wet and part the fur with water in order to get the sensor closer to the skin of the
patient.
For large animals (e.g. horses), place the sensor on the tongue.
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