The consulting room houses a wide array of equipment necessary for the thorough medical examination of a variety of species. Listed here are some common items that you should be familiar with:

• Auroscope - This is an instrument used to examine a patient's ears (also known as an otoscope). It consists of a light source, magnification device and ear pieces in various sizes. Wall-mounted auroscopes are far superior to the portable, battery operated type. Special light bulbs are required, and you should ensure that you know how to replace them.
   
• Ophthalmoscope - This is an instrument used to examine a patient's eyes. It usually shares the same light source as the auroscope, but has a special attachment for ocular examination.
   
• Stethoscope - A device used to listen to internal body sounds (especially those of the heart and lungs).
   
• Refractometer - A device used to measure specific gravity (usually of urine).
   
• Scales - Weighing scales are an essential piece of equipment. If the healthy weight of an animal is known, then comparison can be made if it becomes ill. Dieting animals require regular weight checks, and of course an accurate weight is essential for working out correct drug doses.
   
• Drugs - Please refer to the Comprehensive Revision Guide for Veterinary Nurses Part I - Pharmacy & Dispensing.
   
• Tablet counter - A device that enables swift, accurate dispensing of a specific quantity of tablets.
   
• Hypodermic needles - These are necessary for the administration of injectable drugs. A variety of sizes are available. Needles are measured in units known as the French gauge (FG). The sizes usually found in the consulting room are 25FG, 23FG and 21FG (the lower the gauge the larger the bore). Large bore needles are used for the administration of viscous substances such as oily antibiotics.
   
• Syringes - Syringes ensure that an accurate dose of an injectable or oral medication is administered. Again, a variety of sizes are available. The smallest size is 0.5ml; usually used for administering drugs such as Insulin where very small quantities may be required. The largest size is usually 20mls (although you may see larger in the theatre).
   
• Dressings - A variety of dressing materials should be available for minor cuts and abrasions and for re-dressing wounds following surgical procedures.
   
• Pill giver - The pill giver is an excellent device that makes administering tablets to difficult cats a dream. The tablet is held between 2 small plastic jaws and the plunger withdrawn. Once the jaws have been inserted into the back of the cat's mouth, the plunger is then pushed in to release the tablet.
   
• Cotton wool and cotton buds - Useful for swabbing/cleaning wounds.
   
• Antiseptic solution - Used to cleanse wounds/skin lesions.
   
• Fluorets - Chemical strips used in ocular examinations to pinpoint corneal ulceration or scarring.
   
• Sno strips - Chemical strips used in ocular examinations to determine the amount of tear production.
   
• Clinistix - Chemical strips used to test urine or blood for certain substances.