Hoists for larger patients

RE: Hoists for larger patients

Sal the 1st — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 08:38:02 GMT

two options - I have used both in the past at various places. May or may not be applicable . wheeled hydraulic table and stretcher - have the table as low as it will go, stretcher animal onto table and lift, or if you have a patient that really is recumbant and not moving and you want to save your back and nurse effectively use a childs cot, quite easy to keep the patient clean and drop down sides give easy access and at the same time keeps the patient safe.

we had something similar to this x2 but not as modern which was ex NHS https://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/919

RE: Hoists for larger patients

Ems — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:16:13 GMT

Haha yeah I think that might be in my "dream surgery"

I'll mention a few of these points to my boss and see what he says, I think for now we'll need to get back to the drawing board!

RE: Hoists for larger patients

sananbaz — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:02:21 GMT

Well, it depends on your budget! In theory (never seen it, but think it would work), you could have a ceiling mounted hoist with rails over each kennel (all walk in type, as would only need hoist for larger dogs), with ceiling rails reaching out of each kennel. You would still need to manhandle into harness, but would eliminate the problem with the wide base etc getting in to the kennel. I'm guessing this would be very expensive, but does exist in human medicine (rehabilitation centres etc). I'm quite likely dreaming about this ever happening in vet practice though!

It always makes me laugh when h+s checklists say new employees should sign that they will use straight back, bent knees, no twisting or reaching when lifting, and the diagram is of someone lifting a very compact box (that doesn't move/bite/hang like a dead weight/poo or wee!). So, after nearly 30 years in practice [:O] I understand the issues you have with your back.

You may be on to a money maker if you can come up with a solution!

RE: Hoists for larger patients

Ems — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:00:43 GMT

Hi Sananbaz, I really appreciate your views!

These are a few concerns I was actually having myself, the referral hospital I trained in had the same problem, the hoist just sat in the corridor collecting dust and most people didn't even realise we had One!

I'm just trying to think what would be a good alternative? With the dachshunds it's not so bad but if I'm working on a basset or anything larger I can really feel my back, even when I try and use good lifting techniques.

I'll keep searching for something else, I think what we need in vet practise just doesn't exist - maybe something I should look into haha

RE: Hoists for larger patients

sananbaz — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:28:34 GMT

I can't give you a recommendation I'm afraid! The hoists I've used in referral practice have had truly limited use. In principle, they are an excellent idea and would really help protect our backs. In reality, the base has to be really wide/long to support the weight of the patient. Depending on kennel type, they cannot be used to lift animals into or out of kennels (due to the length of the 'feet' and the height of the 'arm'). If patients are led on the floor, the hoist can be used, but only if the animal can fit between the V of the base - this rules out patients that are on mattresses! To use the hoist, the patient would usually have to be placed in a harness (which clips to the hoist). The harness usually has two pieces - each with two holes to thread the legs through. This means the patient has to be lifted out of the kennel, positioned on the floor, each end of the patient lifted to thread the legs in, the hooks then attached to the hoist, then the hoist lifted. Once physio or treatment is complete, you have to do it all in reverse! If the patient only has hindlimb paresis/paralysis, you can just attach the hindlimb harness - then you have the fun of trying to stop the patient walking off with his frontlimbs, whilst you try and attach the hindlimbs! You can't leave the harnesses on due to pressure sores and soiling. Also, I've never seen a patient enjoy being in a hoist.

This may be just my experience, and I'm happy to hear others experiences, but I've seen quite expensive hoists gathering dust whilst waiting for there to be enough people to lift and manhandle the patient into it.

I'd suggest not showing my response to your bosses if you are definite you want one, cos I've probably just lost you your funding

I'm fairly sure I haven't helped, but good luck anyway