A Safer Environment: Stainless Steel Cages Promoting Animal Welfare in Veterinary Clinics

Promoting Animal Well-Being: The Role of Stainless Steel Cages in Veterinary Clinics

Stainless steel cages are found in most veterinary clinics across the world, often being used for both canine and feline patients and some exotic species.

The perception of cages of any kind to members of the public can be poor, but using the right stainless steel cages can have a positive impact on animal welfare and be a great advantage to a clinic.

They are excellent for biosecurity as can be easily disinfected using appropriate techniques without worrying about damage to the surfaces. 

Various layouts of cages exist, which allow a certain flexibility in the clinic to fit with a practice trying to balance patient safety, hygiene, and patient welfare.

Patient welfare is at the forefront of the veterinary industry and equipment that makes this easier is always worthwhile. Members of the public assume a level of patient welfare when leaving their pets in the clinic, so it’s vital to ensure this occurs.

Safety for staff members

Stainless steel cages are much safer for staff members as they allow the behavior of a patient to be observed from a distance, without the staff having to get close and risk injuries from bites or scratches.

The initial components of pain scoring can be performed by observing the patient from outside the cage and watching their reactions.

This also means that the patient themselves is less aware of being observed and their “personal space” remains intact, so they tend to remain calmer (in an already strange situation for them away from family and familiar scents and surroundings).

The easy closure of the cages prevents damage to fingers or paws from becoming trapped within the cage. 

Safety for patients 

As the cages are smoothly finished, there is no risk of a rough edge or surface that the patient can catch themselves and cause injury on.

They are unable to get through the gaps between the metal cage bars, so cannot hurt themselves falling. They cannot affect the closing mechanisms, regardless of whether they lean or put pressure on them, so they are safe and secure inside the cage. 

Welfare of patients 

Due to the design of the cages, there is excellent airflow and ventilation which prevents airborne particles from staying for too long on surfaces. It also allows for the patients to have good airflow and prevent overheating by being too enclosed. 

As the patients can see out of the cages, they feel less enclosed and often are calmer as they can observe what is going on around them.

An unfamiliar environment can be frightening for patients, but a bright area where staff can observe the patients and talk to them to help calm can be helpful to make them feel less scared. 

Because they cannot injure themselves or others, as mentioned above, they will be safer overall and if they are vocalizing in distress staff members can hear them and come to help them. 

The cages are designed to be large enough that the patients can turn around and exhibit normal behavior which is good, but without being too big that they can cause damage by knocking themselves on the sides. 

Cleanliness

Stainless steel as a material by nature is durable and easy to clean. The cages can be wiped over, or areas submerged in cleaning products, to allow for a thorough disinfection and can even be left with disinfectant in contact for longer periods of time to prevent any diseases remaining.

This all helps prevent cross-contamination, as when the next patient is placed in the kennel it is not only visibly clean but is disinfected, allowing for the reassurance that diseases will not be passed on. 

Conclusion

Stainless steel cages have many benefits to both the patients and staff in the clinic.

As well as the above, they are durable and hard-wearing so last for a long time due to their high quality. T

hey can be customized to allow them to stack on top of others or for various sizes and configurations which makes for a highly useful system for many years. 

References 

Jones, N (2013). Assisting the surgeon: Practical strategies for preventing nosocomial infection Infections. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/infectious-disease/todays-technician-assisting-the-surgeon-practical-strategies-for-preventing-nosocomial-infections/    Accessed on 28th September 2023 

Cobb, M,L., Carter, A., Lill, A., Bennett, P, C. (2022). Perceived importance of specific kennel management practices for the provision of canine welfare. Applied animal behavior science. Vol 249

Ensuring Comfort and Hygiene: Stainless Steel Cages for Veterinary Clinic Patients

Balancing Comfort and Hygiene: Stainless Steel Kennels in Veterinary Care

Stainless steel kennels are a mainstay in many veterinary clinics for the housing of our patients. These kennels are a careful balance between excellent biosecurity and hygiene while still maintaining patient comfort during their hospitalization.

Comfort - Bedding

Bedding is clearly an important consideration in the comfort of a patient, as stainless steel is hard and non-porous, which is ideal for hygiene but is not appropriate to house animals on directly. 

Species consideration

Bedding should be used according to species – veterinary hospitals see everything from dogs and cats to birds and rodents; all have very different husbandry requirements. Species-specific husbandry and bedding provision can help in stress reduction in hospitalized patient, allowing them to display their natural behaviors.

Bedding, particularly when discussing canine and feline patients, should be non-slip and durable. Rodents, lagomorphs, avians, and reptiles all will require the provision of very specific bedding and husbandry. 

Life stage consideration

The age/life stage of the patient needs to be considered.

Many geriatric animals will benefit from a padded orthopedic mattress in the kennel for extra support as a high percentage of geriatric animals will have some degree of osteoarthritic changes, or muscle atrophy.

Young patients, particularly dogs, maybe a foreign body risk and therefore the bedding provided must be durable and unable to be torn into small pieces which could be inadvertently ingested.

However, neonatal and juvenile animals may require more sleep/rest periods, and therefore provision of suitable bedding is essential. 

Disease process consideration

Furthermore, animals with certain diseases can experience cachexia and will need extra padding to support them. Other disease processes can cause patients to be unable to thermoregulate well, which will result in staff needing to warm or cool their environment and provide bedding appropriate to their specific needs.  

Orthopedic mattresses, useful in both geriatric and sick patients, can be obtained once kennels have been measured. A waterproof and durable outer layer is important to maintain hygiene.

Laundry

Soiled hospital laundry and animal bedding may be considered a potential source of infection to both staff and patients and may cause cross-contamination of the environment.

All reusable linens and bedding that have been contaminated with blood, urine, feces, or any other bodily fluids or exudates must be subjected to a decontamination process.

All bedding should be checked for soiling regularly and changed whenever there has been contamination. Using single-use absorbable sheets may help in cases of incontinence, hemorrhage, diarrhea, or vomiting, to help protect the bedding. 

Biosecurity and Hygiene

Compelling evidence has accumulated in human medicine to confirm the important role of the environment in pathogen transmission.

Infection prevention and biosecurity are an essential part of patient care to avoid hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), therefore should play an important role in daily practice – with several team members involved in ward and kennel cleaning and hygiene and all team members be educated and aware of the importance.

There is a real financial risk of failure to ensure biosecurity – with potential losses to the veterinary hospital and the client. Careful and strategic evaluation of disinfectants, implementation of thorough cleaning practices, and environmental swabs of the veterinary hospital can prevent these kinds of HAIs and the added cost of treating and controlling them.

To aid in this process, it is desirable that surfaces in animal housing and clinical spaces are cleanable and nonporous, such as stainless steel in the kenneling areas. 

Common factors that can lead to poor hygiene measures include, not following the dilution instructions on the disinfectants, failing to reach designated contact time, incorrect storage or use beyond the disinfectant’s shelf life, and mixing inappropriate cleaning chemicals which can result in dangerous interactions (such as the release of chlorine gas).

Furthermore, if the team does not adequately remove gross debris prior to the application of the disinfectant, it may render the chemicals ineffective.

Quality Control

Environmental swabs can be taken to monitor and audit the effectiveness of current hygiene protocols. This should be done throughout the veterinary hospital but should include kennels, including monitoring the cleaning of the bars and openings to ensure specific ‘touch points’ aren't getting missed. 

Conclusion

Consideration of comfort and hygiene in hospitalized patients is essential.

It takes a whole-team approach to maintain veterinary practice hygiene, and education should be on a systemic level so all people within the organization are aware of why protocols are used.

Particularly in kenneling areas, stainless steel units provide an excellent non-porous material for decontamination and disinfecting – but care should also be taken to furnish the kennel with appropriate bedding to maximize patient comfort and experience while still allowing excellent hygiene measures to be undertaken.

References

AAHA (2017) ‘Infection Control and Biosecurity in Veterinary Medicine’ Available Online: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/05-pet-health-resources/virox_booklet24.pdf

Anderson, K.L., O’Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C. et al. Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Sci Rep 8, 5641 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23940-z

Traverse M, Aceto H. Environmental cleaning and disinfection. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2015 Mar;45(2):299-330, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.11.011. Epub 2014 Dec 30. PMID: 25555560; PMCID: PMC7114656.

Kerrigan, L. (2015) ‘Care of ageing patients: general considerations for nursing’ Available Online: https://www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/wp-post-to-pdf-enhanced-cache/1/care-of-ageing-patients-general-considerations-for-nursing.pdf

Mark A. Mitchell, (2009) CHAPTER 2 - PREPARING YOUR HOSPITAL FOR EXOTIC PETS, Editor(s): Mark A. Mitchell, Thomas N. Tully, Manual of Exotic Pet Practice, W.B. Saunders.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Stainless Steel Cages for Your Veterinary Practice

Patient Safety First: The Role of Stainless Steel Cages in Veterinary Care

There are a variety of different veterinary practices across the globe, from converted old buildings to purpose-built referral centers. No matter the type of veterinary practice, patient safety should always be at the forefront of our minds.

The type of cages used within the veterinary sector could have a direct impact on the health of our patients, with some cage materials being described as superior to others. There are many different factors that could affect the quality of patient care, but the quality of cages within kennels and catteries is well within our control. 

Let’s have a look at 10 reasons to invest in, or make the switch to, stainless steel cages for your veterinary practice.

Durability 

Stainless steel is durable, making it the perfect material for an animal cage. Stainless steel has an important component - chromium - which gives the steel its durable nature. (Anderson, 2022)

We see a variety of different temperaments at the veterinary practice, from the sweet and innocent to the bold and brash and it is important for a kennel to withstand a beating (or gnawing) when an animal may not be too happy about being in a cage. 

Some kennels can be manufactured with materials such as glass and plastic, however, these are often easily damaged by warping, bending, or even smashing.

Fully customizable 

Veterinary practices come in all different shapes and sizes and it is important that you don’t have to change your current space to be able to upgrade your kennel design. Many stainless steel kennels can be made to order, allowing them to fit the area that you already have. 

Hygienic 

All types of kennels and cages found within the veterinary practice should be easy to clean and maintain. After all, the clinic should be as sterile as possible to avoid post-operative, zoonotic, and inter-species infections. 

Stainless steel cages are easily cleaned and disinfected. Not only that, but they are unlikely to become damaged by the cleaning chemicals or being wet.

Traditional kennels, which include ceramic tiles, offer the possibility of harboring bacteria, either in cracked tiles or the grouting. Materials such as plastic and perspex are easy to clean and maintain, however, once they are scratched or damaged in any way, this also offers a chance for bacteria to accumulate. 

Hypoallergenic properties 

Stainless steel is hypoallergenic and it is unlikely that an animal would have a reaction to it. In fact, that’s why jewelry for humans is often made from steel as it is unlikely that we will have an allergic reaction.

Similarly, many pet food bowls are made from stainless steel - mainly because it has the same benefits that stainless steel kennels do! Harmful bacteria, pollen, and allergens are unable to enter stainless steel due to its non-porous surface, making it a safer option for our patients. (Americat Company, 2023)

Eco-friendly

In a world where sustainability and global warming are hot topics, it’s only fair that veterinary practices do their bit to contribute towards a greener future. Veterinary practices produce a substantial amount of waste, so why should we further implicate the environment by investing in plastic kennels?

Stainless steel is environmentally friendly, fully recyclable, and toxic chemicals are not usually used in its production. When you compare this to plastic kennels, which are not normally recyclable, it’s easy to see why stainless steel is superior. 

Aesthetically pleasing

No matter what cages you have at the veterinary practice, you want them to be safe, easy to clean and look smart. If you’re employing new staff, the appearance of the practice says a lot about a company.

Stainless steel cages look sleek, smart, and clean. They make a kennel or cattery environment look clean, professional, and functional.

Strong and safe

Stainless steel is a strong material. In fact, stainless steel is so strong that it is often used to build bridges, skyscrapers, and vehicles.

Stainless steel cages offer the best security and protection for our patients. Whilst plastic and perspex are strong, they can be more likely to break and crack. Some kennels offer glass frontages which are perfect for observing patients, but may not be the best material for an angry canine that we want to stay where it is!

Resistant to rust 

A massive perk to stainless steel kennels is that they are corrosion-resistant. This makes them a brilliant addition to the veterinary practice as they can be easily cleaned or left to soak in disinfectant in severely soiled cases.

Stainless steel cages are also brilliant to be used outside, as they are weather resistant and so are suitable for housing injured wildlife. 

Aids in odor control 

Unfortunately, there’s always a less desirable smell or two at the veterinary practice. From diarrhea to vomit - we’ve seen it all.

Stainless steel cages offer an easy-to-clean surface and thankfully do not hold on to unpleasant odors. 

Most other materials, including perspex, are easy to clean but can sometimes hold on to smells.

Perspex can scratch more easily, allowing odors to penetrate into the material.

Some kennels can have ceramic tiles that line the walls and floor of the kennels; These are easy to clean initially, but aged and worn tiles can crack and deteriorate over time, harboring smells.

Resistant to extreme temperatures 

Whilst a veterinary clinic is usually temperature-controlled and is unlikely to experience extreme temperatures, stainless steel is resilient against hot and cold temperatures.

Plastic can easily warp under hot conditions or become brittle in extreme cold. Likewise, glass can easily crack and smash in high or low temperatures.

Final thoughts on stainless steel cages

Stainless steel kennels have many perks and seem to be one of the most versatile and durable kennels available within the veterinary industry. Each veterinary practice is different and what might suit one practice may not suit another. If you want a cage that is secure, durable, hygienic, and eco-conscious you can’t go wrong with a stainless steel kennel.

References

(Anderson, 2022) available at https://www.meadmetals.com/blog/benefits-stainless-steel#:~:text=Stainless%20steel%20is%20a%20low,high%2Dheat%20or%20oxygenated%20environments. [Accessed 20th August 2023]

(Americat Company 2023) https://americatcompany.com/blogs/news/plastic-ceramic-or-stainless-steel-why-stainless-steel-cat-bowls-are-safest#:~:text=Pros%20and%20Cons%20of%20Stainless%20Steel%20Cat%20Bowls&text=Rationale%3A%20Based%20on%20our%20testing,steel%20is%20safest%20for%20cats. [Accessed 20th August 2023]

(Jones 2012) https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/infectious-disease/todays-technician-assisting-the-surgeon-practical-strategies-for-preventing-nosocomial-infections/ [Accessed 20th August 2023]

The benefits of stainless steel cages in Veterinary clinics

Advantages of Stainless Steel Cages in Veterinary Clinics

Stainless steel cages are now being widely used in veterinary practices across the world. Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that is well known for its resistance from rusting and corrosion. 

Stainless steel cages have gained popularity over the years because of their ease of maintenance, along with their smart appearance. These types of cages can also be used to comfortably and securely accommodate many species including dogs, cats, and exotics.

Therefore, they can be incorporated into many different types of practices. The following points will discuss the benefits of stainless steel cages in veterinary clinics, and we’re going to really focus on the hygiene benefits. 

The importance of hygiene

Infection control and hygiene are of great importance in veterinary practices. The main reasons that practices have strict hygiene protocols are to prevent the spread of zoonotic and contagious diseases between patients or from patients to staff and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Good hygiene provides a line of defense against harmful organisms and standard operating procedures are in place to set these protocols.

Hospital-associated infections sadly occur in both veterinary and human medicine and control is based on hygiene and environmental factors.

In veterinary practices, the more common diseases that can be easily transmitted between ward patients include urinary tract infections, viruses such as parvovirus or calicivirus, and multi-factorial syndromes such as pneumonia, infectious diarrhea, and kennel cough.

In already very vulnerable patients contracting these diseases during a hospital stay can be detrimental to their health. 

Stainless steel cages – the benefits

Easy to clean

Stainless steel cages encourage and allow a good level of hygiene in the patient wards.

As stainless steel is a highly durable material with high chemical resistance, it is able to withstand and handle a wide range of different types of cleaners and disinfectants, as well as repeated application of these.

Plastic kennels can be relatively easy to clean but are often less resilient at withstanding repeated disinfectant applications.

Wooden kennels are an even poorer disinfectant, with microscopic pores that allow pathogens to evade the surface clean, and trapping organic debris that can inactivate many disinfectant agents.

Remain clean

The smooth and bright surfaces of stainless steel also allow the surfaces to be virtually free from bacterial retention after cleaning.

This high level of cleanliness is why places such as restaurants and hospitals also utilize stainless steel surfaces throughout their businesses.

Smooth surfaces mean that it is less likely that cracks and crevices appear that can harbor dirt and bacteria. 

Time saved

Furthermore, the easier that something is to clean the less time that it takes. This means that more time can be spent focusing on looking after your hospitalized patients and delivering gold-standard care. 

Strong and durable

Additionally, stainless steel cages are also extremely secure and safe. This is a feature that is vitally important in Veterinary practices as nobody wants an escapee patient!

Stainless steel is hard-wearing, and it is therefore able to withstand a lot of force even from the strongest of dogs.

Its robust physical properties also mean that, once they are installed, they are likely to be used for many years without needing to be replaced.

Smart looks

How aesthetically pleasing something is definitely is an important factor when planning any workplace environment. Stainless steel cages do give a professional appearance and the shiny polished surfaces provide a beautiful finish.

Hygenic separation

Often stainless steel kennels are positioned side by side or are stacked which helps to prevent the transmission of airborne pathogens to the patient next door. 

To conclude, stainless steel is now a popular choice of material for cages in many types of Veterinary practices. Not only does stainless steel provide patient security and safety, but it also maximises hygiene which greatly benefits the health of both the patients and the hardworking veterinary staff.