Exam room tables are part of the infrastructure of any veterinary practice—something the team uses every single day but might not think about unless a problem arises.

Here are some things to consider when purchasing this important piece of equipment…

Table Size

While many tables designed for small animal veterinary clinics fall into a similar size range, there are variations. Consider which sizes of patients you see—as well as the size of your exam rooms—and plan accordingly.

Remember to check weight capacity, especially if your practice sees large and giant breed dogs.

Table Durability

There’s no doubt about it—veterinary exam tables need to be durable. Otherwise, there are many ways in which a table could become damaged.

Durability includes the ability to resist scratches from pets’ toenails, as well as avoid chips, dents, wearing, stains, or other “battle scars.” This means not only damages from dogs and cats, but also wear and tear from dropping heavy tools or instruments, storing or moving the table, or using harsh cleaning agents.

Stainless steel veterinary exam tables are a very common choice. They can stand up to a lot of potential hazards and are amenable to regular cleaning with a variety of cleaning agents. However, there are grades of stainless steel that vary in durability. Choose one designed to stand up to daily use in a veterinary clinic.

Disadvantages of stainless steel include lack of traction (pets slipping on the smooth surface), the cold temperature, and the sterile, hospital-like feel. Many vets have found a way around this by placing mats on the table’s surface, then washing or replacing the mats as needed.

Options for table coverings include rubber bathmats, yoga mats on a roll that can be cut to desired sizes, and non-slip mats designed for veterinary clinics, to name a few.

Configuration in the Exam Room

Typical configuration options for veterinary exam tables include parallel, peninsula, and island styles.

A parallel table, also known as a horizontal or wall table, attaches to the wall on its long side. Some veterinary staff like this style when working solo, especially when it includes restraint tethers for a leash. Others feel restricted since it’s not possible to walk around the table, so a patient must be turned 180 degrees to evaluate anything on the patient’s opposite side.

A peninsula table is attached to the wall on its short side. This allows team members to stand on each side of the table, and it facilitates a bilateral exam without having to move the patient around. 

An island table is free standing, not attached to any exam room walls. It may be a permanent fixture, or something mobile that can be tucked away or removed from the room.

Mounting and Folding

Permanently installed tables may stand on their own base or be mounted to a wall.

Some wall mount exam tables (both peninsula and island) can be folded up against the wall when not in use. This is a nice feature for times when the vet prefers to stay on the floor to examine a patient—for example, large dogs or patients who are scared of being on the table. 

A fold-up veterinary exam table can also save space when needed.

Lift Capability

While many veterinary exam tables are fixed at a permanent height, others can be raised or lowered.

One benefit of a lifting function is the ability to move a patient to the right height without the team having to manually lift the pet. Also, an adjustable-height table means that team members of different heights can adjust the table to their comfort level. Some (not all) lift tables also incorporate a built-in scale.

Potential disadvantages of lift tables include noise and expense. Some pets are scared of noises the table makes when rising. So, if purchasing a lift table, make sure it is as quiet as possible. 

Of course, adding a lift function also means the table may be significantly more expensive. For this reason, some veterinary practices balance the benefits of both standard and lift tables by having a combination of both.

This could mean having one “large dog” room with a lift table while using standard tables in all other rooms. Another example is having all standard tables, plus one moveable gurney with a lift function.

Purchasing a Veterinary Exam Table

As with any new veterinary equipment purchase, do your due diligence. Research and compare your options. Ask colleagues what they use and whether they’ve been happy with their purchases. 

Remember to protect your investment by learning about options such as warranties and inquiring about the best ways to clean and maintain your tables. Make sure wall-mounted tables are properly installed and tested.

That way, your exam table can help the team safely examine and care for patients for years to come.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM