Educational Resources
Explore expert-led tutorials, waveform explainers, and in-depth guides covering everything from blood pressure monitoring to capnography. Designed for vets, nurses, and clinical teams looking to level up their patient care skills.
Blood Pressure Resources
Learn how to use Doppler and oscillometric techniques accurately. Whether you’re starting out or looking to refine your workflow, these videos and guides will help you gain confidence and clinical insight.
Video Tutorials
Tips and Best Practices
The Searchlight Technique: Probe Handling
For best results, hold the flat probe between your index and fourth fingers, with the probe head resting under the pad of your middle finger. When locating a vessel, rotate the probe gently in an angular or circular motion—not side to side.
Imagine a beam of light projecting from the probe’s face—like a searchlight. This scanning motion makes it easier to detect the vessel clearly.
Decanting Gel: Helping Patients Feel More Comfortable
Always decant ultrasound gel into an open container such as a bowl or tupperware.
Using a squeezy bottle may produce a hissing noise, which can unsettle cats and raise their blood pressure, compromising the accuracy of your reading.
Battery Best Practice
Keep your Doppler ready at all times with these two tips:
Always-On Charging: When not in use, leave rechargeable batteries in the charger. Use a dedicated plug in your practice so one is always charged and ready.
Use Only Compatible Batteries: Not all 9V batteries actually supply 9 volts. Through testing, we recommend only:
Duracell Single-Use 9V
Soshine 280mAh Rechargeable 9V (supplied with our kits)
Other brands may not power the device correctly.
FAQ's and common questions
Why won't my CAT+ Doppler turn on?
Before assuming the Doppler is broken, check:
Speaker Volume: Ensure the volume dial hasn’t been turned all the way down.
Low-Noise Operation: The Doppler is designed to stay quiet until the probe touches a surface. Try gently rubbing your finger over the probe’s face.
Battery Check: Make sure you’re using a compatible battery. If the front LED is flashing, it may be a low battery warning.
Still not working? Use our Diagnose My Doppler tool online for troubleshooting guidance. If needed, send the unit to us for assessment.
What patients can i use my CAT+ Doppler on?
The CAT+ Doppler can be used on any kind of patient. It’s not just for cats!
If you have a flat probe model, it’s better suited for small animal practice.
The pencil probe model is better for use with reptiles and amphibians.
Why is my doppler producing static?
If your CAT+ Doppler is emitting static rather than a clean signal, there are a few likely causes:
Poor Probe Contact: Ensure there’s a good layer of gel and the probe is sitting firmly over the vessel.
Electromagnetic Interference: Keep the Doppler away from mobile phones or plugged-in laptops, which can cause audible noise.
Battery Issues: Low or incompatible batteries can cause inconsistent sound or static.
Dry Probe Tip: Make sure the probe contact area is clean and free from dried gel residue.
If none of these solve the issue, visit our Diagnose My Doppler tool for step-by-step help.
More from the blog
Capnography and Pulse Oximetry Resources
Interpret waveform patterns with confidence. Our animations and explainers break down real clinical scenarios so you know what to do, when it matters most.
Patient Demos
Equipment demos
Animated Canography Waveforms
Tips and Best Practices
Mainstream vs Sidestream: What's the Difference?
There are two types of capnographs:
Sidestream devices draw a sample of exhaled gas into a side chamber for analysis.
Mainstream devices measure directly at the airway, resulting in less dead space and faster readings.
For patients under 5kg, we strongly recommend using a mainstream capnograph to ensure improved patient safety and more accurate readings. Sidestream capnographs are suitable for larger patients.
Cable Maintenance
To keep your Capnostat cables in good condition:
Avoid twists, curls, or kinks during storage. These can damage internal wires and affect performance.
Store cables flat or loosely coiled, using soft loops or velcro wraps if needed.
Never wind cables tightly around the capnograph unit or force them into cramped storage.
Proper cable care helps ensure long-term reliability and consistent readings. You can find more information about how to look after your capnostat cable here.
Which Airway Adapters do I need?
We supply both large and small airway adapters for capnographs:
Use the small adapter for patients under 5kg, as it has reduced dead space.
The large adapter is suitable for patients over 5kg.
Using the correct adapter size is essential for reliable results—especially in small patients where every millilitre counts.
More from the blog
What happens if I don’t replace my Capnograph Disposables?
The Capnography
Field Guide
The only guide you’ll ever need to understand your capnograph.
Educational Products
Enhance your team’s understanding with our carefully developed educational materials. These printed resources are perfect for in-clinic reference or personal study.
