Frequently Asked Questions

• Vetrap tape is not sterile. It is biologically clean.
• Vetrap tape cannot be steam sterilized

Vetrap tape can be EO sterilized as long as it is properly aerated after sterilization.

• 2" Vetrap tape is available in Blue, Hot Pink, Hunter Green, Red, Teal, White & Purple
• 4" Vetrap tape is available in Gold, Red, White, Blue, Hunter Green, Teal, Black, Purple, Bright Orange, Hot Pink & Green

Vetrap tape is used for a number of bandaging applications

• Run down protection in race horses (Rundown injury, primarily a racing injury, is caused by the fetlock joint dropping so low that the skin is abraded ("burned") off the point of the fetlock joint as the horse runs. Vetrap tape is employed to provide mild support and as a "foundation" to attach the 3M Rundown Patch to
• General application of dressings - A great bandaging tape as long as adequate padding is employed so that the dressing & bandage do not interfere with circulation
• Tail wrap: Effective for wrapping tails - must be applied with care using minimal tension to avoid causing constriction.
• Hoof wrap - Makes a great hoof wrap for light duty applications - Use Equisport bandage for heavy duty applications such as where the horse is going to be turned out on pasture.
• Abrasion protection (& gripping tape) Makes a great general purpose tape to protect surfaces and improve grip. Examples include protecting human hands (industrial applications), wrapping tool handles & bits.

Vetrap tape has a number of advantages:

• Sticks to itself (cohesion) - not the hair coat
• Layers bond to each other making a unitized bandage to provide maximum support
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Will not absorb moisture
• Economical - compared to adhesive tape

• Vetrap tape sticks very nicely to itself. The likelihood of end "flagging" is reduced by relaxing the last 6" and pressing it into the bandage.
• For racehorses, one or two bands of vinyl tape are often applied to the end of the tape to provide additional security.
• For other bandaging applications, a strip of adhesive tape can be used for additional security but Vetrap tape is often used without any additional taping.
  
  

18

Vetrap tape (& Equisport bandage) contains natural rubber latex. Individuals that that are allergic to natural rubber latex should not use Vetrap tape. Note: 3M Coban™ NL Bandaging Tape is available to anyone who requires a latex free product.

Vetrap tape can cause loss of circulation if not applied according to label instructions so that it is initially comfortable to the animal. Athletic support bandages must be removed immediately following the athletic activity. Bandages intended to hold a dressing in place must be applied over adequate padding.

Generally it is best to apply a dressing over open wounds prior to application of an overwrap of Vetrap tape. However, if application requires direct dressing on a wound, we recommend the use of white Vetrap tape.

The collar can be custom fit to each individual animal. Start by wrapping the collar snugly around the pet's neck for correct sizing; then position the closure system to ensure a snug fit. See application instructions found on each collar.

Protective collars are used often after surgery or injury to help protect the wound site so it can heal. They help prevent the pet from trying to chew out staples, sutures, or even lick medicines off the wound.

Yes. The closure system makes it easy for clients to remove for pet feeding and reapply. There are no complicated tabs or straps.

The No Sting barrier forms a transparent, waterproof, protective film on the skin. It acts as a protective interface between the skin and bodily wastes, fluids, adhesive products, and friction and sheer.

Under normal use, reapply once every 72 hours.

The product is alcohol free and dries rapidly. Plus, using the spray bottle eliminates applicator contact with the animal and makes it a painless application.

Post-surgical incisions (wound drainage), urine scald, diarrhea; protects skin under adhesive surgical tape; helps manage dermatitis and hot spots.

Using other barrier products, ointments, creams, or lotions may significantly reduce its effectiveness.

 

 

YES. The 3M™ Littmann® Master Classic Veterinary Stethoscope comes in two lengths, the 27 inch (recommended for small animal) and the 32 inch (recommended for large animal).

NO. The stethoscopes are the same model. However, the small animal scope has different packaging and has a veterinary instruction manual inside.

Yes, visit the Littmann® website for more information: http://www.3m.com/littmann/home.html

The staples for the 3M™ Precise™ Vista , PGX-35W and MS Skin Staplers are rectangular and vary in width and depth. Rectangular staples hold a greater amount of skin than eliptical staples. Eliptical staples in the 3M™ Precise™ DS Skin Staplers are better for smaller wounds and thin skin. The MS is a good, economical stapler; the PGX-35W is a gun-type stapler; the Vista stapler is our top of the line stapler and has very smooth action.

Both the DS and MS staplers fit into the autoclavable handle. You can use these staplers with or without the RSH handle.

For most of our staplers, hold stapler at a 90° angle. For the Vista stapler, you can implant a staple at any angle. Place on skin with gentle downward pressure; press firmly and completely. Release handle and check for properly implanted staple. See package insert for complete instructions.

Key benefits: saves the veterinarian time and there's less chance of infection with staples.

Vetbond adhesive is approved for animal use only. Use for declaws, closing lacerations, tooth extractions and other minor wound closures. It is not to be used for deep or infected wounds.

Vetbond adhesive polymerizes in seconds.

No, the body will slough it naturally.

It contains a blue dye so you can easily see where the product has been applied and gauge the amount of product used.

Apply the product sparingly to form a thin film. This enhances the bonding action. Thick applications tend to crack and lift prematurely.

Vetrap tape is used for a number of bandaging applications

• Run down protection in race horses (Rundown injury, primarily a racing injury, is caused by the fetlock joint dropping so low that the skin is abraded ("burned") off the point of the fetlock joint as the horse runs. Vetrap tape is employed to provide mild support and as a "foundation" to attach the 3M Rundown Patch to.
• General application of dressings - A great bandaging tape as long as adequate padding is employed so that the dressing & bandage do not interfere with circulation.
• Tail wrap: Effective for wrapping tails - must be applied with care using minimal tension to avoid causing constriction.
• Hoof wrap - Makes a great hoof wrap for light duty applications - Use Equisport bandage for heavy duty applications such as where the horse is going to be turned out on pasture.
• Abrasion protection (& gripping tape) Makes a great general purpose tape to protect surfaces and improve grip. Examples include protecting human hands (industrial applications), wrapping tool handles & bits.

Vetrap tape has a number of advantages:

1. Sticks to itself (cohesion) - not the hair coat
2. Layers bond to each other making a unitized bandage to provide maximum support
3. Breathable
4. Lightweight
5. Will not absorb moisture
6. Economical - compared to adhesive tape

• 2" Vetrap tape is available in Blue, Hot Pink, Hunter Green, Red, Teal, White & Purple
• 4" Vetrap tape is available in Gold, Red, White, Blue, Hunter Green, Teal, Black, Purple, Bright Orange, Hot Pink & Green

18

• Vetrap tape sticks very nicely to itself. The likelihood of end "flagging" is reduced by relaxing the last 6" and pressing it into the bandage.
• For racehorses, one or two bands of vinyl tape are often applied to the end of the tape to provide additional security.
• For other bandaging applications, a strip of adhesive tape can be used for additional security but Vetrap tape is often used without any additional taping.

Vetrap tape (& Equisport bandage) contains natural rubber latex. Individuals that that are allergic to natural rubber latex should not use Vetrap tape. Note: 3M Coban™ NL Bandaging Tape is available to anyone who requires a latex free product.

Generally it is best to apply a dressing over open wounds prior to application of an overwrap of Vetrap tape. However, if application requires direct dressing on a wound, we recommend the use of white Vetrap tape.

Vetrap tape can cause loss of circulation if not applied according to label instructions so that it is initially comfortable to the animal. Athletic support bandages must be removed immediately following the athletic activity. Bandages intended to hold a dressing in place must be applied over adequate padding.

• Vetrap tape is not sterile. It is biologically clean.
• Vetrap tape cannot be steam sterilized

Vetrap tape can be EO sterilized as long as it is properly aerated after sterilization.

 

Equisport bandage contains four and one half times the elastic content of Vetrap tape. It is intended as a heavy-duty athletic support bandage. When it is used in combination with the splint- figure 8 wrapping technique, it will absorb 50% more energy than a comparable Vetrap tape bandage. Equisport bandage is useful for the following applications

• Athletic support bandage for horses returning from injuries
• Prophylactic support bandage to prevent injuries in young horses or injury prone horses
• Rundown bandage for horses with severe rundown
• Durable hoof wrap
• Esmarch's Bandage

White

The 3M Rundown Patch is a tough urethane adhesive-backed tape disc that is applied to either Vetrap tape or Equisport bandage to protect against rundown abrasions caused by the fetlock joint dropping too close to the track surface while the horse is running.

The Rundown Patch is either applied to the outside of the Vetrap/Equisport bandage or the Rundown patch can be applied between the layers of the bandage. Fit of the 3M Rundown Patch to the point of the fetlock is improved by trimming a small wedge shaped piece out of the patch to make a smoother fit over the point of the fetlock.

The active ingredient in the 3M-teat dip is Lauricidin™ (Glycerol Monolaurate) plus synergists. This system has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Lauricare dip is also effective against fungi and yeast. In-vitro (laboratory) testing of Lauricare has shown it to be effective against lipid coated viruses and Mycoplasma. The Lauricare dip also contains a three part moisturizing system that includes a skin emollient, a humectant, and a skin plasticizer. This moisturizing system is the best available on the market today.

Biologically, Lauricare dip is equivalent to other dips teat dips that have been documented by the NMC protocols, (B or C). All dips successfully documented by NMC protocol are considered to be effective in preventing new intra-mammary infections. There are three important factors to remember:

• Not all dips have been documented by the NMC protocols.
• Protocol B & C data demonstrates the ability of the teat dip to reduce new intra-mammary infections.
• Lauricare dip is on the NMC published list of effective teat dips.

In addition to biocidal efficacy, teat skin condition is an important factor in the incidence of mastitis. Teats that are chapped or cracked provide an opportunity for colonization with mastitis causing bacteria. Selecting a teat dip with good moisturizing properties is important. . The Lauricare dip contains a three part moisturizing system that includes a skin emollient, a humectant, and a skin plasticizer. This moisturizing system is the best available on the market today.

All of the components in Lauricare dip are approved for use in the manufacture of food. The use of food grade components is an important consideration if using the teat dip as a pre-dip.

Independent university trials following the National Mastitis Council protocols (A, B & C) have been conducted to document the efficacy of the 3M teat dips. These protocols include both in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (on the cow) studies. Additionally, large scale end user field trials have been conducted. In addition, standard toxicity trials as well as independent laboratory trials have been run to document the safety of the 3M teat dips.

Laboratory tests have shown Lauricare dip to be greater than 99.99% effective in less than 2 minutes against against common mastitis pathogens in the presence of up to 10% organic bioburden (milk).

A standard battery of irritation and toxicity tests indicates that the Lauricare dip is not primary skin irritant or a toxicant. Irritation studies on cows have shown the Lauricare dip to not only be non-irritating, but also have positive conditioning effects on the skin. Additionally, all of the components of Lauricare are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) listed or have food additive clearance. GRAS listed components may be used in foods.

Lauricare Plus moisturizing teat dip is just a few cents more per ready-to-use gallon of teat dip. Ask your 3M-mastitis products salesperson for information on the teat dips.

Getting good teat skin coverage is an important consideration of effective teat dipping our field trials the bright orange color was easy to see, a particularly important factor in the management of today's large herds.

The average dairy producer will use approximately 1.5 gallons predip/per cow/per year. The average postdip usage is approximately 1 gallon per cow/per year.

Lauricare and Lauricare Plus Moisturizing teat dip are labeled for both pre and post applications. All of the components in Lauricare dip are approved for use in the manufacture of food. The use of food grade components along with good soil removal characteristics are an important considerations if using the teat dip as a pre-dip.

Although post-dipping with efficacious teat dips can reduce the incidence of new IMI caused by contagious pathogens; post dipping doesn't reduce the rate of new IMI infections caused by environmental pathogens. There is substantial data supporting the practice of prepping the cows with an efficacious germicide prior to milking. Field trials have shown that a good pre-dipping technique, such as the Minnesota One Step Prep, coupled with an efficacious pre-dip can reduces the incidence of clinical mastitis by as much as 50% in herds with low levels of contagious mastitis.

Lauricare and Lauricare Plus teat dips are shipped in the concentrate form in 4.5 gallon and 15 gallon sizes. The concentrate is diluted with 3 parts water to 1 part concentrate. The 4.5 gallon pail makes 18 gallons of ready-to-use (RTU) teat dip. The 15 gallon drum makes 60 gallons of RTU teat dip.

The Lauricare dip is compatible with iodine based products, however, Lauricare teat dip is not compatible with chlorhexidine based products. DO NOT EMPLOY AT THE SAME TIME OR IN EQUIPMENT PREVIOUSLY USED WITH A CHLOROHEXIDINE CONTAINING PRODUCT. THIS INCLUDES USING A CHLOROHEXIDINE UDDER WASH AND THE LAURICARE DIP AS A PRE OR POST DIP.

The Lauricare dip is not compatible with bleach. There have been several inquiries from dairymen who have been using Clorox® or similar bleaches as part of their dipping program and would like to continue to use bleach as an udderwash in combination with Lauricare dip as a pre or post dip. We cannot recommend this for two reasons:

• Not all bleaches are created equally and depending on the stabilizer employed may be irritating to the teat skin.
• The alkaline nature of the bleach and the acidic nature of the Lauricare dip make them chemically incompatible.

For spray systems, especially those in which chlorhexidine products were previously used, we recommend the following steps prior to using the Lauricare dip:

• Thoroughly rinse the system to remove dip residue
• Wash with an alkaline detergent
• Triple rinse

To mix a gallon of ready-to-use Lauricare teat dip at a time, use a clean mixing container such as distilled or deionized water bottle. Do not use a chemical container that previously contained dips/sanitizers, cleansers, caustic chemicals or irritating materials. Add 1 part dip concentrate to the mixing container, then add 3 parts of potable (approved for drinking) water. Mix by inverting the container several times. It is important to measure both the water and teat dip concentrate accurately (1 part concentrate, 3 parts water).

All larger containers (18 & 60 gallon sizes) of Lauricare teat dip concentrate should be mixed using the 3M Mixing Wand. Make sure that the mixing wand reaches the bottom of the appropriated sized 3M Mixing Drum. Run potable water through the mixing wand at full line pressure (30PSI & 2 GPM) and fill to top fill mark of 3M Mixing Drum.

While Lauricare dip is very soluble in water. Failing to mix it according to directions will likely result in concentrated dip at the bottom of the mixing drum and colored water at the top. Lauricare dip is easy to mix utilizing the 3M Mixing Equipment and following the label directions - if the Lauricare teat dip concentrates is mixed per the label directions and using a 3M Mixing Drum and 3M Mixing Wand for the mixing process, it is almost foolproof. Since the concentrate is a 4:1 mix, the 4.5 gallon pail of concentrate makes 18 gallons RTU, the 15-gallon drum of concentrate makes 60 gallons RTU. We only recommend the use of 3M Mixing Drums. Using old drums/containers can lead to possible mis-mixing or to contamination with chemical residuals.

All 3M Mastitis Products Distributor have available the #1433E 3M mixing drums and #1433MW 3M Mixing Wands to ensure a perfectly mixed ready-to-use Lauricare teat dip. The mixing drums are sized at 18 gallons (4.5 gal concentrate) and 60 gallons (15 gal concentrate) to accommodate the pail and drum sizes of the Lauricare dips. The concentrates are mixed 3 parts water to 1 part of concentrate.

Once diluted, the Lauricare dip is good for 90 days.

Freezing does not effect Lauricare teat dip in the concentrate form. If frozen, the Lauricare teat dip concentrate should be completely thawed prior to using. Agitation prior to mixing will help ensure a uniform product.

Freezing of diluted Lauricare teat dip causes it to irreversibly separate. If frozen the diluted dip must be discarded. Store Ready-to-Use (diluted) teat dip where it will not freeze.

The bacterial kill-rate for Lauricare teat dip was not affected when diluted with waters of varying degrees of hardness. Tested under Standard Methods for Water Testing protocols, the dip had full efficacy when mixed with very hard water up to 400 grains of hardness and in the presence of 10% bioburden. (Very hard water is defined 280-320 mg/l of CaCO3).

As with any concentrated germicide or disinfectant, the water used to mix the concentrate must be potable, or fit for human consumption. Non-potable water with high levels of bacteria will tie up the biocidal components of Lauricare dip reducing or eliminating its biocidal activity.

Lauricare dip has a distinctive fatty acid smell. Most people get used to it very quickly. We recommend that Lauricare dip, like all chemicals, only be used in an area such as a milking parlor or barn, which can be actively or passively ventilated to allow free exchange of inside and outside air. Recently, 3M introduced Lauricare Plus Moisturizing Teat Dip Concentrate which contains a fresh, food-grade citrus scent plus the same potent germicide, Lauricidin™ with the same 3 part moisturizing system that regular Lauricare teat dip is known for.