Choosing the Right Infusion Pump for Your Veterinary Practice

When it comes to veterinary medicine, infusion pumps are a cornerstone of patient care. Whether you’re managing critical cases, providing anesthesia support, or delivering long-term therapies, the right infusion pump can make a world of difference in accuracy, safety, and ease of use. At Outfront Medical, we understand the unique needs of veterinary professionals and are here to help you select the equipment that fits your practice.

What Vets Look for in Infusion Pumps

Veterinary clinics have a wide range of patients and needs, so infusion pumps must be adaptable. Here are the top features most veterinarians prioritize:

• Accuracy at low flow rates – especially important for cats, small dogs, and exotics.
• Multiple infusion modes – time, volume, weight-based dosing, and continuous rate infusions (CRIs).
• Reliable alarms – for occlusions, air-in-line, or flow interruptions.
• Portability and battery life – for mobile practices and emergency use.
• Ease of cleaning and durability – designed for the demands of veterinary environments.
• Accessible support and parts – so you’re never left without a critical tool.

Popular Infusion Pumps in Veterinary Practices

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, certain makes and models have earned the trust of veterinary professionals. Below are some of the most widely used and recommended options:

Baxter Infusion Pumps (e.g., 6201, 6301)

• Why vets choose them: Familiar, reliable, and widely available. Many veterinary professionals trained on Baxter pumps, making them easy to integrate into daily use.
• Considerations: Some models are older and may have frequent alarms or require reconditioned parts.

Medfusion Syringe Pumps (Smiths Medical)

• Why vets choose them: Exceptional for delivering CRIs and small-volume infusions with accuracy. Ideal for oncology and specialty care.
• Considerations: Require compatible syringes; higher upfront cost compared to basic models.

Veterinary-Specific Brands (Vet-Pro, NIKI, BodyGuard)

• Why vets choose them: Purpose-built for veterinary settings, with flow ranges and alarms designed for animal patients.
• Considerations: Typically cost more than reconditioned human-hospital pumps.

VetroCRI Syringe Pumps

• Why vets choose them: Compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly with intuitive controls. Great for clinics with smaller patients.
• Considerations: Limited flow range and fewer advanced programming features.

Other Veterinary Models (IPR PETite, Kalstein, Heska Vet IV)

• Why vets choose them: Compact, portable, and versatile for a variety of practice types, including mobile and mixed animal practices.
• Considerations: Check local support and calibration options before purchase.

What’s Preferred in Practice

From anecdotal feedback and professional discussions:

• Baxter pumps remain a staple due to familiarity and availability of reconditioned models.
• Syringe pumps like Medfusion are favored for small patients and precise drug delivery.
• Veterinary-specific brands are gaining popularity because they are tailored for animals, reducing unnecessary alarms and simplifying workflow.

Choosing What’s Right for You

The best infusion pump for your practice depends on your patient base and workflow. Small animal clinics may lean toward syringe pumps for precision, while mixed or large animal practices may benefit from veterinary-specific volumetric pumps. Mobile veterinarians often prefer lightweight, battery-powered models.

At Outfront Medical, we offer a range of new and reconditioned infusion pumps to suit every veterinary need. Our team can help you compare options, ensure compatibility, and provide ongoing support, so you can focus on what matters most—delivering excellent patient care.

Ready to upgrade or expand your infusion pump inventory?

Contact Outfront Medical today and let us help you find the right solution for your practice.