This week we speak to Dr. Matt Morgan. Dr. Morgan is the Chief of Surgery at VERG in Brooklyn, NY. He is also a Veterinary Officer in the US Army Reserve.

How long have you been using VETIGEL^®, and in how many procedures have you used it?

"I’ve been using VETIGEL^® for about 4 years. I reckon I’ve used it in around 150-200 procedures."

What do you like about VETIGEL^®?

"I really like its flowable nature, other hemostatic products are more cumbersome. I predominately use it internally, and VETIGEL^® is especially good for where the bleeding is further in, such as in spinal and thoracic procedures. The fact that it conforms to the area where you are using it is a big advantage."

Tell me about some of the procedures you’ve found benefited from the use of VETIGEL^®?

"The first case I used VETIGEL^® for was the removal of a thymoma. It’s been great for neurosurgeries as you can keep a clear surgical field as the VETIGEL^® is easy to remove once bleeding has been controlled.

There is a long list of procedures where I have used VETIGEL^®. This includes liver lobectomies, cholecystectomies, adrenalectomies, rhinotomies and TECAs. I use it routinely in enucleations, but always gently flush it out after bleeding is controlled.

I’ve also used it to control epistaxis, but always sedate the patient first to reduce the chance of the VETIGEL^® being sneezed out."

What else can you tell me about your use of VETIGEL^®?

"I use it when there have been surgical complications, and I estimate it probably saves me about half an hour, as well as reducing blood loss. There is the reassurance that if something goes wrong then VETIGEL^® is there for you.

It reduces the duration of anesthesia and reduces blood loss. It saves costs to the practice and client, can prevent the need for blood products and transfer to an emergency specialist hospital. For example, I had a case of a Yorkie that had been stabbed in the chest. I used VETIGEL^® and it stopped an arterial bleed. This prevented the need for packed red cells or plasma transfusion. It also bought time for further investigation to proceed in a measured manner as hemorrhage was now under control.

I have used VETIGEL^® in all body cavities, but wouldn’t use it where there is active infection.

You have clearly had a lot of experience with VETIGEL^®; what other areas do you think it should be considered for?

I think VETIGEL^® should be part of the IFAK (Immediate First Aid Kit) for dog handlers. VETIGEL^® would be good for puncture wounds and lacerations, as well as more extreme scenarios such as stabbings and gun-shot wounds.

Would you recommend VETIGEL^® to other veterinarians?

"Definitely. It gives better patient outcomes, it’s easy to handle, and will reduce overall clinic costs."

Watch Dr. Matt Morgan’s experience with VETIGEL^®: 

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