New state-of-the-art equipment for operating theatres at the SPCA’s Mangere Centre is making surgery safer for the animals in its care.
The centre, which is the biggest and busiest SPCA hub in the country, has three new patient monitors and three new anaesthetic machines.
“The monitors are a significant upgrade in terms of the care we provide our patients,” says SPCA Mangere Head Veterinarian Nathan Wong.
The units allow vets to track vital signs including ECG, EtCO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and temperature in a single compact system.
“This will make it much safer for our patients, as our team can spot changes immediately, step in sooner and reduce the risk of complications and lengthy recoveries,” Nathan says.
“Our vets can see exactly how an animal is responding under anaesthesia at a glance, without interrupting surgery. It means faster decisions, smoother procedures and better outcomes.”
When critical patients come into the SPCA, the monitors quickly provide vital signs, allowing the team to intervene early and plan the right treatment.
The new anaesthetic machines safely deliver inhaled anaesthetic gases to animals during surgery or other procedures.
“The anaesthetic machines really complement the monitors. While the monitors tell us what’s going on with the patient and their vital parameters, the machine actually helps them breathe and delivers the right mix of oxygen and anaesthetic gas during surgery,” Nathan says.
Wiri Licensing Trust supported the SPCA’s request for funding for the equipment, which cost around $30,000.
Trust General Manager Kim Grant says the work the SPCA does in the South Auckland community, treating more than 5,500 animals every year, is vital.
“Every year thousands of animals come through the Mangere centre’s doors needing help from the SPCA team,” she says.
“This equipment gives the SPCA team the tools they need to deliver the very best surgical care possible. We know pets are part of our whānau, and when they’re sick or injured, we want to know they’re in safe hands.”
The new monitors and anaesthetic machines are already in daily use at the Mangere centre. They will also become part of the SPCA’s new purpose-built facility currently under construction in Wiri, which will replace the ageing Mangere site that has reached the end of its operational life.
The new Wiri centre will increase surgical capacity and enable the SPCA team to care for around 2,000 additional animals each year — ensuring more vulnerable animals across South Auckland receive the safe, high-quality treatment they deserve.
Find out more about the new centre.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
