Rau Animal Immobilizer

RAU ANIMAL IMMOBILIZER IM2000

Patent. No. USA 60/156 597 RSA 99/3554

OWNER’S MANUAL & OPERATING PROCEDURE

THE RAU ANIMAL IMMOBILIZER IS DESIGNED FOR USE BY VETERINARIANS.

WARNING

THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT IS ENTIRELY AT THE OPERATOR’S RISK.

DEALING WITH ANIMALS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY VETERINARIANS OR COMPETENT STOCKMEN.

Technical Description

The RAU Animal Immobilizer has been developed after many years of scientific research. The instrument is constructed from high quality materials and equipment. The primary use of the RAU Animal Immobilizer is used for electronic immobilization of cattle using a very low electric current, when branding, de-horning, castration, hoof trimming or other minor treatment procedures. This immobilization is not stressful to the animals. To date, field trials have shown no negative effects, even on pregnant animals at any stage of pregnancy. The immobilizer has also been used successfully on horses and on wildlife.

The kit consists of a metal case with controls on the top face (Pulse Generator), a vehicle cigarette lighter charging adapter and a rectal probe with 8 feet of heavy-duty coaxial cable. A rubber ring is provided on the probe to set the depth of insertion.

IMPORTANT:Although the equipment is able to immobilize an animal, it in no way releases the operator from the responsibility of providing adequate pain control. It should not be used for surgical procedures where a local or general anesthetic would, under normal circumstances, be required.

Operating Procedure

An animal must be in a controlled space, without the ability to move forward, such as a small pen or a chute with access for inspection and a facility for the animal to lean on while immobilized. When a leg is raised off the ground the animal may become unbalanced.

Important: If the animal is being restrained with the use of a head clamp, care should be taken to check that the animal is not leaning into the clamp, restricting blood flow to the head. This may cause the animal to collapse.

The unit must be switched off, and the control knob must be set to zero. Fully insert the probe’s plug into the socket on the Pulse Generator.
The Pulse Generator must be switched off, and the control knob set to zero before the probe is inserted into the animal. Failure to do this will cause the animal distress and a reaction could be dangerous to the operator.

With the unit switched off, lift the tail of the animal and insert the probe into the rectum up to the rubber ring or when the tip of the probe makes contact with the femoral nerve. (Approx. six inches) Adjust the rubber ring as necessary. To facilitate the insertion, a small amount of lubricant should be used. If the immobilizer is to be used on smaller animals, the probe is inserted to a shallower depth. The animal’s reaction will indicate the correct depth.
Allow the tail to return to its normal position. The rubber ring should rest between the tail and the body of the animal. This will keep the probe in position. The probe may be tilted to ensure better contact with the femoral nerve.
With the control knob set to zero, and the power switch set to the “LOW” position, switch the unit on. Adjust the control knob from zero to the required strength for whichever procedure is required. The animal’s muscles will firm up as it is immobilized. Always use the lowest possible setting to restrain the animal.

A setting of between 1 and 4 on the control knob, with the power switch in the “LOW” position, is normally adequate to immobilize an animal. For working on hooves the probe is inserted deep enough to stimulate the femoral nerve, and a higher setting is used. This causes the animal to raise its leg in the air. Inserting the probe from the left of the tail will raise the right leg, and visa versa.

Return the control knob to zero, switch the Pulse Generator off, and remove the probe. The animal will immediately return to normal.

Attention to the Animal’s Head

For working on the head of an animal, insert the probe deeper than for hindquarter treatments. Gradually increase the control knob until the head is extended.

At no time is the head completely immobilized, and a nose restraint may still be required

The animal’s normal breathing is not affected.

Summary

This device has been used on a wide variety of animals and results vary. Variations between animals as well as the rectal contact need to be taken into account. It is advised that the animal’s reaction be observed for the desired effect rather than relying on fixed control knob settings. The operator will get to know the ideal setting through frequent use.

General Information

The Pulse Generator is removed from the carry case and hung around the neck for convenient carrying. The plug socket is turned away from the body.

The probe is a 7/8” diameter, 9” long aluminum device with an insulator spacer to create a double contact. Touching both contacts simultaneously when the Pulse Generator is switched on will give a mild electric tingle to the touch. A rubber retaining ring is provided to facilitate the depth of insertion and to hold the probe in place while working on the animal. This may be adjusted to suit the operation or the size of the animal. For large animals, the recommended depth of insertion is 6” for hindquarter immobilization, and 8” for total immobilization. For smaller animals, the depth of insertion is 4” to 5”. Experience will show the best depth of insertion for specific procedures.

The Pulse Generator is enclosed in a metal case, designed to withstand the demands of daily use. The top face of the Pulse Generator includes the following:

12 Volt charger socket: The charging socket is for the vehicle cigarette lighter adaptor supplied in the kit. A green light will indicate that the unit is charging correctly.
“LOW / HIGH” switch: This switch sets the output for the Pulse Generator. The switch should be set to the “LOW” position of immobilization. The “HIGH” position is designed for the RAU Ejaculator Probe (Part EJ2000) and is used for collecting semen from bulls.

“ON/OFF” switch: This is the power switch for the unit, and should be in the “OFF” position while not in use. A light will indicate that the unit is switched on.
Control knob: The control knob is graduated from zero to 10. The control should be advanced gradually until the desired degree of immobilization is attained.

If the RAU Animal Immobilizer Pulse Generator gets wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before use. The circuitry is fully encapsulated for protection from moisture, only the switches and controls can get wet. These need to be dry for efficient operation.

The internal, rechargeable battery is capable of delivering 12 Volts at 1.2 Amps when fully charged. This provides for efficient usage for approximately 8 continuous hours work. The battery is of lead-acid, dry cell construction. It is very important that the battery be kept fully charged. When not in use for a long period, the unit must be re-charged every 3 months. Failure to keep the battery charged may lead to reduced effectiveness of the equipment.

Animal waste contains acid. It is important to wash the probe regularly. This will ensure the continued efficient operation of the equipment and is also important for hygiene.

Experience in field tests and continued feedback from customers indicate that an animal can best be effectively immobilized when restrained in a chute or crush with the head in a neck clamp.

For use on smaller animals, the RAU Mini Probe (Part MP2000), an optional extra, may be used. The probe has a ½” diameter and is designed for use with animals with smaller rectal passages. It is only necessary to set the control knob from zero to approximately 2 on the control knob to attain full immobilization. The animal may not be able to stand, and will tend to roll. A chute may not be necessary but assistance will be required.

For more information about the RAU Animal Immobilizer, please call (770) 350 0342, or visit

Maintenance Information

WARNING:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove

the cover (or back). NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

Refer all servicing to I&G Distributors USA, LLC.

The pulse generator is powered by a rechargeable, sealed 12-volt dry lead-acid battery capable of delivering 1.2 Amps. A charging adapter for a vehicle cigarette lighter is provided. The adapter has a positive (+) on the outer pole and a negative (-) on the inner pole. Charge time on a stationary vehicle’s battery is approximately 5 hours. While charging, a green light will indicate that the battery is being recharged correctly. A full charge will function for approximately 8 hours.

It is recommended to recharge the battery after a day’s work. If not in regular use,

charge the battery every three months.

Warranty

The RAU Animal Immobilizer carries a one (1) year warranty on the pulse generator. For washing purposes disconnect the probe from the pulse generator. The probe must be washed after a day’s use to reduce the corrosion from the acids contained in animal waste. Use fresh water with or without a mild detergent.

There is no guarantee on the lead-acid battery.

Accessories

Product / Part Number / Function
RAU Mini Probe / MP2000 / A half-inch diameter probe for the immobilization of smaller animals and domestic pets.
RAU Ejaculator Probe / EJ2000 / A 2 inch diameter probe for ejaculation of semen from bulls

Distributor and Service Center for North America:

I&G Distributors USA, LLC

4965 Hidden Branches Drive

Atlanta, GA 30338 – 3907

Phone (770) 350 0342

For more information about the RAU Animal Immobilizer, please visit or call (770) 350 0342

Agency Approvals:

The RAU Animal Immobilizer meets the standards of the following agencies:

Federal Communications Commission:

Complies with FCC Rules and Regulations for, Part 15, Class A, Radiation and Conducted Emissions tests.

CE Compliance:

Verified to comply with CISPR 22/EN55022, Class A Rules and Regulations for Emissions and EN50082-1 (97), EN61000-4-2 (95) and EN61000-4-3 (96) for Generic Immunity, as applicable.

5/3/2001, rev 6.0Page