Extending the Life of Your Veterinary Simulators: A Complete Guide to VSI Replacement Parts and Consumables
Keeping your simulators in peak condition is essential for accurate training and long-term value. Replacement parts and consumables play a major role in ensuring that each model performs as designed, supports repeated practice, and provides consistent hands-on learning experiences for every student.
This guide breaks down the most commonly replaced components across VSI’s Canine, Dental, and Captive Bolt training models, along with recommended consumable packages based on class size and usage.
Why Replacement Parts Matter for Veterinary Training
High-fidelity simulators are designed for repeated use across many cohorts of students. Over time, certain components naturally experience wear. Using genuine VSI replacement parts ensures:
Realistic tactile feedback
Proper anatomical accuracy
Consistent training conditions
Long-term protection of your investment
Safe and hygienic practice for students
Replacing consumables regularly helps students train with confidence while ensuring your programs always operate at the highest standard.
Canine Spay Simulator: Recommended Parts and Consumables
The Canine Spay Simulator is one of the most relied-on models in veterinary training. Maintaining its internal organs and suturing surfaces is essential for realistic practice.
Replaceable Components
Uterus with ovaries, broad ligament, round ligament, and suspensory ligaments
Large and small intestine with mesentery and cecum
Spleen, kidneys, and bladder
Upper and lower thermoformed ABS shell
Multi layer suture pad with nipples and umbilicus
Attachment pins
Consumables
Multi layer suture pads
Canine uteri
Recommended Consumable Packages for Spay Training
Small classes
25 multi layer suture pads and uteri
Good for foundational labs and low student volume
Medium classes
50 multi layer suture pads and uteri
Suitable for moderate course sizes or multi week practice
Large classes or high repetition labs
100 multi layer suture pads and uteri
Ideal for programs running multiple cohorts or repeated surgical labs
These quantities ensure that each student has adequate practice time while protecting the lifespan of the simulator.
Canine Dental Surgical Model: Replacement Parts and Best Practices
The Canine Dental Surgical Model is built for extraction, instrumentation practice, and procedural confidence.
It includes:
Included Components
Canine dental model (brown or black)
Clamp and securing arm
Two extraction jaw sets
Consumables
Extraction jaw sets
Important Note: Each Tooth Is a One Time Use
Every tooth on the surgical jaw set can be extracted one time. After extraction, the tooth cannot be reinserted. Because of this, VSI strongly recommends:
Educational Best Practice: One Jaw Set Per Student
To ensure fairness, consistency, and enough procedural attempts, many institutions add one surgical jaw set per student to their books and supplies. This gives each learner:
Multiple extraction attempts
Ownership of their own consumables
The ability to practice without limitation
A clean and consistent learning experience
Recommended Consumable Packages for Dental Training
Small classes
5 extraction jaw sets
Suitable for early term demonstrations
Medium classes
10 extraction jaw sets
Appropriate for classes where students share equipment
Large classes or individual jaw sets per student
25 extraction jaw sets
Ideal for programs requiring maximum repetition or assigning each student their own surgical jaw set
Captive Bolt Training Models: Maintaining Realism and Safety
VSI’s Captive Bolt Training Models are available in Holstein, Hereford, and Market Steer configurations. They are designed to provide accurate, humane training for proper captive bolt positioning and technique.
Replaceable Components
Two reusable silicone brain canisters
Four skull and hair plates
Consumables
Skull and hair plates
Important Usage Information
Silicone canisters are reusable.
These can be used repeatedly across many training sessions and student cohorts.
Skull plates are single use.
Each skull plate is designed for one training event. After the bolt is fired, the plate must be replaced to ensure safety and realism.
Recommended Consumable Packages for Captive Bolt Training
Small programs
50 skull plates
Ideal for occasional training sessions
Medium programs
100 skull plates
Best for seasonal or multi cohort training
Large or high volume training centers
150 skull plates
Supports ongoing practice across multiple classes
How to Choose the Right Consumables for Your Program
When selecting replacement parts, consider:
Number of students
Frequency of labs or practice sessions
Whether each student should have their own consumables
Requirement for repeated skill attempts
Annual budgeting for training equipment
Most programs benefit from purchasing consumables in bulk at the beginning of each term to ensure students always have access to fresh, functional practice components.