Vettec Frequently Asked Questions

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Q.  Why is Vettec no longer producing the 160cc cartridges?

A.    After feedback from customers, and extensive field testing, Vettec opted to switch to a 210cc cartridge system that provides 30% more material, and is the most reliable dispensing system available in the industry.  The chief complaint regarding the 160cc cartridge was that there was insufficient material for the most common application: the pour-in pad.

 

Q. Will you be receiving more inventory of the 160cc cartridges?

A.    No, the new production line will only accommodate the 210cc cartridges.  The exception is SilPak, which is still available in 160cc until it is tested and transitioned to the 210cc system.  160cc Mix tips and the dispensing gun should still be available to use with Sil-Pak.

 

Q. In addition to the greater volume, what are the advantages of the 210cc cartridge?

A.    The new 210cc cartridge is the industry standard for good reason.  Most of the benefits can be found in the design of the cartridge exit ports, the mix tip and its attachment to the cartridge.

• Larger ports allow material to flow more easily, reducing hand fatigue during dispensation, and greatly reducing the likelihood of the ports getting plugged or clogged.
• The mix tip inserts into the ports eliminating any leakage at the mix tip attachment.
• The mix tip, as well as the storage plug, is designed with indexed grooves, which means it cannot be installed incorrectly, thus eliminating the possibility of cross contamination between the two material components. Both mix tip and storage plug are secured with a locking collar which eliminates tip breakage associated with the 160cc systems.

Additionally, the storage plug provides airtight storage, and ensures and enhances shelf life.

 

Q. Can I use the same mix tip and dispense gun as with the 160cc system?

A.    No.  The 210cc system utilizes its own mix tip and dispense gun that are not interchangeable with other systems.

 

Q.  Will other manufacturer’s dispense guns work with Vettec 210ml Cartridges?

A.    Any manufacturer that utilizes a 200-210ml cartridge that fits into a side load dispense gun will work.  The Vettec gun may be a higher quality than less expensive versions; the Vettec gun uses hardened pins to secure the trigger handle, and the handle is thicker at the neck than some less expensive versions.  The frame is also held to the trigger mechanism by three bolts instead of two as with cheaper versions.

 

Q. What support do I have for product questions?

A.    You may reach out to FPD for product help and technical questions.  FPD has added long-time Vettec employee Larkin Greene to the team.  Larkin has 20 years of experience with Vettec applications in the equine industry.  He can be reached at (916) 705-8380.  

 

Q. What temperature range do the materials work best in? 

A.    Vettec materials work best between 60-85°F.  At temperatures below 60, the materials are more viscous and will take longer to set.  Materials should be warmed prior to use for best results.  At temperatures above 85, the materials are less viscous and will set faster.  In hot conditions, it is advisable to keep materials within the optimal temperature range to avoid loss of working time.  

 

Q. What is the shelf life of Vettec products?

A.    Shelf life is not a fixed date; it is a range depending on how it is stored.  The general range is 12 to 16 months.  After 12 months, the materials may still be used; however, the set time gradually increases until around 16 months.  After this time, the chemicals start to break down and the product often will not set up as intended, or may be difficult to dispense.  Storage at temps over 85 degrees or below freezing will shorten shelf life.

 

Q. Expiration dates on products / how do I read the lot #? 

A.    Vettec products utilize the Julian Calendar to identify the manufacture date.  The reason there is no fixed expiration is because it is variable depending on storage temperature.  Storage at high temperatures will shorten shelf life.  Storage at cold temperatures is less problematic; however, freezing temperatures should be avoided.  The Julian Calendar can be decoded as follows.  The first four numbers are the only thing to focus on.  The first number is the year of manufacture; the following three numbers indicate the Day the cartridge was filled from 0 to 365.  For example, a code that reads 9130 was made on the 130th day of 2019.  A code that reads 0030 means that the cartridge was filled on the 30th day of 2020.  Two batch code numbers stacked on top of one another indicates a range of days it required to make a batch.  The shelf life begins from the date of manufacture.

 

Q.    How many cartridges are in one case of Vettec products?

A.    There are 12 cartridges in each case of Vettec products.    

 

Q.     How many hooves does one 210cc cartridge cover?

A.    That will depend on the size and depth of the foot, as well as the application.  Generally, for pour-in pad applications, one cartridge will fill two feet with some left over.

 

Q.     How can you remove the product if it gets onto your skin? 

A.    It is recommended the user wear gloves, but if the user gets it on their skin, washing with lightly abrasive soap like Boraxo or Lava soon after exposure will remove it.  The longer one waits, the harder it is to remove.  For most, what doesn’t wash off, will wear off in a day or two. Mixed materials are not as big a concern as unmixed components, which may result in skin reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.  Consult a doctor if needed.  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be kept on file at all times and made available upon request.

 

Q.     How do you remove it from clothes, or a horse’s tail or hair?

A.    Do not attempt to wipe the material; allow it to set and then gently peel it off.  Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to areas where you do not want adhesive to stick, such as, hairline, bulbs, etc.

 

Q.    What kind of hoof preparation is required to apply Vettec products?

A.    Like almost all adhesives, Vettec urethanes require a clean, dry surface for optimum bonding.  Preparation should be meticulous, and thorough for best results. Cleaning can be done with picks, hoof knives, rasps, clean wire brushes, and sanding sponges.  Any loose, unattached structure should be removed, as well as any contaminants such as hoof dressings, fly sprays, and topical medications that may interfere with bonding.  Solvents may be used sparingly; denatured alcohol, MEK, and other non-petroleum based solvents work well for cleaning; avoid use of Acetone since it leaves a film that will limit bonding.

 

Q.    How dry does the hoof have to be to apply Vettec products?

A.    Drying is one of the most critical steps to any adhesive application, and it must be done immediately prior to applying any materials, even if the hoof appears to be dry already.  Under normal conditions, a heat gun used for 40-60 seconds should be sufficient, however, if the horse is in wet conditions, it is advisable to put the horse in dry stall overnight or 24 hours prior to gluing a shoe or repairing hoof structure.  To get the most consistent results, it is advisable to use a moisture meter (available at home centers, hardware stores and online).  The meter measures percentage of moisture on a surface; on a horse’s foot, we want to see single digits on the meter.  Another valuable tool to use for drying is a portable propane torch with a soft flame, held at a safe but effective distance (usually around 4-6 inches away).

 

Q.    What is the best way to store opened cartridges?

A.    The recommended way to store partially used cartridges is to remove the mix tip, replace the green storage plug, and secure it with the locking collar.  For best results and longest shelf life, store cartridges at room temperature.  Storage at high heat (over 85F) will shorten shelf life, and storage below freezing will also shorten usable life of the material.

 

Q.     Do Vettec materials require a certain thickness to set properly?

A.    Yes.  Vettec materials generally require a minimum thickness of 1/8”, or about 3mm in order to set properly.  If the material is spread thinner than that, it will set to a softer consistency and will likely not bond as strongly.  Once set, the materials can be rasped thinner than 1/8”, at the expense of strength, but during application, materials should be at least 1/8” thick.

 

Q.    Do Vettec materials generate heat?

A.    Yes.  The polymer adhesives used on horse’s feet go through a heat cycle called the exothermic cycle.  Both urethanes and acrylics produce exotherm, and the heat produced increases with the amount of adhesive applied; in other words, the more you apply, the hotter it gets.  This heat cycle is fairly easily managed though; for larger applications, such as large repairs, heat is easily controlled by applying in layers of 1/8-1/4”.  The heat cycle will last perhaps 5 minutes, then dissipate.  Once an initial layer is applied, thicker layers can be added without transferring heat to the hoof since the initial layer acts as a heat barrier.

 

Q.     What are Vettec materials made from?  What category of adhesive are they?

A.    Vettec specializes in polyurethane materials.  They are formulated in two categories:  paste-like adhesives and liquid urethanes.  The paste-like materials are SuperFast (30 sec set) and Adhere (60 sec set), and these materials are used for small and large repairs, foal extensions, gluing on metal or synthetic shoes, and making custom shoes directly on the hoof.  The liquid urethanes have proven to be very beneficial as pour-in pads; they flow like syrup onto the bottom of the hoof for support and protection.  They can be used under physical pads, or as a replacement to a pad.  Liquid urethane products include EquiPak, EquiPak Soft, EquiPak CS and Sole Guard.  All set in 30 to 60 seconds.