Smartvet VetGun User manual

www.smartvet.com www.agrilabs.com
developed by: distributed by:
Operation Manual
SEE INSIDE BACK COVER FOR WARRANTY & REPAIR INFORMATION
IMPORTANT:
Completely read this Operation
Manual before use. Failure to do so
could result in injury.
INSECTICIDE DELIVERY SYSTEM

2
COMPLETELY READ this Manual carefully before use and, strictly observe all product
label directions and the specic safe practice recommendations for each item of
equipment. This equipment is designed solely for use by ranchers experienced in
handling and applying livestock insecticides AND with the AgriLabs’ AIM range of
compatible VetCap products.
Do not use the VetGun to re any other type of projectile.
Also read label of AIM VetCaps product being used with VetGun.
This safety alert symbol indicates important safety messages in this Manual.
When you see this symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal injury and
carefully read the message that follows.
INSECTICIDE DELIVERY SYSTEM
For more VetGun information,
watch the videos at www.agrilabs.com/vetgun
or text VETGUN to 283 342.

3
Contents
Overview
Preparing VetGun
Preparing Herd
Using VetGun
Application
Unloading & Degassing
Storage
Cleaning & Lubrication
Troubleshooting
Warranty & Repairs
4
5
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
11

The VetGun Insecticide Delivery System relies
on a pressure regulated pneumatic design to
launch Insecticide VetCaps in semi-automatic
fashion. This valve system is self-cocking and
very simple to maintain.
CO2:
The VetGun is powered by compressed carbon
dioxide gas. CO2is available in small disposable
cartridges or larger refillable cylinders of the
type used in the sport of paintball.
Disposable CO2cartridges are designed for
single-use operation and cannot be re-used
once they have been emptied.
This VetGun comes with:
A) 25g Adaptor (2 pieces) suitable for 25g dis-
posable CO2cartridges (25+ shots/cartridge),
and
B) 90g Adaptor (1 piece) suitable for 90g dis-
posable CO2cartridges (80+ shots/cartridge).
Note: cartridges sold separately.
Refillable CO2cylinders are available in a
variety of sizes, with a greater storage capacity
than the disposable cartridges. Additionally,
integrated valves allow full or partially full
cylinders to be removed from the VetGun for
storage and re-attached later to make use of
the remaining CO2.
C) 14oz refillable CO2cylinders are also available
for optional purchase, better suited for larger herd
sizes (390+ shots/cylinder). The Cylinder is sold
empty and requires filling*. No adaptor is required,
it screws directly onto the VetGun.
*Due to transportation regulations, refillable
CO2cylinders are always shipped empty and
must be filled before use. Cylinders may be
filled at many stores where paintball supplies
are sold or by using a CO2fill station and bulk
CO2cylinders from a welding gas supplier.
OVERVIEW
IMPORTANT:
The VetGun’s pneumatic trigger does not
function when the VetGun is not charged
with gas. Pulling the trigger of a de-gassed
VetGun too hard in an attempt get a feel for
the trigger pull may result in damage to the
pneumatic trigger.
VETCAPS:
The VetGun Insecticide Delivery System
is designed to launch only AgriLabs’ AIM
compatible VetCap products. Before
operating this VetGun, ensure you have
read and familiarised yourself with the AIM
VetCaps Label and Instructions in addition
to the reading of this Operation Manual.
WARNING:
Launching any other projectiles not
specifically approved by SmartVet may
result in damage to the VetGun or injury to
cattle or the operator.
4
VetGun: CO2options available
25g Disposable Cartridge
(unthreaded- uses 25g Adaptor)
90g Disposable Cartridge
(threaded- uses 90g Adaptor)
14oz Refillable Cylinder
(threaded, no adaptor required)
A.
B.
C.

CO2can be heard rushing into the VetGun.
Note: as the ASA Converter pierces the 25g
cartridge, turning too slowly or not tightening
sufficiently may cause excessive CO2to escape
unnecessarily. Only tighten by hand. When
unloading gas, please refer to UNLOADING/
DEGASSING instructions on Page 8. To reload
a new cartridge, repeat steps 2 & 3.
Carefully thread the Barrel into the VetGun and
turn it until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the
barrel. The barrel o-ring will provide friction to
keep the barrel from unscrewing.
Make sure the Safety Catch is engaged
(fully pressed into the grip frame).
Installing CO2(sold separately):
Installation of CO2to your VetGun depends on
what size and format of CO2you plan to use.
A. Using 25g disposable (unthreaded)
prefilled cartridge (with 25g Adaptor Unit):
The 25g Adaptor Unit supplied with this
VetGun has 2 parts -the ASA Converter; and
the Chamber. Firmly thread the ASA Converter
into the VetGun ASA located beneath handle
until tight. Only tighten by hand. Slide 1x25g
unthreaded cartridge into Chamber.
Thread Chamber containing 25g cartridge into
the ASA Converter and turn it tight, until the
PREPARING VETGUN
Install Barrel.
In = SAFE
Out with exposed red = LIVE
5
Using 25g Disposable Cartridge
ASA
25g ASA Converter
ASA & ASA Converter
25g Chamber & Cartridge
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
25g Cartridge 25g Chamber
• Do not load the VetGun until in the field
and preparing for use. The VetGun should
always be de-gassed and unloaded for
storage or transport.
• Always wear protective safety glasses
and gloves when preparing; loading;
using; unloading; degassing; cleaning or
lubricating your VetGun.

6
B. Using 90g disposable (threaded) prefilled
cartridges (with 90g Adaptor):
If choosing to use this CO2format; select the
90g ASA Adaptor supplied in VetGun box.
Thread the 90g ASA Adaptor into the VetGun
ASA located beneath handle until tight.
Thread 90g (threaded) cartridge into the ASA
Adaptor and turn it tight, until the CO2can
be heard rushing into the VetGun. Note: as
the ASA Adaptor Converter pierces the 90g
cartridge, turning too slowly or not tightening
sufficiently may cause excessive CO2to escape
unnecessarily. Only tighten by hand.
When unloading gas, please refer to
UNLOADING/
DEGASSING
instructions on Page 8.
To reload a brand new canister, repeat Step 2.
To reload a partially used canister, refer
to UNLOADING/DEGASSING instructions on
Page 8.
C. Using 14oz Refillable Cylinder
(no adaptor required. CO2cylinder sold
empty and must be filled before use):
If selecting to use this CO2format; you will
need to purchase this VetGun Cylinder. You
will not need to purchase an ASA Adaptor
as the VetGun Cylinder fits directly into the
VetGun ASA located beneath handle. Thread
the Cylinder into the ASA Adaptor and turn it
tight, until the CO2can be heard rushing into
the VetGun.
Note: turning too slowly or not tightening
sufficiently may cause excessive CO2to escape
unnecessarily. Only tighten by hand. When
detaching gas, please refer to UNLOADING &
DEGASSING instructions on Page 8.
Once detached, Cylinder will not discharge
gas, and can be re-used and/or refilled.
CAUTION:
The VetGun should not be considered “safe”
when it is charged with gas but is not loaded
with VetCaps. Bursts of CO
2
from the VetGun
can propel dust and debris causing eye injury.
Never look directly into barrel, even after gas
canisters have been detached. Some gas may
remain in VetGun if not dry-fired sufficiently,
and cause eye or other injury.
If the Magazine Tube is not in place, it must
be installed in the VetGun. Slide the Magazine
Tube through the rear Tube Guide and into the
Breech Cover. Lock the Magazine Tube in place
with a clockwise quarter-twist.
Using 90g Disposable Cartridge
Using 14oz Refillable Cylinder
ASA 90g ASA Adapter
ASA &
ASA Adapter
ASA
90g Disposable Canister
14oz Rellable Cylinder
Thread Cylinder directly into VetGun ASA
No adaptor required
Step 1:
Step 2:
Slide Magazine Tube in
then twist to lock in place.
CAUTION:
DO NOT LOAD VETCAPS YET.
Do not unseal your VetCaps or load them at
this point. Refer to ‘Using the VetGun’ section
first as dry-firing will be required before loading
VetCaps. Premature unsealing of VetCaps may
further affect performance of VetCaps.

7
Every Rancher knows their own herd best. Handle
the cattle as they are used to being handled -
whether herding them from horseback or ATV.
IMPORTANT:
Never approach the cattle head on.
Approach them at an angle so as not to
present a direct “challenge” and always
ensure the cattle have a clear escape route.
Cattle that feel trapped are more likely to
become stressed and react negatively.
Always ensure you are in a safe position
where you can quickly and easily avoid any
cattle that panic or become aggressive.
Always provide positive reinforcement such
as a lick, blocks, cubes, hay, molasses or
any other feed. This helps distract the cattle
and will help offset any negative association
from the VetGun sound or VetCap impact.
Use the following simple 3 step process to get
the best results. Only advance to the next step
once the cattle have become fully accustomed
to the previous step.
STEP 1 - DISTANT DRY-FIRE: Lay down the cake or
feed. Allow the cattle to move in and begin feeding.
Then start off by dry-firing the VetGun (gas only, no
VetCaps) at a distance of about 100 yards (91m).
Gradually work your way toward the cattle while
they are distracted by the lick or feed.
PREPARING THE HERD
If the cattle show signs of nervousness, stop
and wait for them to relax before resuming. If
the herd continues to be nervous, stop and
return for short periods on subsequent days
until the herd becomes totally desensitized to
the sound.
STEP 2 - FEED DRY-FIRE: Once the cattle show
little reaction to the VetGun sound at a distance
of 20 to 30 feet (6-9m), then on subsequent days
start dry-firing the VetGun while you lay down
the feed. For best results, build an association
between the sound of the VetGun firing and the
positive experience of introducing food.
If time is taken at the start to positively condition
the cattle, they will often begin to approach you
at the sound of the first VetGun shots, actively
seeking out the food reward in response to the
auditory stimulus.
STEP 3 - BEGIN DOSING: Once the cattle are
accustomed to the sound of the VetGun
and begin to associate it with the positive
experience of being fed, begin dosing them with
VetCaps. Using positive reinforcement ensures
that over time the cattle become conditioned
to the dosing process. Positively conditioned
cattle become progressively easier to dose.
The whole principle is similar to training a bird
dog to associate the sound of a shotgun with a
positive experience.
Double check that you have prepared the area
and notified everyone involved as recommended
before dosing the individual cattle.
1. Release the Safety Catch and dry fire a few
shots at 20 second intervals to acclimatize the
herd. Re-engage the Safety Catch.
2. When ready for use, tilt the VetGun
forward and open the Magazine Tube.
Load the Magazine Tube with VetCaps.
3. Tilt the VetGun as needed to ensure that
a VetCap has rolled into the chamber and
release the Safety Catch.
4. At a distance of 15-30ft, take aim at the upper
flank of the target animal from an upwind
position. Pull the Trigger and fire the VetCap.
5. Re-engage the safety catch and follow the
same procedure for dosing each animal.
In the event of a VetCap burst inside the
VetGun, follow the cleaning procedures
described in this manual.
6. Always hold VetGun level. Tilting barrel towards
ground causes excessive gas pressure.
See
TROUBLESHOOTING Point 1 on Page 10.
Implement a farm procedural protocol through
which any first and subsequent dosages are either
all administered to the right flank or all administered
to the left flank of the animal. This helps to identify
the animals already dosed. Apply VetCaps to the
upper two thirds of the flank of the animal, anywhere
between the shoulders and 6 inches ahead of the
tail. Always apply from an upwind position to avoid
possible exposure.
USING THE VETGUN

Once the cattle are accustomed to the dosing
process, using a few simple rules will help you
to maximise the effectiveness of VetCap:
• Always target the shoulder region or an area
that is well muscled. This will produce minimal
discomfort for the animal and keep stress low.
• Always make sure you are within range and
have a clear shot at the targeted animal.
Never target the head or fire when there is a
chance of missing and hitting another animal
in the head or eye.
• Always dose the most relaxed cattle first.
Leave the more nervous animals until last
and do not dose any animals that show signs
of severe nervousness or aggression.
• If the herd becomes nervous or unsettled,
give it a break – provide more positive
reinforcement and take it slowly.
• It may take several cycles of conditioning the
herd to becoming accustomed to the dosing
process. By always being mindful of keeping
the cattle distracted and quiet, you will
achieve the best results.
EFFECTIVE APPLICATION UNLOADING & DE-GASSING
Always unload and de-gas the VetGun before
transport or storage. While still wearing eye
protection and gloves, unload any unused
VetCaps from the VetGun by tilting it upward so
that a VetCap in the Chamber will roll back out of
the Magazine Tube. Store VetCaps in their original
container, making sure it is sealed.
A. USING 25G DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE
Once disengaged, a 25g cartridge will lose
all remaining gas and not be reusable, even if
disengaged with 25g Adaptor. Unthread 25g
chamber & cartridge from ASA converter and dry-
fire to release any excess gas or pressure. Discard
cartridge safely.
B. USING 90G DISPOSABLE CANISTER
A back-check valve built into the 90g cartridge
adaptor allows the
CO2 in a partially used 90g
cartridge to be saved for later use. To remove a
partially-used cartridge for later re-use, unthread
adaptor from the VetGun with help of pliers - see
sketch under Troubleshooting Section.
To remove an empty cartridge, simply unthread
cartridge from ASA Adaptor.
CAUTION: Do not remove a full or partially full
disposable CO2 cartridge from its adapter, as
expanding gas may cause it to launch violently,
resulting in injury. Only unscrew the adapter
from the VetGun. Only unscrew the cartridge
from the adapter when it is completely empty.
8
C. USING REFILLABLE 14OZ CYLINDER
Unscrew cylinder from the VetGun while dry-firing to
release pressure.
IMPORTANT: Be sure that the CO2 cylinder’s
valve is unscrewing from the ASA, and that the
cylinder is not unscrewing from its valve.
IMPORTANT: Even with no CO2 cylinder
attached, the VetGun may still contain enough
pressurized CO2 to fire 2 or more times.
Always dry-fire until the VetGun is
completely de-pressurized.
CHECKING ADAPTOR O-RINGS
Occasionally the o-ring on the adaptor can perish;
break or split. Check the o-ring upon disengaging
adaptor from the VetGun, and replace in need
with correctly sized spare o-ring as supplied in
VetGun box.
25g Cartridge Assembly
90g Cartridge
Adaptor
14oz Rellable Cylinder
O-Rings

The Barrel may be unscrewed from the VetGun
by turning it counter-clockwise, and the
Magazine Tube may be twisted a quarter-turn
counter-clockwise and removed.
The VetCap shells are made of soft gelatin
and are affected by extreme temperature and
humidity. Always follow these steps to preserve
the VetCaps in optimum condition:
• Store in a cool, dry location in the original
container with the lid sealed.
• Do not allow the capsules to become
exposed to freezing temperatures or expose
them to direct sunlight.
• After application, quickly return any unused
VetCaps to their original container and reseal.
• Only load the VetGun when ready to dose.
CAUTION: The pressure level of
compressed CO
2
rises with temperature.
Always store CO
2
cartridges or cylinders
in a cool location, away from heat sources
or direct sunlight. Refillable CO
2
cylinders
are equipped with a safety valve that may
rupture at temperatures above 130°F (54°C),
emptying the cylinder rapidly. If this occurs,
stay clear of the cylinder while it vents, as the
jets of released CO
2
are cold enough to cause
injury, and the CO
2
may displace oxygen in an
enclosed space. A ruptured safety disk must
be replaced by the same pressure rating and
type installed to the manufacturer’s specified
torque before the cylinder may be re-used.
STORAGE
The efficient design of the VetGun Insecticide
Delivery System requires a minimum of
maintenance and allows for a simple cleaning
procedure, that should only be performed every
5,000 shots or to solve a problem.
CLEANING A RUPTURED VETCAP: If a VetCap
has ruptured in the VetGun, do not fire further
VetCap rounds. Thoroughly clean VetGun
per below instructions. Dispose of ruptured
VetCap contents in accordance with Disposal
instructions on AIM VetCaps box label.
Only perform cleaning and maintenance after
the VetGun has been unloaded and de-gassed.
Remove the barrel from the VetGun.
Remove VetCap magazine tube with a
counter-clockwise quarter-twist, and slide out
backwards. Lift the catch on the front of the
Breech Cover, and slide the Breech Cover off
the front of the VetGun.
CLEANING / LUBRICATION
Unscrew and remove the bolt sleeve from the
rear of the VetGun. A wooden dowel may be
used to push the Bolt and Bolt Stop out the
back of the VetGun Body.
Use a soft cloth to wipe any debris or residue
from the Bolt, Bolt Stop, Bolt Sleeve, Barrel,
Chamber and interior of the VetGun Body.
Inspect all o-rings and replace any that are
damaged or worn. Lightly lubricate the Bolt,
Bolt Stop and Bolt Sleeve o-rings with Dow-33
lithium grease, and smear a light coating of the
same grease over the sliding surfaces of the
Bolt. If lithium grease cannot be obtained, only
synthetic cold temperature grease may be used
as a substitute. Do not use oil.
Remove Breech
Cover.
Bolt Bolt
Stop Bolt
Sleeve
Breech
Cover
Cleaning Squeegee
Feeder
Port
9
Using supplied cleaning squeegee, feed through
top VetCap port hole and out barrel. Repeat
several times until thoroughly cleaned. Do not
use a screwdriver or other hard tool as it may
scratch the interior of the Body causing a leak.
Always ensure you wear protective
glasses and gloves when cleaning and
maintaining your VetGun.
LUBRICATION:

1. CO2is occasionally released from around
the top of the VetGun’s foregrip.
This is normal operation of the Bleeder Valve
built into the VetGun’s Regulator. This is NOT
a leak - it is the Bleeder Valve protecting the
VetGun’s internal components from a pressure
spike typically caused by a rise in temperature
or operating while pointed towards the ground.
Always hold VetGun level, tilting barrel towards
ground causes excessive gas pressure.
2. Gas leaks from CO2Adaptor connection
to VetGun ASA.
Ensure Adaptor is not loose, tighten by hand.
Occasionally the o-ring on the adaptor can
perish; break or split. Check the o-ring upon
disengaging adaptor from the VetGun, and
replace in need with correctly sized spare o-ring
as supplied in VetGun box.
TROUBLESHOOTING
3. VetGun fails to discharge or shots do not
go far:
• In weather below 70°F (21°C) the VetGun
may experience pressure drops, especially
after firing multiple shots in rapid sequence. If
this occurs, wait a moment for the CO2
cartridge to warm back up, then resume
operation. Do not wrap the CO2cartridge in
cloth or other material to “keep it warm” as
this will have the opposite effect, preventing it
from absorbing heat from the air.
• Make sure the Barrel, Breech and internal
components of the VetGun have been
thoroughly cleaned and properly lubricated
and any damaged o-rings have been replaced.
• Use only VetCaps which have been properly
stored and remain round and firm to the touch.
• If using a refillable CO2cylinder, be sure the
cylinder has recently been filled.
• If using a disposable CO2cartridge, be sure
a new cartridge is in use and that it has been
inserted all the way into its adapter, piercing
the seal at the end of the cartridge.
4. VetCaps arc in flight, rather than flying
straight to the aim point:
This is normal, due to the relatively low velocity
of the VetCaps used to prevent injury to the
cattle. With a little practice, the small amount
of drop in the VetCap’s flight path is easily
compensated for while aiming.
Bleeder
Valve
Vents
10
A pair of spring-loaded Detents on either side
of the Breech prevent VetCaps from rolling
forward into the barrel and double-loading.
The Detents may be easily checked by reaching
into the top of the Breech and pressing on them.
If they cannot be easily pressed flush with the
side of the Breech or do not spring immediately
back when released, cleaning is necessary. The
Detents can be removed for cleaning by using
a 1/16-inch allen-wrench to unscrew the pair of
screws that holds each Detent in place.
Re-assemble the VetGun by sliding the Bolt Stop
onto the Bolt, placing the two components in
the Bolt Sleeve, and sliding the three parts into
the back of the VetGun Body. Screw the Bolt
Sleeve in hand tight. Do not over-tighten. Heavy
torque is not necessary and may permanently
damage the VetGun. Slide and lock the Breech
Cover into place, and reinstall the Detents if
they were removed.
Remove Detents
only when necessary.

5. After many VetCap applications with no
problems, the VetGun delivers VetCaps with
less and less force and reduced range.
The supply of CO2is nearly exhausted. Unload
and de-gas the VetGun, then re-load with a
fresh disposable cartridge or refillable cylinder.
6. A partially used disposable CO2cartridge
is empty after being stored for several days.
This is normal due to slow leakage around seals
in regulator. Re-load with a fresh disposable
cartridge.
7. CO2Adaptor is tight and cannot be
unscrewed by hand.
To remove adaptor from VetGun, un-thread
adaptor from the VetGun with help of pliers.
Before doing so, ensure you have read
and followed all instructions and cautionary
statements under the Unloading/Degassing
section of Operation Manual.
11
WARRANTY & REPAIRS
For one year from date of purchase, AgriLabs
will repair or replace this VetGun free of charge
if defective due to materials or workmanship.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights.
You may also have other rights which may vary
from state to state.
Service is available by calling our distributors,
AgriLabs, Customer Service / Technical
Support at 1-888-727-8125.
If advised to return your VetGun, you will
be given a return authorization number and
shipping address. The return authorization
number must be marked clearly on the outside
of the shipping package to be accepted.
DO NOT return any products via non-trackable
services such as regular mail or parcel post.
Such products may become lost and neither
SmartVet nor AgriLabs will be responsible
for replacement.
Out of Warranty, Repairs, Spares:
For spare parts and repair of out of warranty
VetGuns, you should first call: 1-888-727-8125.
Warranty : Limited 1 year Warranty
(Original Purchase Receipt Required)
Please complete and return separate
Warranty Registration card supplied.
8. A VetCap has ruptured in the VetGun
barrel
The VetGun kit includes a cleaning squeegee.
Use it according to directions to clean out the
barrel. If the squeegee is not readily available,
remove all VetCaps and the Feeder Tube, then
dry fire 3-4 shots to clear the barrel of any
residue or pieces of the broken shell. Always
point the VetGun in a safe direction, follow
instructions in the VetGun Operation manual
and never look down the barrel!
9. VetCaps bounce off animal or do not
fragment upon impact
VetCaps may bounce off animal un-ruptured
if they’ve become too humid and soft. Once
the seal on a tube of VetCaps is broken,
they become susceptible to the elements so
cannot be stored indefinitely. If they’ve been
removed from packaging and not used straight
away, they can humidify quickly. Remove from
packaging and load VetGun just before ready to
use. If inadvertently exposed to high heat and
humidity for any extended period of time over
1 hour, the capsules can normally be restored
to ideal conditions by placing them (exposed)
for 24 to 72 hours in cool & dry conditions
where relative humidity is between 20% and
50% and temperatures do not exceed 70F,
before resealing back in tubes. Refer separate
VetCaps label for full instructions.
Turn Anti-Clockwise

Distributed by:
Agri Laboratories Ltd
St. Joseph, Missouri, USA
Tel : [phone] or 816-233-9533
© Copyright 2013 Agri Labratories LTD. All Rights Reserved.
VetGun Operation Manual V3.0/Oct 2014
SMA0038/C/VGManual/V3.0/Oct2014
www.smartvet.com www.agrilabs.com
developed by: distributed by:
INSECTICIDE DELIVERY SYSTEM