Gelpis are the most commonly used retractor in veterinary surgery. They are two blades, hinged in the middle, which separate as the handles are closed and are held by a ratchet making them self-retaining. The tips of the blades have a hook to engage on the edge of the incision. Supplied in straight (Str), curved (Cvd) and straight or curved long reach (SLR/CLR). Odd-Leg Gelpis are also available which are mainly used in Spinal surgery. Straight Gelpis mean the retractor arms run on the same level as the handles and the retractor tips protrude just slightly below the level of the handles. Curved Gelpis mean the retractor arms curve upwards and then back down towards the same level of the handles and again the retractor tips protrude just below the level of the handles. Long Reach Gelpis mean the retractor tips protrude a certain distance (LR) below the handles meaning they reach deeper into the surgical incision and offer deeper retraction.