OPERATION CATNIP: Idealism in Action

 

 

Medications

 

 

Staffing:

4 - 6

Technicians

 

1

Transporter

 

ALL STAFF MUST CHECK IN AT THE VOLUNTEER TABLE.

GLOVES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.

 

The responsibilities of the Medications Station are to administer medication to reverse the anesthesia; apply medication for parasite control; administer fluids when ordered by the surgeon and monitor cats for respiration, pulse and color. Cats will be brought to the Medications Station by the Recorder Station Transporter. Cats must be returned to their traps after the reversal is administered, not put on the floor or a table to wake up.

 

Technician Instructions

 

The responsibilities of the Medications Technicians are to administer medication to reverse the anesthesia; apply medication for parasite control; administer fluids when ordered by the surgeon; remove ear tip hemostats and monitor cats for respiration, pulse, color and bleeding. Medications Technicians work best in pairs with one technician positioning the cat and the other administering the injection.

 

1)       DRAW up the medications as soon as you arrive. Separate cat and kitten doses in two separate pans.

 

Yohimbine (intravenous anesthetic reversal):

Ř       0.30 ml for adults

Ř       0.15 ml for kittens

 

Ivomec (if used instead of Revolution) (sub Q internal parasites, HW control):

Ř       0.10 ml for adults

Ř       0.05 ml for kittens

 

Revolution (topical flea, internal parasites, HW control):

Ř       0.75 ml for adults

Ř       0.25 ml for kittens

 

2)       MONITOR the cats carefully for normal respiration (>6/minute), heartbeat (>100/minute), and gum color (pink).  If the cat is not breathing well or its gums are blue, pull firmly on the tongue, press a fingernail on the nose leather and call for assistance from the Clinic Supervisor or a surgeon immediately.

 

3)       CONFIRM that any special care ordered on the paw tag has been done.

 

4)       REMOVE all hemostats, collars etc. (except paw tag) from the cat. 

 

5)       APPLY styptic powder or super glue if the ear continues to bleed after the hemostat is removed.

 

6)       PLACE the hemostats in the soapy water.  The Instruments Volunteer will collect them periodically.

 

7)       CLEAN the injection site(s) with alcohol.

 

8)       ADMINISTER Yohimbine IV to reverse anesthesia.

 

9)       ADMINISTER Revolution topically for parasite control.  If ivomec is used, give subcutaneously.

 

10)   ADMINISTER fluids if ordered by a veterinarian. Give 150 ml of lactated Ringer’s or 0.9% saline solution subcutaneously to adults, unless another amount is specified.  Bags of fluids, drip sets, and needles are available.  Change the needle after EACH cat to avoid transmitting any blood-borne diseases.  Change the drip set if blood may have backed up into the line.  Use a new drip set for each bag of fluids for the same reason.

 

11)   CLEAN any blood, urine or feces from the cat’s fur with hydrogen peroxide (3%).

 

12)   CLEAN the ears if necessary, and time allows.

 

13)   RESERVE one table near the end of surgery for any URI cats. Do not place healthy cats on this table once a URI cat has been treated. Change your gloves after handling URI cats.

 

14)   CLEAN-UP sweep/vacuum your area; wash tables; bag all trash and take to the dumpster; mop the area until no cat odor remains.  

 

15)   REPACK the station kit, inventory supplies (see Supply List in the kit).

 

16)   RETURN the kit and any extra items to the Supply Coordinator.

 

Transporter Instructions

 

The Medications Transporter is responsible for delivering cats to the Recovery Station and returning the cats to the proper traps.

 

1)       BRING the appropriate trap to the Medication Station if the cat is awake.

 

2)       DELIVER cats from the Medications Station to the Recovery Station if they are still unconscious.

 

3)       TELL the Recovery Transporter what trap number you need.

 

4)       CHECK the paw tag against the trap number. Do not remove the paw tag until after the cat is placed in the proper trap.  Ask the Recovery person to double check that the numbers match.

 

5)       PLACE the cat on its right side with the tipped ear facing up, so bleeding can be monitored.

 

6)       PUT the cat in the trap hind feet first, so the head is near the door.

 

7)       NOTIFY the Recovery staff if any cat needs extra monitoring.

 

8)       RETURN the “FLUIDS” tags to the Spay and Neuter Stations.