OPERATION CATNIP: Idealism in Action

 

 

Recovery

 

 

Staffing:

2

Cleaners

 

1

Monitor

 

2

Transporters

 

ALL STAFF MUST CHECK IN AT THE VOLUNTEER TABLE.

GLOVES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.

 

Recovery Station staff oversee the safe, sanitary and secure post-operative care, transport and discharge of every cat.

 

Cleaner Instructions

 

The Recovery Station Cleaners assure that each cat is provided a sanitary trap in which to recover. Prepare the traps in roughly the same order as the cats are anesthetized, so that the correct trap is available for each cat as it exits the Medications Station.

 

1)       COLLECT the empty traps from the Anesthesia Station. 

 

2)       CLEAN any soiled traps using detergent, brushes, and scouring pads. 

 

3)       COVER the bottom of each trap with newspaper. 

 

4)       DELIVER clean traps to the Recovery Transporters.

 

5)       CLEAN the Recovery Area at the end of the clinic, remove the plastic floor cover, sweep and mop the floor, sink, counters until no cat odor remains.  Take the trash out to the dumpster. 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Recovery

 

 

Monitor Instructions

 

The Recovery Station Monitor closely observes the cats as they wake from anesthesia and advises a veterinarian of any medical problems.

 

1)       CHECK the position of the cats in the traps, tilting the traps to make certain the cats can breath freely. 

 

2)       MONITOR the cats as they recover both in the Recovery Area and in the Discharge Area.  Some cats may have more difficult recoveries than others.  Watch for:

 

Ø       BLEEDING. Tipped ears may bleed, especially if the cat is thrashing about, rubbing the ear on the cage and preventing clot formation. This bleeding will eventually stop on its own.  Notify the Clinic Supervisor if there is active hemorrhage (i.e. uninterrupted blood flow) from the ear.

 

Ø       BREATHING. Respiration may be slow if the cat is still under anesthetic influence, but should be regular and not labored.

 

Ø       THRASHING. Thrashing around is considered normal so long as the cat’s limbs or body is not stiff or convulsing. Cover a thrashing cat’s cage with a towel to calm it.  Be sure you can still observe its recovery.

 

Ø       VOMITING or heaving. If you notice a cat retching or attempting to vomit, call a supervisor IMMEDIATELY. 

 

3)       ADVISE a Medication Station Technician of cats that are not waking up as expected within 30 minutes of arrival. These cats will receive a supplemental dose of yohimbine (0.3 ml IM) to further reverse the effects of anesthesia. 

 

4)       MONITOR cats in the Discharge Area, checking their recovery until they are returned to the caretakers. If your have any concerns, NOTIFY A SUPERVISOR. A cat may be removed from a trap only if it is unconscious.  NEVER REMOVE A CONSCIOUS CAT FROM A TRAP.

 

5)       CLEAN the Recovery Area at the end of the clinic, remove the plastic floor cover, sweep and mop the floor, sink, counters until no cat odor remains.  Take the trash out to the dumpster. 

 

 

 

 

Recovery

 

 

Transporter Instructions

 

The Recovery Transporters organize the cleaned traps; locate traps; verify each cat is placed in the correct trap; and secure each trap. Medications Transporters bring cats to the Recovery Station. 

 

1)       ORDER the traps as they are delivered from the Recovery Cleaners.

 

2)       CHECK the paw tag of each cat arriving from the Medications Station. If time permits, check with the Medications Station in order to locate traps in advance of the cat’s arrival.

 

3)       FIND the correct trap for each cat. 

 

4)       RECHECK the number on the paw tag with that on top of the trap.  Double check to be sure it is the correct trap.

 

5)       REMOVE the paw tag. ALL instruments, collars, and tags should be removed from the cat before it is placed in the trap. 

 

6)       INSERT the cat , hind legs first, with the tipped ear up, so that it may be monitored for bleeding.

 

7)       SECURE all latches and doors on each trap.  Use cable ties in your station kit to strengthen questionable trap.

 

8)       TRANSPORT each trap to the Recovery Area to be monitored.

 

9)       PLACE kittens under the heating lamps, as they are susceptible to hypothermia.  Kittens  require extra  attention during recovery. 

 

10)   WARM other cold cats under heat lamps as well. 

 

11)   ADVISE the Recovery Station Monitor if the cat has been flagged as having bleeding or other post-op complications.

 

12)   TRANSPORT cats from the Recovery Area to the Discharge Area as they wake, placing them under the applicable numeric sign.  Assure they are constantly  monitored after moving to the hall.

 

13)   CLEAN the Recovery Area at the end of the clinic, remove the plastic floor covering, sweep and mop the floor until no cat odor remains, and take trash out to the dumpster. 

 

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

 

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