
Shots / Ear Tipping

WATCH YOUR CATS! You are responsible for checking respiration and following "Respiration 101" procedures if you suspect a cat is not breathing. If there is no improvement, immediatly alert your Team Leader who will take the cat to the "crash" area (usually at Neuter Station).
CHECK HYDRATION: pinch skin together and release---skin should return to normal position. If skin is stiff and non-compliant (stays pinched) the cat is dehydrated. Alert Recorder and create toe tag with cat's ID # and complete ID information, then note dehydration problem so Recovery can treat with subcutaneous fluids. If severe, Team Leader will return cat to appropriate Vet for further instructions.
TIP POINT of RIGHT EAR by trimming approximately 1/4th inch straight off the top with a scissors (enough to be noticeable after fur grows back); adjust tip based on size of cat. Clean scissors with alcohol between cats. Immediately apply septic powder & water solution with Q-tip. If bleeding continues, apply pressure with gauze; if heavy bleeder, apply hemostat for 5 minutes. (Injections can be administered while hemostat is in place on ear).
STERILE NEEDLE should remain in place in top of vaccine bottles. FILL MULTIPLE SYRINGES. If using the herd health medical technique, needles may be reused (approximately 5 usages per needle). If you are uncertain whether a cat has had injections, SKIP IT---Ivermectin and Rabies can be toxic if repeated!
DOSAGES:
IVERMECTIN
PENICILLIN
RABIES
MOVE CAT to Grooming Area.
AFTER CLINIC, thoroughly clean Shots area and prepare supplies for packing. Dispose of all sharps in appropriate container. Check with Recorder to see if any of your meds are required for take-home (i.e. extra IVO sent with Caretaker for severe ear mites).
EARS/VACCINES SUPPLIES (remember to use FCC supplies only!!!)
This will return you to the Clinic Procedures Index Page
This will return you to the Feral Cat Coalition Home Page
Last update January 7, 2000