Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures
Anesthesia
The anesthesia area is the catalyst for beginning a clinic on time; this station must be set up immediately so RVTs may begin anesthetization prior to designated surgery start time (at least 15 minutes beforehand).
PREPARE anesthesia mixture by adding 1 cc Anased (L.A. Rompum) and 4 cc Ketaset to 1 bottle of dehydrated Telazol. DOSAGE is 0.2 cc per 10 lbs. Prepare multiple syringes in advance, each containing one dosage only. Best case: 1 syringe/needle per injection per animal. (If using the herd health medical technique, needles may be reused — approximately 5 usages per needle). One loaded syringe should always be immediately available for cats requiring a second dosage during surgery (be ready to run!); if an RVT is assisting in surgery, give this syringe to him/her. If additional dosage is required, note on ID tag and notify Recorder. Keep sterile needle in medication bottle for drawing purposes.
| Weight (lbs.) | Amount (c.c.) | Weight (lbs.) | Amount (c.c.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0.08 | 11 | 0.22 |
| 5 | 0.10 | 12 | 0.24 |
| 6 | 0.12 | 13 | 0.26 |
| 7 | 0.14 | 14 | 0.28 |
| 8 | 0.16 | 15 | 0.30 |
| 9 | 0.18 | 16 | 0.32 |
| 10 | 0.20 | 17 | 0.34 |
ADMINISTRATION of anesthesia should always be done in a small room. Only designated anesthesia technicians/volunteers may be in the room. The door shall remain closed at all times, being opened only to accept cats from and relinquish cats to transporters.
Before anesthetizing each cat, check for the following:
- Tipped right ear, indicating cat has been spayed/neutered at prior FCC clinic
- Special instructions on trap/carrier
- Food inside trap/carrier
- General health and appearance (weak or very thin? too young? possible pet?)
Do not anesthetize extremely debilitated cats, kittens younger than four months, or those with food in carrier!!! They should be referred to Veterinarian in charge for evaluation.
Handling Protocol
TRAPS - Gloved assistant holds trap in such a manner that allows RVT to inject anesthesia into thigh muscle of the animal. The assistant may distract the cat by alternately blowing gently in cat's face and shaking the trap lightly.
CARRIERS - Place a large sportfishing net (~18 inch, preferably strong cotton mesh) across opened carrier door: RVT holding net handle and back of carrier, assistant holding front of net loop and front of carrier in left hand, back of carrier in right hand. In one smooth, swift motion, shake cat out of carrier into net. RVT relinquishes carrier to assistant, while downing net to the floor (a half twist on the net locks cat in while RVT stands on net handle). Assistant places towel over cat and presses cat to the floor with gloved hands; RVT can now inject anesthesia. When cat is limp, assistant can lift cat (scruffing cat through net) back into the carrier.
If MEDICAL PROBLEM is noticed, affix toe tag with cat's ID #, complete ID information and description of medical problem to top of trap/carrier.
AFTER INJECTION, give cat (still in trap/carrier) to Transporter, who will observe consciousness.
After last cat is anesthetized, retain loaded syringe until end of clinic in case a cat needs repeat injection. Give syringe to Supervisor if you must depart clinic before last surgery.
AFTER CLINIC, thoroughly clean anesthesia area and prepare supplies for packing. Dispose of all sharp items in appropriate container (in surgical area).
Anesthesia Supplies
Remember to use FCC supplies only!
- 1 bottle dehydrated Telazol
- 4 cc Ketaset
- 1 cc Anased (Large Animal Rompum)
- 1 cc syringes w/ 25 ga. needles
- 3 x 22 ga. needles
- 2 or 3 5-6 cc syringes
- 1 large bath towel
- Cleaning materials
- 1 pair heavy gloves
- Waterproof pens
- 1 large plastic trash bag
- Toe tags
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[Page updated November 2009]