Shelter’s Edge

Is your veterinary medical team prepared to manage emergencies that may arise when performing spay/neuter surgeries? The following recommendations will help medical staff respond to such situations in an efficient manner:

- Train medical staff so that all are able to adequately monitor the patient, recognize signs of patient distress, and respond appropriately under the direction of the attending veterinarian.

- Stock an emergency supplies kit (like the one pictured here) to minimally include:

• Drugs frequently used in response to various emergencies

• Various-sized endotracheal tubes, intravenous catheters, syringes and needles

• Fluids for intravenous use along with lines for administration

• Porous tape and vet wrap

• Thermometer

• Karo syrup

• Laryngoscope and appropriately sized batteries

• A drug chart which shows volume of emergency drugs to be administered based on various weights of cats and dogs

For further information, download this Preparation for Anesthetic Related Emergencies pdf from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.

Meet us here every Monday for tips we’ve gleaned and seen that may make your life a little easier, make a routine process go a little faster or deliver some extra comfort for the animals in your care.

Photo: Operation PETS: The Spay/Neuter Clinic of Western New York, Blasdell, NY

Related links:
Starting a Spay/Neuter Program
“Tip of the Week: Topping the Charts”
“Wordless Wednesday: Spay/Neuter Milestones”

Tags: Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Shelter Standards, Spay/Neuter, Tip of the Week, Tips

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