PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK IN AT THE VOLUNTEER TABLE IN THE HALLWAY INSIDE. GLOVES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.

The responsibilities of the Neuter student are:
1. to verify the presence of 2 testicles in the scrotum and to verify all of the information on the paw tag
2. to perform surgical sterilization
3. to teach the neuter apprentice the techniques for doing such
4. to order fluids for the cat by marking the paw tag if you assess that fluids are warranted based on excessive blood loss or dehydration
5. To be sure your name is recorded on the paw tag as the neuter surgeon

NO OTHER PROCEDURES SHOULD BE DONE AT THIS STATION. IF TOM CATS HAVE ABSCESSES OR WOUNDS, THEY WILL BE TREATED AT THE MEDICIATIONS STATION WHICH IS THE NEXT AND FINAL STATION BEFORE RECOVERY. DO NOT REMOVE THE HEMOSTAT FROM THE CAT'S EAR. THIS WILL ALSO BE DONE AT THE MEDICIATIONS STATION.

When you first arrive at the clinic, unpack your kit and arrange your supplies. Your apprentice will need to get sterile gloves for you from the Spay Station Supply Table. Tell him/her what size gloves you wear. The Apprentice may also get sterile gloves in his/her size in case he/she performs surgery towards the end of the clinic.

Cats will be brought to you from the Physical Exam/Ear Tip station by the volunteers there. Handle cats in a first in, first out manner. Remember to work quickly and efficiently. Anesthetic time is limited!! When you are finished with the cat, the Neuter apprentice will call for the Medications transport volunteer who will take the cat to the next station. You should immediately begin working on the next available cat.

EXAMINE 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 a veterinarian.

CHECK that the paw tag is in place and is filled out with the cat's sex, color and estimated age. CHECK the genitals - be sure the cat has two descended testicles. If not, notify the Supervisor and ask the Neuter Apprentice to take the cat to a spay prep station. Both females and cryptorchid males are sent to spay prep. REMEMBER, A CAT WITHOUT TESTICLES IS NOT NECESSARILY A FEMALE, IT COULD BE A NEUTERED MALE!

If the cat is not fully anesthetized, administer isoflurane by mask. One liter of oxygen and 4% isoflurane is usually a good starting point. Once the cat is fully anesthetized, the isoflurane should be reduced to 1.5 – 2 %, while the oxygen is maintained at 1 liter.

Gently shave the scrotal hair and sterilely prep the area, taking care not to leave soap on the fur or skin and not to get the surrounding fur excessively wet. Wet anesthetized cats are predisposed to hypothermia and anesthetic complications! Drape the area and perform the surgical procedure wearing sterile gloves. When you have completed the neuter, dispose of your blade in the red sharps container. New gloves, blades and drapes should be used for each cat.

If there is excessive, continuous hemorrhage from the scrotum after the surgery, apply pressure with gauze and call the Supervisor. If the Supervisor is unavailable, a plastic clothespin may be applied to the scrotum to control hemorrhage if needed until the Supervisor can assess the situation.

If you feel it is indicated based on the presence of dehydration or markedly blood loss, order fluids for the cat by marking the paw tag. 150 ml of fluids are given at the Medications station which is the next station unless a special request is made.

Note: Depending on the number of tom cats waiting, the Neuter Apprentice, at the discretion of the Neuter student may perform the neuter procedure after having assisted with a minimum of 3 surgeries. If the Neuter Apprentice is unable to perform the surgery quickly and efficiently, the Neuter student may need to take charge of the surgery in order to expedite the cat through the station to keep the clinic running smoothly and to ensure that anesthetic time does not run out. Neuter Apprentice students gaining sufficient experience, may be assigned to the Neuter student position in the future. All Neuter students must be approved by the Supervisor.

At the end of the clinic, clean up your station and dispose of trash. As you repack your kit, verify that all of the supplies that belong in your kit are there. (See Inventory Sheet included in your kit.)

PLEASE TURN IN THIS INSTRUCTION SHEET WITH YOUR STATION KIT AT THE END OF THE DAY. THANK YOU.