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

Collect the empty traps from the Physical Exam/Ear Tip station. If they are soiled, clean them in the sink in the recovery station and dry them with towels. Detergent, brushes, and scouring pads are available. Place a ball of shredded paper in the trap for the cat to nestle in. It is important to prepare the traps in roughly the same order as the cats are processed, so that the correct trap is available for each cat as it exits the Medications station.

The Recovery Transporter will bring the cat to the Recovery station. Help the Transporter find the correct trap for the cat. Double-check the color and number of the paw tag with those of the trap. ALL ear hemostats and tape should be removed from the cat before it is placed in the trap. Be certain that all latches are secured to prevent escapes.

Closely MONITOR the cats as they recover. Here are some important things to watch for:

* Watch the cat to make sure it is breathing. Respiration may be slow if the cat is still under anesthetic influence.

* If you notice a cat retching or trying to vomit, turn the trap as needed to roll the cat into an upright position to prevent choking and call the Supervisor. Do not stick your hand in the trap. "Upright position" means the cat is not lying on its back or sides, but on its chest or stomach with its head down such that vomit will flow out of the mouth and not cause choking.

* The cat may be removed from the trap ONLY IF it is adequately unconscious. NEVER REMOVE AN AWAKE CAT FROM A TRAP.

* Some cats may have rougher recoveries than others. Thrashing around is considered normal so long as the cat's limbs or body are not stiff or convulsing.

* Covering a thrashing cat's cage with a towel may help to calm it. Be sure you can still observe its recovery.

* Cropped ears bleed a lot, especially when the cat is thrashing about, hitting the ear on the cage and preventing clot formation. This bleeding will eventually stop on its own. You should be concerned only if there is active hemorrhage (i.e. uninterrupted blood flow) from the ear.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, NOTIFY THE SUPERVISOR. NEVER REMOVE AN AWAKE CAT FROM A TRAP.

Kittens are very susceptible to hypothermia, leading to prolonged recoveries. Kittens will go through the clinic first so they can receive extra attention and have adequate time to recover. Place the kittens under heat lamps and monitor them closely until they are awake.

Do not use hot water heating blankets under or around the traps. The traps will puncture them, get the cats wet and ruin the expensive blanket!!! Do use heat lamps, BUT BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL. NEVER PUT A HEAT LAMP TOO CLOSE TO THE CATS OR THE PAPER. THE LAMPS CAN BURN THE CATS AND CAN SET THE PAPER ON FIRE!!! Be very careful with the lamps. They get HOT!!! They can burn you if you touch them!!!

Cats that are awake can be moved out to the hall. Sleepy cats that are slow to recover should receive a supplemental dose of Yohimbine to further reverse the affects of anesthesia. PLEASE NOTIFY THE SUPERVISOR FOR THE ADDITIONAL DOSE. Very cold cats can be warmed under heat lamps.

Towards the end of the clinic, ask the Anesthesia Transport for a basket of clean pads to use to cover the awake cats when they are carried back to Kennel G. The Anesthesia transport volunteers will also give you a basket of dirty laundry. Add any dirty laundry you have to this basket. The Anesthesia volunteers will start the first load of laundry after the last cat is anesthetized. You should continue the laundry in the Small Animal Clinic until it is done.

At the end of the clinic, help to clean up the Recovery station and dispose of trash.

PLEASE LEAVE THIS INSTRUCTION SHEET AT YOUR STATION KIT AT THE END OF THE DAY. THANK YOU!