Information for Veterinarians
Who Are We
• A North Central Ohio based non-profit singularly-focused to provide high quality, high volume spay & neuter services as an alternative to euthanasia in solving the pet overpopulation problem.
• We plan to open a high quality spay & neuter clinic between Cleveland & Sandusky. We will target pets that otherwise would not be spayed or neutered because of income or access barriers. Statistics from similar clinics around the country indicate that 85% of their clients had never seen a veterinarian.
• We will serve several counties from the west side of Cuyahoga County west to Sandusky.
We are NOT:
• A replacement for veterinarians in private practice.
• A wellness clinic.
• A rescue organization or shelter.
Protocol
The proposed Surgery Protocol that we will use is highly refined and extremely safe. In 2005, Humane Alliance maintained a 0.0008 mortality rate (17 in 21,000 animals). This remarkable accomplishment has been duplicated at other Humane Alliance modeled clinics around the country.
Screening
• Animals are examined by a vet tech then DVM prior to surgery.
• Animals can be rejected for surgery based on poor body condition, obesity, URI, vomiting, depressed attitude or cardiac murmur.
• Animals 7 years and older require pre-operative blood work.
Feline Prep/Induction
• Buprenorphine and diluted (9:1) Acepromazine IM
• Telazol IM
• Isoflurane Gas
Canine Prep/Induction
• Sub-Q Acepromazine, IV Telazol
• Intubation and Isoflurane Gas
• Morphine IM
Surgery & Post-Op Techniques
• One surgery pack per animal; no reuse of equipment prior to re-sterilization via ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave. Cages and all animal areas cleaned daily following a strict protocol.
• Use of Miller’s knot on ovarian pedicle and uterine body where appropriate
• 3 layer closures with PDS suture material
• All patients constantly monitored upon induction and until sternal post surgery.
• All animals at least 16 weeks receive Meloxicam IM. 1mg/kg.