Veterinary Aspects of TNR Laurie Siperstein-Cook, DVM Sacramento SPCA

One-shot opportunity Might be only vet contact for life Get everything done possible at one time Difficult to re-trap Risk from repeated anesthesia

Important Procedures Spay/neuter Pregnant spay Cryptorchid neuter Pediatric spay/neuter Other Procedures Ear-tip Vaccination (rabies, fvrcp?) Other repairs?

Optional Procedures Flea and ear mite treatment Clipping wounds Shaving mats SQ fluids Antibiotic injection Deworming

Virus Testing Felv/FIV “Combo test” Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Plan ahead for results We don’t recommend on routine basis

Virus Testing When to test: –To help make a euthanasia decision –Kittens for adoption –When high risk of exposure to virus

Virus Testing Example: 1000 Cats Test all at $15 per test $15, cats test positive Could have S/N 1000 more cats! S/N reduces transmission of Felv and FIV

Health Problems Seen Emaciation/dehydration Abscesses Ear mites Teeth problems/stomatitis Eye problems Missing parts (tail, eye, leg)

Euthanasias and deaths Clinic Name # clinic days Total Number of catsTotal S/NEuthDeaths C4CC SSPCA Total

Spay/neuter resources Veterinary clinics –Sacramento SPCA –Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode –Animal Spay/Neuter clinic –Private veterinarians See SAAC website for ‘complete’ list

Spay/neuter resources Voucher/Assistance Programs –Coalition for Community Cats –Sacramento Area Animal Coalition –Folsom Feline Rescue –Fieldhaven Feline Rescue –Placer SPCA –Others?

After TNR Which clinics? –Regular veterinary clinic –Develop relationship ahead of time –Ask if they will see ‘feral’ cats –Ask if they can work with you to keep costs low –Consider euthanasia for chronic or ‘intensive care’ conditions –SSPCA for low cost euthanasia

Encourage YOUR vet to help our TNR community!