STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) AT TOA PAYOH VETS
A new stray female cat for health screening & spay
When a new kitten/young cat is
presented for health screening and spay, the following will be the procedures at Toa
Payoh Vets to provide the highest standard of care. This SOP defends the vet
during allegations of negligence litigation or complaint if the puppy dies later.
1. HISTORY. Record all vaccinations done and dates and by whom.
Dates of previous litters. Do not forget to do so.
2. GENERAL EXAMINATION. Demeanour. Weight, rectal temperature, pulse and
respiratory rate. Capillary refill time., Abdominal palpation and other observations.
3. DETAILED EXAMINATION. FeLv & FIV tests, blood test (complete blood
test) can be deferred till the cat has settled down 2 weeks after
adoption. If the cat is healthy but thin and less than 6 months old
during general examination, defer FeLv and FIV and complete blood test
till one month later. Stool test may be done later. Other tests may be
needed. Practise evidence-based medicine.
4. TREATMENT/VACCINATION/MICROCHIP. According to symptoms & vaccination
guidelines. Two vaccinations to be given. Deworming. Microchip is
advised to prevent ownership disputes in the future. Times and amounts given will be recorded.
The vet in charge of the case is responsible for details of time,
amount and other information will be recorded in the case
sheet.
5. SPAY. Cats less than 6 months of age, <2.5 kg and
thin, unless caterwauling, should not be spayed. Advise waiting till
the cat has put on weight 1-2 months later and is more mature. Educate
the owner.
6. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE OWNER IN WRITING. A veterinary report
explaining the significance of the tests and case must be given to the
owner on discharge. Phone calls to the owner to report on hospitalised
cases must be
recorded in the medical case files.
7. RECORD AMA (Against Medical Advice) the owner's
rejection of advices of the test in your medical record. Failure to do
so implies that the vet has not advised at all in cases of
litigation/complaint. As Singapore is becoming a litigious society, I
advise that the highest standard of care to be given and
evidence-based veterinary medicine to be done at all times.
TOA
PAYOH VETS
