Intake protocols and sanitation Flashcards
What is the first step when a new animal reaches the shelter?
microchip scan
Proper way to scan
- scan no faster than 6 inches per second in the shape of an S
Steps during intake
1) scan for microchip
2) intake exam
3) administer preventative medications
4) vaccinate
5) optional things like disease specific testing
Is an intake exam the same as a physical done at a private practice?
No. an intake exam functions to immediately address any abnormal findings that could prevent adoption or cause pain
Who can do an intake exam?
Any trained staff member
Why is it so important to report any abnormal findings during an intake exam?
Because a failure to provide treatment for painful is unacceptable per ASV guidelines and treatment for painful conditions should be implemented immediately
What types of preventative medications are given during intake?
A broad spectrum prophylactic anthelmintic medication like pyrantel pamoate, a topical or oral flea and tick, and heartworm medication
What are types of parasites we are trying to prevent in older dogs and what is one common protozoa in puppies?
Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, fleas and ticks. Coccidia is especially relevant in puppies
In some cases of severe infestation what next step is apposite for combatting the infestation?
Seek targeted medical treatment that is then supervised by a veterinarian
Depending on the shelter’s mission and resources what thing may the shelter do in addition to a traditional intake?
- heartworm testing
- FeLV/FIV
- dermatophyosis
Vaccines are extremely important in a shelter setting to maintain…
herd health
The mainstay of preventative care in a shelter is vaccination ____ or _____ time of intake.
at, before
Three reasons shelters have a high likelihood of exposure to various diseases
1) number of animals
2) transient population
3) unknown medical background
Three diseases that are preventable with vaccines and that could lead to an outbreak
1) Parvovirus
2) Panleukopenia
3) Distemper
Risks of an outbreak
- increase animal suffering
- financial burden
- loss of confidence
Core canine vaccines in a shelter
Distemper, adenovirus, parvo, parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica
Core feline vaccines in a shelter
rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
What common vaccine is not considered a core vaccine and is not given by shelters upon intake but typically before they leave?
rabies
What two things would possibly prevent an animal from being vaccinated?
if the animal were sick or pregnant but in most case both would be considered healthy enough for vaccines
When do animal start receiving their first round of vaccines?
4-6 weeks of age then boosters are administered every 2-3 weeks until the animal is at least 20 weeks old
Define sanitation
process of eliminating as many infectious organisms as possible through cleaning and disinfecting.
Define cleaning
manual process of removing dirt/organic debris
Define disinfecting
using physical or chemical means to destroy pathogens that may still be present after the cleaning process
How are some ways infectious agents enter shelters?
- incoming animals
- fomites
- personnel
Chances of infectious agents entering a shelter can increase in which circumstances?
If there is a high turnover rate of employees (lots of untrained people). The largest risk however is overcrowding
Examples of physical disinfection
heat, desiccation, UV light, radiation
Steps to completing a sanitation process
1) mechanically remove visible debris from the surface
2) Use a detergent to clean the surface
3) Thoroughly rinse detergent
4) allow area to dry
5) use a disinfecting agent
Ideal characteristics for a disinfecting chemical (P.S. this product does not exist but are good things to keep in mind)
- broad antimicrobial spectrum
- effective against organic matter
- can be used in many different environments
- is compatible with other chemicals
- non-toxic
- non-irritating
- non-corrosive
- non-staining
- inexpensive
How can you determine which of the five primary chemical groups should be used?
- target pathogen
- type of environment
- how much time or staff is available
MSDS stands for what and what is its purpose?
Material Safety Data Sheet, it lists important information for chemicals based on exposure, where it can used, proper mixing, etc.
Halogens (sodium hypochlorite)
Pros
(1) Inexpensive
(2) Can be effective against non-enveloped viruses and ringworm
(3) Stable for 30 days
Cons
(1) No detergent activity
(2) Inactivated by organic matter
(3) Corrosive to metal (must be rinsed)
(4) Irritant/caustic at high concentrations
(5) Inactivated when exposed to light/heat
Halogens ( Calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloro-isocyanurate)
Pros (1) Effective against non-enveloped viruses (2) Relatively inexpensive (3) Less corrosive/less caustic than bleach (4) No rinsing required Cons (1) No detergent activity (2) Inactivated by organic material (3) Specific application tools needed
Quaternary Ammoniums
Common chemical: Roccal, Parvo-sol, Kennel-sol
Pros:
i) Inexpensive
ii) Modest detergent activity
iii) Relatively effective in the face of organic matter
iv) Easy to use
v) Stable in solution
vi) Non-toxic
vii) Non-corrosive
Cons:
i) Not effective against non-enveloped viruses or dermatophytes
Peroxygens (trifectant, virkon)
Pros (1) Effective against non-enveloped viruses (2) Some detergent activity (3) Generally effective in the face of organic material (4) Non toxic (5) Non corrosive Cons (1) Only stable 7 days once in solution (2) Expensive (3) PPE a must when handling powder
Peroxygens (accel, rescue)
Pro (1) Effective against non-enveloped viruses (2) Good detergent activity (3) Effective in the face of organic material (4) Non toxic, non corrosive (5) Easy application (6) Stable 90 days (7) No rise needed (unless dishes) (8) Effective against ringworm at 1:16 Con (1) Relatively expensive (2) PPE needed when handling concentrate (3) As close as we get to “ideal”
Biguanides
Common chemical: ChlorHex
Pros
(1) Bactericidal
(2) Residual activity
Cons
(1) Limited efficacy for viruses, mycobacterium, bacterial spores, or fungi
(2) Not useful in the face of organic material
Alcohols
Common Chemical: Isopropanol
Pros
(1) Rapidly Acting
(2) Broad Spectrum antimicrobial activity
Cons
(1) Efficacy limited to formulations that are at least 60% concentration
