Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: swampmaxmum on May 15, 2009, 11:54:06 AM

Title: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: swampmaxmum on May 15, 2009, 11:54:06 AM

Is there one? I am clueless and it looks as though I will have to learn fast for possibly both boys. Max would be relatively easy as he lies still but Swampy not so. The vet is talking catheters, which have mixed reviews but seem a practical option in a way.  Is there a sticky on here as can't find it? I'm v tired but seem to remember Philip ( I think, excuse me Philip if I am wrong) did an idiot's guide to sub cuts some time ago? My vet is busy and says he will show me, but I know he is keener on the catheter thing. (I think they would pull each others catheters out).

I am getting ahead of myself but need to be prepared. Vet just said I will have to 'buy a kit'. Someone said size 19 teramo needles???? thanks.

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: Dawn F on May 15, 2009, 11:58:42 AM

maybe pm Philip he is a nurse so I am sure will be happy to help

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: Gillian Harvey on May 15, 2009, 12:19:32 PM

Here's a link to felinecrf about giving sub q's with pics: http://www.felinecrf.org/giving_sub-qs_syringe.htm

I gave Suzie sub q's, so if theres anything you need to know just ask. I found it pretty easy (apart from it being a bit nerve wracking the first time!) but after that we managed to get into a good routine for her daily fluids.  :hug:

Just found the link Mark posted about sub q's too http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/Cat-Owners-Guide-Kidney-Disease/Subcutaneous-Fluid-Therapy

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 16, 2009, 01:25:11 AM

My vet told me that catheters can only stay in for about 48 hrs and I had all the instructions of how to flush them and Franta was so ill he had to be admitted into the new vets.

Just out of curiosity will have a look at the links, now I have learned how to do abs injections...........sigh

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 16, 2009, 01:31:57 AM

First link very good, too tired to read any more

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: swampmaxmum on May 16, 2009, 09:14:27 AM

many thanks! I'll have a good read.

The catheter is a new kind that can stay in a year, but of course it is invasive and will stick out a little bit. You would just unscrew it daily and top up the fluids so it would avoid daily needles and sites. I think the vet recomms it for cats who don't take kindly to the needles and are difficult to give fluids to. We'll see how it goes.  :thanks:

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: fluffybunny on May 16, 2009, 18:33:54 PM

This video is both American and rabbit based but it still might help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdf-M9miFzE&feature=channel_page  It talks you through all the bits and pieces.

Title: Re: definitive guide to giving sub cut fluids?
Post by: swampmaxmum on May 18, 2009, 10:26:33 AM

thank you.  :hug:

you have a lot of bunnies! Do the cats like them? Reminds me of my beloved black and white bun, Oscar RIP, whose best mate was a poodle.