Needing advice on giving sub-q fluids

[Blue and Freddies Mom]

Hello all,

I haven't been on this board for a while. I have a 15 year old diabetic who has been tremendously helped in the past by this website. Our latest news is that Freddie has kidney disease and needs to go on subcutaneous fluids. I am a little overwhelmed as I have two diabetics cats and have been giving them shots for many, many years and the thought of pricking Freddie with more needles and having more work to do before bed is killing me. However, at this stage I can't just let him die of kidney disease, so I am going to start giving him fluids. :roll: The good news is he is a really mellow, sweet-natured cat and is very tolerant.

I went to the vet and they trained me, they said at this stage he needs to have his fluids once a day. My question is this: If I miss a day occassionaly is that a big problem. Also, just in general how were other people's experiences with getting use to giving fluids?

I love my Freddie but having taken care of my two diabetics for 12 years has somewhat grounded me in life and I'm worried this will ground me even more. I also have a high-maintenance dog and two kids so am feeling a little overwhelmed.

Any thoughts would he greatly appreciated.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Missing a day is OK but not desirable.
I sit on the bathroom floor and place the kitty in my lap. The higher you hang the bag the faster the fluid flow and thus the shorter the time.
What size needle are you using?
Where are you getting the supplies? Getting them from the vet is frequently very expensive.

 

[SabrinaFaire]

I'm not sure on missing a day being a big deal. Hobbs is only on 2x/week and we asked about this b/c he was dx right before last Christmas and we were going out of town. Our vet said it wasn't a huge deal but not to do it regularly.

As for him getting used to it, Hobbs adapted pretty well. He's also pretty laid back. Treats helped. He knows that when the towel comes out and is spread on the table, it's time for him to jump up there. He gets a treat at the start and a treat at the end. Most days he's fine. A few times he's squirmed when the needle popped out or I put it somewhere that was uncomfortable for him. I also got an IV pole to hold the bag up and make it easier for us. I'd also Google for videos on this as there are a couple out there that can help.

 

[Blue]

Some cats DO need fluids EVERY day so judging another cat's needs based on your own directions from your vet for your cat is dangerous. without knowing the amount that is given each day, you can't say a thing about the frequency.

One of my cats needs fluids every 2nd day, 100ml; he has megacolon.

I am currently giving a cat who has had eye surgery and has renal issues fluids twice a day, 50-75ml.

I find fluids time as a nice bonding time. Your cat is getting your undivided attention and that's great.

For needle size, the vets usually use the 18ga and that's what they give people with fluids kits. Neither of my cats really like the feel of the 18ga as they are large, so maybe not too comfortable. Both were OK with 20ga UTW, but my Shadoe just loved the 21 or 22ga. Yeah, the 22s were quite slow in dripping, but she felt OK to sit longer so I was fine with the extra time.

I think if you try with some smaller needles, you may have an easier time. The 20ga should be fine but also ask the vet for a couple 21s and 22s.

Your cat needs the fluids (how much are you giving each sitting), so I agree with Larry that missing once, is OK, but not a good idea for your cat to miss often.

Gayle