? Sub Q questions

[20Merlin24]

We're new to this whole infusion thing. This is not my diabetic kitty Merlin, but another senior named Gus who was just diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

First, yes I will definitely be ordering smaller needles than the 16 gauge the vet office supplied....

Why do fluids require a prescription? Thriving Pets will sell the IV sets and needles OTC, but not the fluids. Can you get them elsewhere without Rx? Is one kind better than another?

Is there anything else anyone can recommend I should be ordering at the same time, like anti nausea meds and appetite stimulants? Need Rx for those too, unless anyone knows of better options. I'm already doing Slippery Elm.

HOW do you go about warming the fluid? If you warm the entire bag over and over, can that negatively affect the contents?

We were told 200 ml twice a week at a quick learning session by a vet tech on Monday. During our first run just now, kitty got really annoyed so we stopped at 150. Hope that's not a problem. Any thoughts?

How fast is too fast? At vet's office they kind of just went full speed with no particular instructions and I was just concerned that that could cause some kind of problem. Things become very different when you're suddenly on your own without a vet tech assisting.

Any input much appreciated.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Our Health Links Forum FAQ has a pointer to a great video I used several time: How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids (Video) It also shows warming the bad in a bread pan with warm water (genius!) and a heat sensor to test it isn't too hot.

For amount of fluids, it generally goes by weight of cat. And I would ask the vet, not the vet tech for amount. 200 seems like a lot. The vet also takes into consideration any heart issues which would lower the amount to give. It's not one size fits all. The type of fluids should have been specified by the vet. Brands differ but there is content difference. For example, some have additional potassium, which you only want to give if kitty is low.

My vet had some 20 or 21 gauge needles - the Teruma thin walls are the best IMHO. Thinner needles do mean a slower process, but much easier to get in.

My favourite anti nausea med is ondansetron. You will need the vet to write a prescription which can be filled at anu human pharmacy. I found if I deal with nauses, I didn't need an appetite stimulant.

Good luck. The first few times there will be fails. That's OK. It will get better. The video has some great tips to help.

 

[20Merlin24]

@Wendy&Neko You are a wealth of information! Thank you! As for the amount, the tech said it was what the vet ordered. Twice a week, but flexible depending on how we think he looks. They gave me Lactated Ringer's.

I will ask her about Ondansetron.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I preferred giving less fluids but more times. But Neko had a heart condition meaning I had to be careful. Second kitty who also got fluids (heart fine) preferred staying still for shorter periods of time, but more often.

LRS is the common fluids given.

 

[Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall]

Fluids always require a prescription. My vet sells me a case of lactated ringers at her cost. If you're going to be doing this long term, ask about that. LRS is the preferred fluid for CRF kitty maintenance. Some vets use sodium chloride, which has it's place, but it's too acidic for kidney kitties and can cause other problems.

Do not give a cat 200 ml at a time regardless of the size/weight of the cat. For maintenance they should get no more than 100 ml. Really small cats, like 5-7 lbs., do better on less. It is not a benign treatment and is intended to support a cat that's having trouble staying hydrated. Too much fluids can result in overhydration and affect the heart, cause breathing difficulty, affect appetite, etc. If the CRF isn't awful you could infuse every other day. Do not give more fluids until the previous ones have been absorbed. I alternate sides. Change out the needle after infusing so there's a sterile one ready for next time and to prevent contaminating the line.

I warm fluids the bowl of hot water until it feels comfortable, not too hot, and try to keep the needle out of the water. Never use a microwave. Some cats enjoy a snack as a distraction.