Giving sub-q fluids

Giving sub-cutaneous (sub-q) fluids to a cat with CRF (chronic renal failure) or kidney disease.Note: I've learned since the making of this video that if you are recapping the needles, it's best to do it one-handed (lying the cap on the floor or counter, then sliding the syringe into it and tapping on a surface).Note also: I've learned that B-complex injectable is available without a prescription.If you find my video helpful, please take the time to give me a ranking. Thanks!For more information on treating CRF, visit: http://www.felineoutreach.org/...

Channel: Pets & Animals
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm
Author: lynetteack

Length: 09:46
Rating: 5.00
Views: 3198

Tags: cat chronic CRF disease failure fluids kidney renal sub-q subcutaneous

Video Comments

djfl00d (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

my best advice while doing this is to relax; if you're nervous or tense while preparing or trying to restrain the cat, it will sense this uneasiness and want to get out of the situation. the more calm and "matter of fact" you approach the situation, the more at ease your cat will be. my gf & i had a hard time the first 5-6 tries with her cat, but it was because she hated sticking her cat with a needle, and the cat didnt like me holding her down. we switched places, and now its much easier.

lynetteack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Can you pinpoint what exactly your cat hates? Would giving 50 mL four times a week be better? Less restraint? Are there additives to the fluids that sting? Are the fluids cold and uncomfortable?

drgnsplsh (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Help me I'm at the end of my rope. My cat hates it nor matter what we do. We need to give her 100ml twice a week now and she is still not used to it. It is horrible I am at my wits end. On top of it we give her a pill a day and a binder to put in her food. I am 8 months pregnant and just feel like my plate is so full esp. when she doesn't want to cooperate.

lynetteack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Great point! I don't recommend "just water" - but you can definitely draw from a bag of fluids (Lactated Ringers, Normosol, saline - whichever your vet determines is appropriate) into a syringe and inject the fluids that way. We do that for kittens at the shelter, and have done that for some particularly difficult adult cats. It's harder to get as much in at once (most syringes only hold 10 to 30 cc's, and most caregivers are giving 50 cc's to 150 cc's.)see faylenimeir's video respose

ApocalypsePlough (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

It works very well. Takes about a minute or two to give him all of the fluid. I give it to him in the same place as I did the IV....in the scruff of the neck. Twice and a half every second day, that's 75ml, which is what I'm supposed to be giving him. The fluid I withdraw from the IV bag into the syringe.For those at the end of their rope, ask your vet if this would be an option.

ApocalypsePlough (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

My cat has kidney failure, and I had to start giving him an IV (just water) early this year. He wouldn't tolerate it....he was constantly trying to get up and get away, and the needle would fall out. It was so frustrating, for both of us.My vet suggested giving him the fluid with a syringe. The one I have is huge, about 5 inches long, without the needle, about the diameter of a quarter. Holds 30ml (1 oz).

12310843 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Great video and good info. I also give our wonderful cat "Nigel" fluids 3-4 times a week. He's a total sweetheart about it. For all of you just starting, follow the tips you see here. It's a little stressful at the start but you both get used to it and soon it's no big deal. The effort is so worth it for a friend.

lynetteack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Hi! Thanks for commenting!It gets better with time, it really does. Once it gets easier, consider giving 75 ml daily if you can manage it. Less fluids more often is generally better.Sometimes the needle does fall out, in fact it fell out on me this morning! :-)It's generally better to hold on to it, I admit I get lazy (and distracted by the cuteness of the kitty getting fluids!)

nyissa64 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for putting this video out there. We just started giving sub-q fluids on 3-23-08. She gets 150 ml every other day. I have to have another person to help me. I am sure it will get better with time. I have watched quite a few vids regarding givng sub-q's & I have asked everyone how do you get the needle to say in without holding on to it? Everytime I do it, it usually falls out. :-( Again great video!!!

JessicaClark (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Thank you so much for making/posting this. Giving fluids has been horrible and this made me allot calmer. Thank you!