I give sub Q's also. Thank you very much for the vitamin b info. My vet never offered that to us and I think it would have been helpful over the past 7 years. He's still alive, and were moving through it.
I give fluids daily to my elder cat, I did it with with another cat before. I give the B's in the "Y" every 3 days. I have purchased grooming bags to contain the cat, as mine get antsy. I haven't seen 19 gauge, I use 20, 18 being pretty big. My cats have been 8 lbs and under by the time they needed fluids. I warm my fluids in warm water, with the bottom up out of the water.
This is a good video. I've meant to make my own, even started my own, but I don't think i need to now,.
You have no idea how helpful this video is for pet parents of renal kitties. If you have any other suggestions about care for renal kitties please post another video! Thanks!
thank you for posting this video-it has helped me a great deal-so sad to hear that afer has passed-she's such a sweetie pie in the video-Jan 08 my cat(15) was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism & received radioactive iodine-131. her bloodwork was fine until sept08 when bun & creatinine levels are showing at the high end of the normal range-started her on subq in oct 150ml 1x wkly-Dec's bldwrk didnt improve-now recieving 150ml 2x's weekly-my sweetheart is a trooper! thank you & afer for helping me
Afer got sub-q fluids from her diagnosis (in September 2004) until she passed away from heart failure in October 2008 (at age 20). Her kidneys remained fairly stable all that time - which I attribute primarily to sub-q fluids and a quality wet diet (canned and/or raw).
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.
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?
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.
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).
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.
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.)
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.
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. :-(
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!)
Great video! One step I always use is heating/warming up the bag of fluids in the sink (fill the sink up with warm/hot water and set the bag of fluids in the sink until it is a nice, comfy temp before starting). Warm fluids are far more comfortable for many cats - the cool temp is what a lot of cats find so uncomfortable. Warming the fluids eliminates quite a bit of stress.
Thank goodness for people like you to post educational videos! Watching this helped me get the courage up to do my own Simba! Why does she only get 50ml? How much does she weigh? Simba is about 9 pounds now and we have to do 100ml twice a day. Thanks for posting!
It depends on the size of the cat, and the level of dehydration or the kidney values. Afer's kidney values are pretty stable. She's about 9 pounds. She gets 50 mL twice a day. I have another cat on fluids, she gets 100 mL once a day.
From the vets indications Simbas numbers aren't that high. So that's why I was questioning. I thought maybe 100 mg might be too much. Don't want to drown him. ha
Might be worth confirming with the vet. 100 mL twice daily is pretty high. 50 mL or 100 mL daily is more common. Maybe the vet felt Simba was dehydrated - and wanted to start higher, then decrease later.
There is a risk of over-hydration - too much fluids is hard on the heart. (That's why I split Afer's treatments into twice a day - she has some heart disease.)
They actually showed me how to do it and it was 100ml twice a day. I think it's too much. I may lower the dose to 50 twice a day. He may have a tumor in his sinus and I actually think it put pressure on him cause of the way he was sleeping last night after the visit.
I'd encourage you to discuss with your vet. I don't know why they started you on the dose they did...
Since you're just starting, it shouldn't matter... but in case others are reading, I will caveat that any reduction in sub-q fluids should generally be done slowly, as it can cause withdrawal.
Thanks! I have to start today. 100ml once per day. I thought of a similar heating pad idea to yours and now that I see it in action - might try that over soaking it in hot water, etc. My only worry is how he'll tolerate this stress-wise but I have it planned out to reduce this as much as possible as it's the most important thing IMO.
thank you for making this video! my cat Holly is 11 years old and was diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease. within a month she went from 8.6 pounds to 5.2 pounds.:( her thyroid is controlled but the vet thinks she may have IBS or possibly cancer. my vet showed me how to give Holly sub-q fluids yesterday to help rehydrate her and hopefully make her feel better. today is my first try doing it by myself and i'm a bit nervous, but your video was very helpful and informative.
I responded with my version of the Syringe method, most commonly used in the UK (im from the us though) for those of you who sent me questions about it.
Also Lynette, I have been suggesting your video to those who are new to the giving method. My mates wanted me to express their thanks. They just didn't want to sign up for Youtube so I said i'd pass on the word!
I will note that I am NOT recapping the needle correctly. Ideally, you wouldn't recap a needle, but I tend to stab myself changing them if I don't. I've been advised the proper way to do it is to lie the cap on the floor (or table or whatever) and then insert the needle into the cap (so you're not touching the cap), then just tip it upward and tap it on tight - so you've no risk of stabbing yourself. Works well.
I"m so jealous! Our cat fights like football player when we do this. It's only been a few weeks, so hopefully she'll get used to it. Thank you for your tutorial - and the heating pad idea is great!
What a sweetie =) and so well mannored! Thanks for sharing this video, I remember how hard it was to figure this all out when I started a year ago. So hopefully your vid will help out someone whos new to this.
My kitty developed crf after being poisoned by the pet food from china. I use the syrenge method, its easier for me by myself, maybe if i ever figure this new camera ill tape my kitty too!
Thank you for the kind words. Your poor kitty, I'm so sorry. :-(
Afer E Granny (the little kitty in the video) was diagnosed with CRF in 2004. She's still doing very well and is stable. She loves getting her fluids. She thinks it's our special time, and she lies down in her spot and purrs and purrs. She's about 19 years old now (in 2007), and still runs and plays and flirts with the boy kitties. (She is spayed but she can still look and nose kiss!)
Thanks for posting. My cat Huey, age 18 had just been diagnosed with kidney disease. Learning how to do it. I'm sorry to hear of your cat's passing.
bauler 1 year ago
Very useful information and very helpful tips on how to adminster fluids and good ideas on sterile techniques,etc. Thanks!
Lillianpebbles 2 years ago
I give sub Q's also. Thank you very much for the vitamin b info. My vet never offered that to us and I think it would have been helpful over the past 7 years. He's still alive, and were moving through it.
CRFCat 2 years ago
I give fluids daily to my elder cat, I did it with with another cat before. I give the B's in the "Y" every 3 days. I have purchased grooming bags to contain the cat, as mine get antsy. I haven't seen 19 gauge, I use 20, 18 being pretty big. My cats have been 8 lbs and under by the time they needed fluids. I warm my fluids in warm water, with the bottom up out of the water.
This is a good video. I've meant to make my own, even started my own, but I don't think i need to now,.
venniey 2 years ago
You have no idea how helpful this video is for pet parents of renal kitties. If you have any other suggestions about care for renal kitties please post another video! Thanks!
Snowkhat79 2 years ago
My cat was just diagnosed with kidney disease, and I have to give him 100ml of the sub-q fluids everyday
elloalex13 2 years ago
thank you for posting this video-it has helped me a great deal-so sad to hear that afer has passed-she's such a sweetie pie in the video-Jan 08 my cat(15) was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism & received radioactive iodine-131. her bloodwork was fine until sept08 when bun & creatinine levels are showing at the high end of the normal range-started her on subq in oct 150ml 1x wkly-Dec's bldwrk didnt improve-now recieving 150ml 2x's weekly-my sweetheart is a trooper! thank you & afer for helping me
kitschykitty 3 years ago
More frequent fluids are best, if you can do it. I'd recommend trying 100 mL every other day - or even 50 mL daily rather than once or twice a week.
lynetteack 3 years ago
Afer got sub-q fluids from her diagnosis (in September 2004) until she passed away from heart failure in October 2008 (at age 20). Her kidneys remained fairly stable all that time - which I attribute primarily to sub-q fluids and a quality wet diet (canned and/or raw).
lynetteack 3 years ago
Since when you were giving fluids to yor cat?
She seems pretty well, so tell me for how long you've been doing this to her. Thanks!
jorgerod1975 3 years ago
I can't see the needle because of your hand. but this video is very helpful for me now. Thanks!
jorgerod1975 3 years ago
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.
djfl00d 3 years ago
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?
lynetteack 3 years ago
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.
drgnsplsh 3 years ago
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).
ApocalypsePlough 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
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
lynetteack 3 years ago
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.
12310843 3 years ago
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!!!
nyissa64 3 years ago
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!)
lynetteack 3 years ago
Thank you so much for making/posting this. Giving fluids has been horrible and this made me allot calmer. Thank you!
JessicaClark 4 years ago
Great video! One step I always use is heating/warming up the bag of fluids in the sink (fill the sink up with warm/hot water and set the bag of fluids in the sink until it is a nice, comfy temp before starting). Warm fluids are far more comfortable for many cats - the cool temp is what a lot of cats find so uncomfortable. Warming the fluids eliminates quite a bit of stress.
kasiex 4 years ago
I agree. That's why my fluids are generally wrapped in a heating pad prior to giving them.
lynetteack 4 years ago
Thank goodness for people like you to post educational videos! Watching this helped me get the courage up to do my own Simba! Why does she only get 50ml? How much does she weigh? Simba is about 9 pounds now and we have to do 100ml twice a day. Thanks for posting!
palmpants 4 years ago
It depends on the size of the cat, and the level of dehydration or the kidney values. Afer's kidney values are pretty stable. She's about 9 pounds. She gets 50 mL twice a day. I have another cat on fluids, she gets 100 mL once a day.
lynetteack 4 years ago
From the vets indications Simbas numbers aren't that high. So that's why I was questioning. I thought maybe 100 mg might be too much. Don't want to drown him. ha
palmpants 4 years ago
Might be worth confirming with the vet. 100 mL twice daily is pretty high. 50 mL or 100 mL daily is more common. Maybe the vet felt Simba was dehydrated - and wanted to start higher, then decrease later.
There is a risk of over-hydration - too much fluids is hard on the heart. (That's why I split Afer's treatments into twice a day - she has some heart disease.)
lynetteack 4 years ago
They actually showed me how to do it and it was 100ml twice a day. I think it's too much. I may lower the dose to 50 twice a day. He may have a tumor in his sinus and I actually think it put pressure on him cause of the way he was sleeping last night after the visit.
palmpants 4 years ago
I'd encourage you to discuss with your vet. I don't know why they started you on the dose they did...
Since you're just starting, it shouldn't matter... but in case others are reading, I will caveat that any reduction in sub-q fluids should generally be done slowly, as it can cause withdrawal.
lynetteack 4 years ago
One more question. Do you flush out the tube every time you use it to get even the tiny bubbles out of it?
palmpants 4 years ago
No, I don't. I just "fill" the line the first time I use it.
lynetteack 4 years ago
thankyou so much.
joannamichelle72 4 years ago
Thanks! I have to start today. 100ml once per day. I thought of a similar heating pad idea to yours and now that I see it in action - might try that over soaking it in hot water, etc. My only worry is how he'll tolerate this stress-wise but I have it planned out to reduce this as much as possible as it's the most important thing IMO.
karunald 4 years ago
thank you for making this video! my cat Holly is 11 years old and was diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease. within a month she went from 8.6 pounds to 5.2 pounds.:( her thyroid is controlled but the vet thinks she may have IBS or possibly cancer. my vet showed me how to give Holly sub-q fluids yesterday to help rehydrate her and hopefully make her feel better. today is my first try doing it by myself and i'm a bit nervous, but your video was very helpful and informative.
linette111 4 years ago
I responded with my version of the Syringe method, most commonly used in the UK (im from the us though) for those of you who sent me questions about it.
Also Lynette, I have been suggesting your video to those who are new to the giving method. My mates wanted me to express their thanks. They just didn't want to sign up for Youtube so I said i'd pass on the word!
Hugs to Afer for me!
faylinameir 4 years ago
Thanks for the comments!
I will note that I am NOT recapping the needle correctly. Ideally, you wouldn't recap a needle, but I tend to stab myself changing them if I don't. I've been advised the proper way to do it is to lie the cap on the floor (or table or whatever) and then insert the needle into the cap (so you're not touching the cap), then just tip it upward and tap it on tight - so you've no risk of stabbing yourself. Works well.
lynetteack 4 years ago
Thanks for posting informative video
My 17yr old Hamish was Diagnosed with
crf 6 weeks ago, unfortunately he went
Downhill pretty quick and its 3 weeks
today he was sent to the Bridge..
Keep up the good work, your wonderful
culnara 4 years ago
I"m so jealous! Our cat fights like football player when we do this. It's only been a few weeks, so hopefully she'll get used to it. Thank you for your tutorial - and the heating pad idea is great!
Shopz2Much88 4 years ago
What a sweetie =) and so well mannored! Thanks for sharing this video, I remember how hard it was to figure this all out when I started a year ago. So hopefully your vid will help out someone whos new to this.
My kitty developed crf after being poisoned by the pet food from china. I use the syrenge method, its easier for me by myself, maybe if i ever figure this new camera ill tape my kitty too!
Crossing my fingers for you two :)
faylinameir 4 years ago
Thank you for the kind words. Your poor kitty, I'm so sorry. :-(
Afer E Granny (the little kitty in the video) was diagnosed with CRF in 2004. She's still doing very well and is stable. She loves getting her fluids. She thinks it's our special time, and she lies down in her spot and purrs and purrs. She's about 19 years old now (in 2007), and still runs and plays and flirts with the boy kitties. (She is spayed but she can still look and nose kiss!)
lynetteack 4 years ago